Kati Vasti

The waist area of the body is called Kati. Vasti in this case implies a container. Kativasti is an effective therapy of Ayurveda for Katisula, which is the term for lower backache or stiffness or pain felt down the back.

The patient is made to lie face down on the Droni. A rectangular reservoir made of black gram dough is built up on the lower back, around the lumbo-sacral area. After ensuring that this is leak-proof, a lukewarm medicinal oil, which alleviates pain and strengthens the bone tissues, is slowly poured into it. The oil and the receptacle are kept on for about half an hour. After removing them, the affected area may be gently massaged with the same oil. The patient is then made to take rest for a short while.

For severe conditions of Gridrasi (Sciatica) and osteo-arthritis of the hip, the latter condition characterized by severe pain radiating down the leg, a combination of Shamana (palliative) and Shodhana (eliminatory) measures is necessary to prevent a relapse.

Preparing a leak proof receptacle, made of black gram dough, on the lower back.