What is Kati Vasti?
Kati Vasti (also spelled Kati Basti) is a localised Ayurvedic therapy for the lower back (kati). A ring-shaped wall of dough, traditionally made from black gram (urad dal) flour, is built on the lower back and filled with warm medicated oil, which is kept there for a period of time.
It belongs to the family of external ‘basti’ treatments, in which warm oil is retained over one area of the body. In Ayurveda it is traditionally used for Vata-related pain and stiffness of the lumbar region.
How Kati Vasti is done at Sattva
Every therapy at Sattva begins with a consultation. Our physician reviews your health history, diet and lifestyle and uses traditional methods such as pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) to understand your constitution, then decides whether Kati Vasti is right for you and which preparation to use. Panchakarma at Sattva is medically supervised.
You lie face down and the therapist fixes the dough ring over the painful area of the lower back. Warm medicated oil is poured into the ring. As it cools, the oil is gently removed, re-warmed and returned so that the temperature stays comfortable throughout.
At the end, the oil is drained, the dough ring is removed, and the area is usually given a gentle massage.
Who may benefit from Kati Vasti?
Our clinic describes Kati Vasti as providing relief from chronic lower back pain and stiffness. After assessment, it may be considered for:
- Adults with long-standing lower back pain or stiffness
- People with degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, alongside their regular medical care
- People whose back feels stiff after long hours of sitting or standing
Whether Kati Vasti is suitable for you is decided by the physician after your consultation. Please tell us about pregnancy, recent surgery or injury, fever, skin problems, allergies, heart conditions and any medicines you take.
Sudden severe back pain, numbness in the legs, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control need urgent medical attention, not a massage therapy.
What to expect
Specialised treatments like Kati Vasti are usually around 45 minutes. Your physician will advise how many sittings are appropriate.
Kati Vasti: frequently asked questions
Do I need a consultation before Kati Vasti?
Yes. An appointment is required for all consultations and treatments. Your first consultation covers your health history, diet and lifestyle, and includes traditional pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha), so that the physician can decide whether Kati Vasti is suitable for you.
Is Kati Vasti painful?
It should not be. The oil is warm, not hot; let the therapist know straight away if it feels too warm or uncomfortable.
Can Kati Vasti replace physiotherapy or a spine specialist’s advice?
No. It can be used alongside other care, but it is not a substitute for assessment by your doctor or spine specialist. Please bring any reports or scans to your consultation.
How do I book Kati Vasti at Sattva?
Tap “Book on WhatsApp” on this page. WhatsApp opens with the message “Hello, I’d like to book an appointment for Kati Vasti at Sattva Healthcare.” Add your preferred day and time and send it. You can also call us on +91 99818 14808.
Book Kati Vasti at Sattva Healthcare
Booking is by WhatsApp. Tap the button and send the pre-filled message with your preferred day and time; our team will confirm your appointment.
Related therapies
This page gives general information about a traditional Ayurvedic therapy and is not medical advice. Individual experiences vary, and no particular result is promised.