Basti, in Sanskrit means “retention”. This special Ayurvedic treatment refers to the pooling of warm medicated oil over a particular region of the body. A dough is prepared from white urad dal, made into a ring and secured over the affected part. Medicated oil is then gradually poured into this enclosure and the oil reservoir is let to stay for thirty to forty five minutes. The herbs in the oil are extremely nourishing for the bones, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves. As the heat from the herbal oil steadily penetrates through the body, the aggravated Vata subsides, hence dissipating pain, inflammation and stiffness.

Based on the area treated, External Basti can be classified as:

• Katibasti – Low Back
• Janubasti – Knees
• Greevabasti – Neck
• Prishtabasti – Entire spine
• Urobasti – Chest

Katibasti and Prishtabasti are beneficial for Lumbar Spondylosis, Intervertebral disc prolapse, Sciatica, Spinal Nerve compression, Ankylosing spondylitis, Radiculopathy, Mechanical backache, Postural issues, Post-trauma, Spinal cord diseases. Janubasti is especially used for inflammatory conditions of the knee like Arthritis and Sports injuries, while Greevabasti is utilized for Cervical Spondylosis and other neck related issues.