24/02/2021
Janu Vasti or Janu Basti is a specialized ayurvedic treatment to relieve the knee pain caused due to arthritis by strengthening the knee muscles and joints. The treatment is performed by pouring & pooling medicated oils for a fixed duration of time in a compartment constructed around the knee joints using wet flour of black gram.
TREATMENT CONCEPT
Kati Basti, Greeva Basti and Janu Basti are being offered as a complementary
therapy to the conventional treatment in public hospitals in. It helps to
maintain patient’s well being by:
a) Improving blood circulation;
b) Building strong muscles and connective tissues8
;
c) Reducing pain and;
d) Lubricating the joints.
TREATMENT CRITERIA
5.1 Patient Selection
i. Age limit
The minimum required age for patient receiving external Basti therapy
is 15 years old. This is to ensure that the patient could follow
instructions especially to lie still for a period of time.
ii. General physical & mental status of the patient:
a. Clinically stable (normal vital signs, no acute illness);
b. Not bedridden;
c. Able to understand and follow instructions properly; and
d. Not intellectually challenged.
5.2 Indications2
Patients who seek for external Basti therapy should be
referred by a registered medical doctor, after a definitive diagnosis has been
made. As mentioned earlier, this external Basti therapy shall be used as a
complementary therapy to the existing conventional treatment in fastening the
disease recovery or relieving the chronic pain with fewer side effects.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Patient who wish to undergo external Basti therapy in T&CM unit should be
screened and assessed by medical personnel prior to treatment session.
Below are the contraindications for external Basti therapy:
i. Fever
ii. Pregnancy
iii. Acute Sinusitis
iv. Acute alcohol intoxication
v. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
vi. Central or peripheral neuropathy
vii. Peripheral arterial disease
viii. Conditions of the lumbar, neck and knee region:
a. Recent injury (fracture and dislocation)
b. Open wound over the treatment area
c Inflammation over the treatment area
d.Cancer
d.tuberclosis of knee
PRECAUTIONS
Certain precautions need to be tekken before and during janu basti
The patient should positioned properly
Provide adequate protection against heat and cold
The dough should be prepared correctly fixed properly around the knees to prevent leakage of medicated oil
The oil should be glided our into the ring of the dough and should not be poured from height
An extra care should be taken while taking out or pouring the heated oil from dough this is to prevent burn injuries from the direct contact of oil with the skin
The temperature of the oil should be checked regularly and patient should be enquired about excess heat
Crowd the processor throughout the processor the temperature of oil should be monitored and maintained at 39°C±2°C
Patient should be observed for any signs of complications and distress during the procedure
ADVERSE EVENTS
Adverse events that may occur during Janu
Basti are related to the prolonged lying on the same position and the contact
with the warm medicated oil during the procedure. The following are the
adverse events for external Basti therapy:
i. Discomfort over the occipital region
ii. Headache and neck pain
iii. Light-headedness and vertigo from prolonged lying down
iv. Blisters and burns due to inappropriate oil temperature used (example:
overheating)
v. Allergic reaction to the oil used
TREATMENT PROCEDURES
Before the commencement of the procedure, the patients must be adequately
explained on the procedure and the potential adverse events that might occur.
Written consent must be obtained prior to starting any procedure.
6.1 Procedures and Technique
i. Patient’s Position
In Janu Basti, patient must lie down in supine position
with exposed knee area. The patient’s head shall be supported with a
roll of towel or a pillow. Apart from that, Janu Basti also can be
performed in sitting position with both legs extended.
Method of dough preparation
The consistency of the dough should not be too soft or too hard, it
should be of semisolid in nature. If the dough is too soft or watery then
it will be difficult to make a ring out of it and it will be difficult to remove
the ring because of its stickiness. If the dough is too hard then the roll
will break while making a ring out of it. The ring will not stick properly
and there are chances of leakage of the medicated oil.
iii. Medicated Oil
The selected medicated oil is heated. After that, the warmed oil is
glided over into the encircled area gently. When the temperature of the
oil decreases, some of the oil is removed using a sponge and more
warmed oil is added into the existing oil in the encircled area to
maintain the temperature throughout the procedure.
The same oil can be collected, warmed and reused for the same
patient for the next treatment session. Used oil will not be applied to
other patient.
iv. Janu Basti procedure would be
followed by a gentle massage on selected area.
v. Patients are required to rest or remain on the treatment table for 10 to
15 minutes after completion of the procedure. During this time, adverse
events or complications might be noted and appropriate measures
could be taken.
Before leaving the treatment table, remaining oil and dough on the
selected area should be wiped off with a clean towel.
BENEFITS
Janu Vasti is a part of Panchakarma in Ayurveda treatment and provides numerous benefits. Here are a few:
Lubricate joints
Improves oxygen and blood circulation
Treats sports injuries
Prevents degenerative diseases
Relieves pains, sprains, ligament tear, inflammation
Relaxes and nourishes bones, muscles, ligaments and nerves
Protect the cartilage of knee
Reduces spasm and rigidity of muscles around knee and calf areas
Improves mobility
