About the treatment
Janu basti is a soothing and nurturing remedy for problems with the knee and surrounding tissues. Our knees are large and complex structures between the two halves of our body that receive inspiring prana from above and the grounding earth energy from below and such are considered an important bridge between our physical and spiritual reality. Knees are loadbearing, they helps stand, move and keep a distance and if you have ever felt your heart yearning to go somewhere and your feet to stand still - you will understand how essential it is to slow down and listen to, and nourish them dearly.
Kurpara basti is a soothing and pacifying remedy for problems with the elbow and surrounding tissues. The elbow is not a simple joint but plays a vital role in our everyday lives. It allows our arms to reach out and hug in, gives a gentle nudge to a friend and is the bridge between our hands and our heart. Its easy bend and flex, push and pull, ability to hold baggage and its resistance to change direction gives us some idea of why we must keep its vital and versatile energy free and flowing.
The natural oils for both of these treatment is specifically chosen according to the condition and are maintained at a particular temperature. A dough dam is created to hold a pool of the oil for a set length of time as its warmth and pressure deeply penetrates and is absorbed through the skin to muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues. Gentle manipulation of the subtle marma (vital energy points) enhances its healing impact. This procedure is then followed by a little, light massage of the surrounding area enhancing circulation and allowing ease of movement.
These therapies are given for one knee or elbow at a time and recommended as a course alongside dietary and lifestyle suggestions.
More information...
The Basti’ can be roughly translated as ‘something inside’ or ‘something which holds.’ It is a term used to describe the urinary bladder in ayurveda, a compartment or container which holds or pools something for a period of time.
There are two types of basti therapies in ayurveda. The first is internal enema therapy which is given as a part of Ayurvedic Panchakarma. The second is external. This therapy is external.
There are several types of external basti to include:
• Kati basti – lower back treatment
• Greeva basti – around the area of neck/between shoulder blades
• Janu basti – around knee area
• Kurpara basti – around the elbow
• Hridaya basti – around heart marma point
• Nabhi basti – around navel region
• Shirobasti – head region
• Chakra basti – around each chakra of the body
• Netra basti – around the eye area
Benefits:
Janu and Kurpara basti have many benefits to include:
o Reducing pain and discomfort
o Nourishing joint and helps its functioning
o Enhancing blood supply to the area
o Promoting cellular memory of the muscle
o Soothing nerves
o Promoting better circulation by removing stagnant toxins for the area
Indications:
Janu basti is recommended for many disorders including:
o Osteoarthritis
o Osteoporosis
o Joint changes and ailments
o Repetitive stress injury
o Ligament tears etc.
o Rheumatoid arthritis
Kurpana basti is recommended for many disorders including:
o Osteoarthritis
o Osteoporosis
o Tennis elbow
o Joint changes
o Repetitive stress injury
o Ligament tears etc.
o Rheumatoid arthritis
Contra-indications:
Janu and kurpana basti is not recommended under the following conditions:
• Low digestive fire (agni) or excessive toxins (ama)
• During pregnancy
• Whilst breastfeeding
• Acute fever, chest or sinus congestion
• Inflammation, swelling or redness of local area
• Open or bleeding wounds, healing scars or burns
• Active headache or migraine
• Less than 8 weeks after surgery to local area
