Prushta Basti

Definition: Prushta Basti is an Ayurvedic treatment for the back region with medicated oil or freshly prepared herbal decoction.

Sanskrit: Prushta= neck and Basti= to retain

Description: It is a procedure in which a cavity is formed along the whole back region covering the full-length vertebral column using dough and main medicated oil/decoction is poured and retained into it for a certain period of time in degenerative diseases of the vertebral column. Slip disc, Spondylosis, Spine T.B., etc.

What is Prushta Basti?

A special technique in which medicated oil is applied on the upper back area over the lung and is kept for 45 minutes-1 hour. This is highly beneficial for Asthma and other respiratory distress. A traditional restorative treatment to soothe the lumbosacral region, indicated for low back pain, slipped discs, sciatica and arthritis affecting the spine.

Procedure

The person undergoing Greeva Basti is made to lie face down on the massage table (Droni). The dough is prepared out of black gram flour or whole wheat flour. A reservoir is created that is placed over the affected area of your spine. Warm medicated oils are poured inside the reservoir, concentrating the healing benefits of the oil where you need it most. The oils penetrate the tissues deeply, bathing the affected vertebrae, nerves and muscle. When this cools down it is squeezed out and replaced with a more warm one. At the end of the procedure, the dough is removed; a gentle massage is given over the area. The person is made to take rest for a while.

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Post-treatment care

• Follow therapist home recommendations

• Stay well hydrated with room temperature: hot water

• Have a restful evening and early to bed.

• Eat on time and eat easy to digest freshly cooked food

• Foods you must consume should help in the treatment.