Janu Basti

Janu Basti is a special treatment for Knee joints. This word consists of two parts Janu and Basti the knee joint is called Janu Sandhi in Sanskrit, the meaning of the second word Basti in this context means a container that holds the medicine on the knee joint for a specified period. Hence the name Janu Basti is given to the procedure done on knee joints.

In this treatment the knee joint (any one or both depending on the condition)  is bathed with warm medicated oil or freshly prepared herbal decoction or any other medicated liquid.

Knee joints are  considered as sandhi Marma in Ayurveda, which measure about three fingers (three anguli pramana), the janu basti is specialized treatment for Knee joints which rejuvenates the janu marma.

Procedure

Vaidya (Ayurvedic Physician) examines the patient and decides the suitable time, medicine and duration of this procedure.

The person is made to lie on his back on the therapy table.

Reservoir made of black gram dough is built upon the Knee Joint. The dough ring should be such that it covers the knee joint. After ensuring the ring is leakproof, the lukewarm medicated oil or herbal decoction is slowly poured into it.

When that cools down, it is squeezed out with cotton gauze and the procedure is repeated if required for number of times. At the end of the procedure, the ring is removed, and the affected area may be gently massaged The person is then made to take rest for a short while

Treatment duration – 30 minutes

Benefits

  • Pacifies aggravated Vata dosha in the knee region.
  • Restores the lubricating fluid in the joint and maintain integrity of the structures involved in the joint.
  • Reduces stiffness and pain in Knee joint
  • Protects knee joints from age related changes
  • Increases blood circulation; thus strengthens and nourishes the knee joints
  • Improves the mobility of the knee joints (knee flexion and knee extension)

Recommended conditions in which Janu Basti is beneficial

  • Osteoarthritis of knee joints
  • Arthrosis of knee joints
  • Chronic pain of the knee joint
  • Ligament injury to the knee joint
  • Weakness of muscles & ligaments of Knee joint