anu Basti is an effective Panchakarma therapy that provides intense relief from painful and inflammatory conditions, effectively addressing acute to chronic knee-related disorders.

Additionally, it can be used preventively by healthy individuals and health enthusiasts to maintain health and prevent various mobility problems and degenerative disorders. The term "Janu Basti" originates from Sanskrit, where ‘Janu’ means ‘Knee joint’ and ‘Basti’ denotes ‘Holding’. 

In this process, warm, medicated oil is poured and pooled around the knee joint using a pocket made of wet gram flour dough. Medicated herbal oils are poured into these compartments and left to remain for a specific time to allow their full benefits to penetrate the skin into the joint tissues, lubricating them and providing intense comfort, relaxation, and significant reduction in pain and inflammation.

INDICATIONS OF JANU BASTI

- Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

- Knee bursitis

- Osteoporosis

- Arthritis changes

- Ligament tear

- Rheumatism

- Subluxation of the knee joint

- Chronic pain of the knee joint

- Ilio-tibial band syndrome

- Strains and sprains

- Post-trauma

- Degenerative disorder of the knee joint

HOW IS JANU BASTI PERFORMED?

1. The patient lies down in a supine position.

2. A compartment is created using dough made from wet gram flour, which holds the medicated herbal oil in place for a specific period.

3. Lukewarm medicated oil is poured into the knee joint.

4. The temperature of the oil is maintained and periodically replenished with warm oil.

5. After the required time, the oil from the compartment is drained.

6. An Abhyanga using herbal massage oils is performed for added relaxation and benefits, followed by Pinda swedan.

Oils used in the process of Janu Basti are Sesame oil, Brahmi oil, Bhringraj oil, Neem oil, Mahanarayana oil, Ksheerbala tailam, Balashwagandhi tailam, Pinda tailam, Sahacharchadi tailam, and Dhanvantar oil.

BENEFITS OF JANU BASTI

1. Janu Basti provides relief from pain and inflammation associated with knee-related disorders.

2. It strengthens bone health, promoting overall joint stability and resilience.

3. The therapy effectively addresses symptoms of osteoarthritis, improving joint function and reducing discomfort.

4. Janu Basti helps alleviate stiffness in the knee joint, enhancing mobility and ease of movement.

5. By increasing circulation to the affected area, it supports tissue repair and regeneration.

6. Improved mobility and flexibility are notable outcomes of Janu Basti, enhancing overall joint function.

7. The therapy helps lower inflammation in the knee joint, reducing swelling and discomfort.

8. Janu Basti strengthens knee ligaments and the joint structure, promoting long-term joint health and stability.

WHEN SHOULD JANU BASTI NOT BE PERFORMED (CONTRAINDICATIONS)

• Chronic Sinusitis
• Extreme fatigue
• Infectious diseases
• Hemorrhagic disorders
• Heart-related disorders
• Diarrhoea
• Chronic Fever
• High Pitta, Kapha, and Ama conditions
• Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis

In most cases, Ayurvedic practitioners perform the Janu Basti treatment on patients. It is advised you do your research and then select one that is most suited to your needs.