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Janu Vasti: Ayurvedic Therapy for Knee Pain

Writer's picture: Ankit KumarAnkit Kumar

Janu Vasti Treatment

Janu Vasti, also known as Janu Basti, is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that targets knee pain. Rooted in ancient Ayurvedic knowledge, this therapy aims to promote healing for the body, mind, and spirit, making it an effective remedy for knee discomfort.


In today's world, joint pain is a prevalent issue for people of all ages. As we grow older, the natural wear and tear on our body often leads to arthritic conditions, resulting in joint pain and stiffness.


Janu Vasti is an Ayurvedic practice that involves holding warm herbal oil or medicated ghee on the knee joint for a specific duration. This treatment is particularly effective for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and knee joint injuries.


The treatment procedure begins with a gentle massage of the knee joint using warm herbal oil to loosen the surrounding muscles and tissues. Then, a small dough ring is shaped around the knee, and warm herbal oil or medicated ghee is poured into it. The oil is kept in place for about 30 to 45 minutes, and the patient is asked to relax during this time.


The warmth and herbal qualities of the oil help to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the knee joint. It also nourishes the joint tissues and enhances mobility.


Typically, Janu Vasti is performed in a series of sessions. The number of treatments required depends on the severity of the condition, with a common recommendation of one session per week over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.


Benefits of Janu Vasti

Janu Vasti is a popular Ayurvedic treatment known for its numerous benefits, particularly for the knee joint and the surrounding tissues. The key benefits include:


Pain Reduction: Janu Vasti helps alleviate knee joint pain, especially in cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The warm herbal oil or ghee used during the treatment has analgesic properties that reduce pain and inflammation.


Improved Joint Mobility: The treatment nourishes the joint tissues and reduces stiffness, enhancing joint mobility. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.


Strengthening the Knee Joint: Janu Vasti strengthens the knee joint by improving circulation and nourishing the tissues. This reduces the risk of further injuries and helps to prevent osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.


Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of the herbal oil help reduce swelling and pain in the knee joint while also improving mobility.


Nourishing Joint Tissues: The warm herbal oil or ghee used in Janu Vasti nourishes the joint tissues, helping to prevent further damage or degeneration of the joints.


Promotes Relaxation: Janu Vasti is a soothing, relaxing treatment that reduces stress and promotes overall well-being, enhancing physical and mental health.


Janu Vasti is a safe and effective Ayurvedic treatment with multiple benefits for the knee joint and surrounding tissues. It is essential to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing the treatment to ensure it is appropriate for your condition and to receive proper guidance.


Causes of Knee Joint Pain

Knee pain can arise from various factors. Here are some common causes:


Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease where the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, leading to painful friction between the bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the knee joint, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Knee injuries: injuries such as ligament tears, meniscus tears, and fractures can result in knee pain.

Tendinitis: inflammation of the knee tendons, often caused by overuse, injury, or aging. Bursitis: inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint, often caused by overuse or injury.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A condition in which the cartilage beneath the kneecap becomes irritated, causing pain and discomfort.

Gout: A type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the knee joint, causing pain and swelling.

Obesity: Excess weight places additional stress on the knee joint, leading to pain and discomfort.

Ageing: As we age, the knee joint experiences wear and tear, leading to pain and stiffness. Infections: In rare cases, infections can cause knee pain, particularly if the joint becomes infected.


If knee pain persists, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.



Ayurvedic Understanding of Joint Pain

Joint pain is a frequent complaint that can result from physical injury, inflammatory conditions, or arthritis.

In Ayurveda, joint pain is often attributed to imbalances in Vata and Ama.


Vata Dosha

When aggravated, Vata can lead to severe discomfort. This imbalance weakens circulation, metabolism, and digestion, resulting in weakened bone tissue due to the dryness of Shleshaka Kapha, leading to reduced joint lubrication. This causes rigidity, discomfort, and cracking in the joints.


Ama

Ama-related joint pain occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and heaviness.


Sandhigata Vata is a painful condition affecting one or more joints, causing restricted movement with or without swelling and crepitus (joint noises).


  • Nidana (causes)

  • Rooksha Ahara (dry foods)

  • Athivyayama (excessive exercise)

  • Sheeta Bhojana (cold foods and drinks)

  • Excessive weight Trauma

  • Calcium deficiency


Clinical Features

  • Shoola (joint pain)

  • Shotha (Swelling)

  • Vata Purna Druti Sparsha (Crepitus)

  • Prasarana Akunchana Pravrithimcha Vedhana (pain during joint movement)


These symptoms are commonly seen in osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that often affects weight-bearing joints like the knee, hip, and spine. It leads to the breakdown of cartilage and the formation of osteophytes, contributing to chronic disability, especially in older adults.


Ayurvedic Perspective on Janusandhigata

Vata Janusandhigata Vata is a condition where there is a depletion of bone tissue due to insufficient nourishment of the bones. Vitiated Vata dosha can be treated through Ayurvedic treatments such as Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation), which help alleviate pain, reduce stiffness, and improve flexibility.


Janu Vasti Treatment: Ayurvedic Treatment for Knee Pain

What is Janu Vasti?

Janu = Knee Joint

Vasthi = To hold


The knee joint is called Janu Sandhi in Sanskrit, and the procedure is named Janu Vasti, which involves holding warm oil over the knee for therapeutic purposes.


Janu Vasti is a modified version of Snigdasweda, where warmed oil (Sneha) is applied to the knee joint and retained for a prescribed time, usually for degenerative joint diseases, but it is not recommended for inflammatory conditions.


Materials Required

  • Prescribed oil (taila)

  • black gram flour

  • hot water

  • cotton

  • towels

  • vessels


Purva Karma (Preparation): The black gram flour is mixed with hot water to form a thick dough. A portion of the flour is mixed with water to make a paste, and the dough is shaped into a ring around the knee joint. The knee is exposed and shaved if necessary, and the patient lies comfortably on a table in a supine position.


Pradhana Karma (Main Treatment): The knee area is cleaned, and the dough ring is applied. Warm oil is poured into the dough ring, maintaining the oil level about 2 inches above the skin. The temperature of the oil should be maintained throughout the procedure by adding warmed oil as needed.


Paschat Karma (Post-Treatment Care): After the prescribed time, the oil is removed, and the area is wiped with a clean cotton towel. The patient should remain in the same position for an additional half hour.


Precautions

  1. Ensure the oil is not overheated to avoid burns.

  2. Seal the dough ring well to prevent leakage.

  3. Avoid moving the joint during the treatment.


Complications

Burns: Apply cold water and Shatadhouta Ghrita to soothe the burn.

Discomfort: Use correctly sized cushions and massage areas to improve comfort.


Benefits

  • Pacifies aggravated Vata dosha in the knee region.

  • Restores joint lubrication and preserves the integrity of the joint structures.

  • Enhances blood circulation, strengthening and nourishing the knee joint.

  • Improves mobility in the knee joint.

  • Prevents degeneration of the joint.


Indications

  • Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

  • Osteoporosis

  • Chronic knee joint pain

  • Degenerative joint conditions

  • Arthrosis of the knee joint


Janu Vasti is an effective and time-honoured Ayurvedic treatment for chronic knee pain and degeneration. It rejuvenates the knee marma, providing lasting relief.

Consult with expert Ayurvedic doctors at Reviving Rituals, Varanasi, for comprehensive care for knee joint pain.


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