Katibasti

• INTRODUCTION

Katibasti is a specialised upkarma of panchakarma treatment used for strengthening of the lowerback muscles & then to improve the functioning of the back specially the vertebral muscular activities like bending. This treatment is absolutely safe and gives quick relief to the patients who are suffering from pain, stiffness and inflammation in the lumbar region.

• PROCEDURE

Katibasti is done by fixing a mould on the lowerback on either side of vertebral column around the diseased vertebrae with the help of kneaded black gram dough. This is filled with either medicated oil or the medicine prescribed by the physician. It is kept warm or replaced by warm medicines every 5 min, for 40 min. Then the medicine is carefully removed & the back is cleaned.

• DIET

Before procedure: No specific extra precautions are required other than the instructions for the underlying disease

After procedure: There are no specific dietary restrictions after Katibasti

• BENEFITS

1) Reduction in low back pain 2) Improvement in movement of the backbone 3) Better exercise tolerance. 4) Increased capacity 5) Decreased weakness

• CAUTION

Katibasti is simple, yet a very potent treatment. One must take care that the medicines used are not very hot & should be of tolerable temperature.Proper preparation & post procedural care is a must & no shortcuts should ever be tried.