Shilpa (prefers to use her first name), a home baker from Bengaluru, had been experiencing severe back pain since January 2023. “Initially, the pain was mild, and I disregarded it. However, as time passed, the pain intensified to the point where it began to interfere with my baking work. I resorted to over-the-counter painkillers to temporarily alleviate the pain,” says the 33-year-old.
On consultation, her orthopaedic surgeon diagnosed her with compression in the lumbar region, and prescribed medicines for the same.
Oil pooling- A natural approach
Soon Shilpa discontinued the medicines as she developed mouth ulcers and faced digestive disturbances as side effects. Seeking a natural approach, she consulted an ayurvedic physician, who attributed her pain to prolonged standing in the kitchen. “The physician recommended a 14-day therapy called Kati basti (oil pooling therapy) for my back and included internal medications as well,” says Shilpa.
What is Kati basti
Kati basti, also called kati vasti is an ayurvedic therapy to manage lower back pain. It also addresses various conditions affecting the lumbosacral area, such as herniated discs, lumbar spondylosis, sciatica, and spinal disorders.
In this therapeutic technique, heated, medicated oil is poured into a circular ring made of chickpea dough, which is then positioned directly on the site of pain or discomfort. The herbal oil is pooled in the circular ring for a fixed duration of time.
“By penetrating deeply into the muscles, the warm oil effectively relieves tension and stiffness, promoting relaxation and restoring mobility in the upper and lower back regions,” says Dr Ashok Kumar Panda, clinical scientist, National Research Institute of Ayurvedic Drug Development (NRIADD), Kolkata.
Therapy brings a positive change
“After the third day of the therapy, my pain gradually reduced, and I felt lightness all over my body,” says Shilpa. In this therapy, the therapist instructs the individual to lie on the bed and apply oil to the affected part, especially the lumbosacral region. The therapist gives a gentle massage for 10 minutes after which the medicinal oil is poured to the circular ring.
The temperature of the oil remains constant, and the process continues for 30-40 minutes. Finally, the therapist gently massages the body with the oil. According to experts, it is important to follow the recommendations during and after treatment for better results.
Evidence-backed benefits for Kati basti
A randomised control study by Dr Panda highlights that kati basti, yoga and exercise effectively manage lower back pain. Despite being a small-scale study, it offers promising results and sets the scope for further evaluation.
Benefits of oil pooling therapy
The oil pooling therapy helps reduce inflammation, relaxes the muscles and muscle spasms associated with sciatica and relieves pain, says Dr Dimpal Baldha Rudani, panchakarma specialist, Atrey Ayurveda and Panchakarma Hospital, Gujarat. By reducing muscle stiffness and tension, therapy enhances the range of motion in the spine, allowing for greater ease of movement, she adds.
Moreover, the therapy nourishes and rejuvenates the vertebral discs and the surrounding structures. By harnessing the therapeutic properties of warm oil, Kati basti enhances blood circulation within the lower back, thus nourishing the tissues and facilitating the healing process.
The oils used in this therapy is customised based on an individual’s condition and unique characteristics. An experienced ayurvedic practitioner can determine and administer the appropriate oil to ensure optimal effectiveness and care.
Additional benefits
The therapy can have a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate anxiety and promoting overall well-being, says Dr Rudani. The therapy calms the mind and reduces stress. Oil pooling therapy is advised for the following conditions:
- Sciatica
- Low backache
- Back muscle stiffness, disc prolapse
- Slipped spinal discs
- Muscle spasm
- Lumbar spondylosis
- Lumbar scoliosis
- Vertebral bone spurs
Read more about other ayurvedic therapies to manage pain.
Caution ahead!
Not everyone is advised to undergo Kati basti for backache. Experts generally do not recommend therapy when one has cut wounds, bleeding conditions, swelling in the lumbar region, skin infection and during menstruation.
