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Janu Vasti is a 100% Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy designed to treat chronic or acute knee pain.
The term Janubasti is made up of two words, mainly “Janu”, meaning knee joint, and “basti”, meaning retention. The therapy is carried out by creating a reservoir of black gram dough , around the knees. Next, warm, medicated herbal oils are poured and then retained for a specific duration, allowing the oil to penetrate the tissues in the knee area. This ultimately lubricates the joints, relieves stiffness, and reduces inflammation.
The Janu basti procedure not only relieves pain but also strengthens and nourishes the knee joint, thereby providing long-term relief and preventing degenerative joint disorders.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, Janu Basti is a specialized external therapy primarily used to manage Janu Sandhigata Vata, a condition caused by the aggravation of Vata dosha in the knee joint. In Ayurveda, Vata is responsible for movement, lubrication, and joint function; when it becomes imbalanced, it can lead to dryness, pain, stiffness, crepitus, and restricted joint mobility.
Janu Basti follows the principles of Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation), with warm, medicated oil retained over the knee for a fixed duration. The localized application of heat and oil helps pacify aggravated Vata, nourishes depleted joint tissues, improves circulation, and restores natural lubrication.
As a result, Janu Basti reduces pain and stiffness, enhances flexibility, and supports the functional stability of the knee joint, making it an important therapeutic modality in Ayurvedic management of degenerative and chronic knee disorders.
The efficacy of Janu Basti is attributed to the combination of thermal, pharmacological, and mechanical factors:
Thermal Vasodilation: The lukewarm oil maintained over the joint provides a continuous thermal stimulus. This induces local vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the joint. Enhanced circulation facilitates the delivery of oxygen and nutrients while aiding in the removal of inflammatory mediators and metabolic waste (free radicals).
Transdermal Absorption: Lipid-based medicated oils (such as Mahanarayana Taila or Ksheerabala Taila) can cross the skin barrier. The warm temperature increases the permeability of the skin, allowing lipid-soluble herbal compounds (analgesics and anti-inflammatories) to penetrate deeper tissues, including the synovial membrane.
Joint Lubrication: The procedure is believed to help “replenish” or stimulate the production of synovial fluid. By nourishing the joint capsule and surrounding ligaments, it reduces friction between the articular surfaces of the bones (femur and tibia).
Neuromuscular Relaxation: The warmth and weight of the oil act as a sedative for local nerve endings. This helps reduce muscle spasms around the knee and increases the pain threshold (counter-irritant effect).
Pacifies Aggravated Vata: Warm, medicated oils used in Janu Basti are chosen for their Vata-pacifying (Vatahara) properties. Heat and lubrication work together to soothe Vata in the joint region.
Lubricates & Nourishes Joint Structures: The oil seeps into deeper tissues (Marma points and synovial areas), helping restore lubricating fluids, nourish connective tissues, and reduce friction and dryness — core imbalances in joint degeneration.
Improves Circulation & Mobility: The warmth enhances blood flow and softens stiff tissues, improving flexion, extension, and functional mobility.
Reduces Pain & Stiffness: Through combined oleation and heat (sneha + swedana), it alleviates pain (Shoola) and stiffness (Stabdhata), core symptoms of Vata-dominant joint disorders
The Janu Basti procedure is simple yet deeply therapeutic.In Janu Basti first the patient is made to lie in a relaxed position on their back. A dough ring made from black gram flour is placed around the knee joint to form a leak-proof compartment. The warmed oil is gently poured into the dough ring, covering the knee. The oil is maintained at a consistently warm temperature by periodically replacing it with fresh oil.To guarantee deep absorption, the oil is applied to the knee and left there.. To improve absorption, lessen pain, and promote healing, a light massage (Abhyanga) is performed using herbal oils after the oil has been drained. After removing the dough, the patient is instructed to take it easy, keep warm, and adhere to minimal dietary and lifestyle restrictions.
Janu Basti is recommended for a wide range of knee-related conditions. Some of the primary indications include:
Degenerative disorders and wear-and-tear from aging
Janu Basti is an effective Ayurveda therapy known to strengthen and rejuvenate the knee joint.
At Mirasa Ayurveda, we don’t just treat conditions—we restore balance and well-being. From pain relief to stress management, our patients have experienced life-changing results through natural Ayurvedic care.
"I had been dealing with sleepless nights and constant anxiety. After just a few Shirodhara sessions at Mirasa Ayurveda, my mind feels calmer and I finally sleep peacefully again."
“The pain in my joints used to slow me down every day. Potli massage therapy at Mirasa Ayurveda brought back my mobility and comfort—it’s like warmth and healing in one.”
“My lower back pain was unbearable, especially after long work hours. Kativasti gave me instant relief and long-term comfort. Highly recommend it!”
Janu Basti is an Ayurvedic treatment designed for alleviating knee pain and stiffness, inflammation, osteoarthritis, and other degenerative joint diseases, as well as ligament injuries.
The procedure involves the pouring and retention of warm medicated oil into a small dough ring which is fixed around the knee joint. The warmth contributes toward reducing pain and improving mobility.
It varies depending on the patient's condition, but a course of 7 to 10 sessions is generally suggested for best results and lasting relief.
Absolutely, it is safe for elderly individuals and particularly helped seniors with age-related chronic knee problems.
