The word ‘Kati’ stands for ‘low back’ or ‘waist’ and ‘Vasti’ for ‘containing or retaining something inside’. Kativasti is an ayurvedic lumbo-sacral rejuvenation therapy using hot oil or herbal decoctions. One can achieve both local oleation and sudation through this process.
The person is made to lie face down on the Massage Table. The dough made of black gram flour or whole wheat flour and water is made into a ring of four to five inches in diameter which is placed over the lumbo-sacral area of the spine. After it is glued with some water to make it leak-proof, lukewarm medicated oil or herbal decoction is slowly poured into it. When this cools down it is squeezed out and replaced with the warmer one. At the end of the process, the dough is removed and a gentle massage is given over the area. The person is made to take rest for a while.
The benefits of Kativasti includes:
- reduction of pain and inflammation.
- Deep purification and improved blood circulation around lumbo-sacral area.
- Removal of rigidity and spasm of muscles around lumbo-sacral region.
- Nourishment and strengthening the back-bone, connective tissue, ligaments, nerves, muscles of the lumbo – sacral region.
- Lubrication of the joints.