Greeva Basti - Rejuvenating Therapy for the Cervical Spine

The neck and shoulder region often acts as a reservoir for the stress of modern life. Constant use of digital devices and poor ergonomic habits lead to “tech-neck”, stiffness, and chronic discomfort. Greeva Basti is a specialized Ayurvedic treatment that offers a deep, localized approach to healing the cervical region (Greeva) by creating a “Basti” (reservoir) of warm, medicated oils.

The Healing Mechanism

Greeva Basti is a targeted form of Snehana (external oleation) that focuses on the cervical vertebrae. By retaining warm, herbalized oil over the neck for 30–40 minutes, the treatment achieves:

● Disc Nourishment: The warm oil penetrates deep into the spinal column, hydrating the intervertebral discs.

● Nerve Calmative: It soothes the nerves emerging from the cervical spine, reducing radiating pain or numbness.

● Muscle Softening: The heat melts away the “frozen” quality of the trapezius and neck muscles, restoring a range of motion.

Kati Basti - Low Back Restoration

When tension settles deep into the lumbar region, it requires more than just a surface level massage. It requires a targeted, professional approach that addresses the root cause. Kati Basti is a time honored Ayurvedic therapy specifically designed to treat the “Kati” (lower back) by “Basti” (holding or storing) medicated oils to heal from within.

The Healing Mechanism

Kati Basti is a form of External Snehana (oleation). The process involves creating a reservoir of organic medicated flour dough on the lower back, which is then filled with a specially prepared warm herbal oil. By maintaining the oil at a constant, comfortable temperature for 40–50 minutes, the treatment:

● Increases Circulation: Enhances blood flow locally.

● Balances Vata: Counteracts the dryness and “cold” qualities of Vata Dosha that cause stiffness and inflammation.

● Lubricates Discs: Deeply nourishes the spinal discs and joints to restore mobility. 

Janu Basti - the Secret to Knee Health and Mobility

The knee is one of the most vital and complex joints in the human body, bearing the entire weight of the frame while facilitating movement. Over time, factors like age, injury, and sedentary habits can lead to the depletion of joint lubrication. Janu Basti is a specialized Ayurvedic treatment where “Janu” (knee) is treated by “Basti” (retaining) warm medicated oil, providing a non-invasive solution for joint rejuvenation.

The Healing Mechanism

Janu Basti acts as a deep-tissue therapy that targets the synovial fluid and the structural integrity of the knee. By creating a reservoir of herbal dough around the knee and filling it with warm, potent oils, the treatment:

● Restores Lubrication: Stimulates the production of synovial fluid, reducing the “bone-on-bone” friction that causes pain.

● Improves Circulation: The sustained heat enhances blood flow, helping to repair damaged tissues and ligaments.

● Strengthens the Joint: Nourishes the nerves and muscles surrounding the knee, providing better stability and support.

Nasya (Nasal Clearance)

In Ayurveda, the nose is considered the “only Gateway to the Brain” (Naasaahi Siraso Dwaram). Nasya therapy refers to the nasal administration of herbal oils as a vital part of Panchakarma therapy. It cleanses, purifies, and strengthens the central nervous system and nasal passages to heal underlying conditions.

The Science of Healing

Nasya works by stimulating the brain’s vital centers through the olfactory nerves and mucous membranes. Because the nasal passage has a direct connection to the cranial cavity, this therapy provides the following benefits:

● Clears Toxins: It eliminates accumulated Kapha (mucus) and toxins from the sinuses and throat.

● Nourishes Sensory Organs: This treatment is beneficial in clearing the sinuses and nasal passages to enhance breathing.

● Improves Physical Functions: It helps improve voice quality and releases toxins to improve overall health.

● Enhances Prana: By clearing the pathways of Prana (life force), it leads to improved mental clarity and focus.

Swedana - Therapeutic Sudation

Swedana is a specialized Ayurvedic treatment designed to induce sweating (fomentation) to clear the body’s channels and liquefy deep-seated toxins. Derived from the Sanskrit word ”Swid” meaning to sweat, this therapy is often used as a vital preparatory step for Panchakarma or as a standalone treatment to relieve stiffness and improve circulation.

The Science of Healing

Swedana works by applying heat to the body, which dilates the Srotas (body channels) and allows toxins to flow from the deeper tissues into the digestive tract for elimination. This therapy provides the following benefits:

● Detoxification: It liquefies Ama (toxins) and helps move them out of the body through the skin and sweat glands.

● Reduces Stiffness: Effectively relieves muscle tension, joint rigidity, and heaviness in the limbs.

● Improves Circulation: The heat stimulates blood flow, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

● Balances Doshas: Particularly effective in balancing Vata and Kapha doshas by countering coldness and stagnation.