Kativasti

This central portion of the body is called ‘Kati’. Vasti implies a container. Kati vasti is an effective therapy for Katisula, which is the term for lower backache stiffness or pain felt along the back. 

A small receptacle of black gram dough is made on the lower back, around the lumbo- sacral area. After ensuring that this is leak- proof, lukewarm herbal oil, which alleviates pain and strengthens the bone tissues, is slowly poured into it. The oil and receptacle are removed after about half an hour. The affected area may be gently massaged with the same oil. The patient then advised to take rest for a short while. 

For the severe conditions of gridrasi (sciatica) and osteo- arthritis of the hip, a disease condition characterized by severe pain radiating down the leg, a combination of shamana (palliative) and shodhana (eliminatory) measures is necessary if a relapse is to be avoided.