Janu Vasti (Janu Basti) – Ayurvedic Treatment for Knee Pain

Rejuvenate Your Knee Joints with the Ancient Healing Science of Ayurveda

Joint pains have become widespread in today’s sedentary lifestyle, affecting people across all age groups. One of the most effective and time-tested Ayurvedic therapies to combat knee pain is Janu Vasti, also known as Janu Basti. This treatment focuses specifically on the knee joints, relieving chronic pain, stiffness, and degeneration. Ayurveda emphasizes treating the root cause rather than just symptoms. Let’s understand the major reasons behind knee pain from both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives.

🔎 What Causes Knee Pain?

Understanding the root cause of knee pain helps in selecting the right treatment approach. In Ayurveda, most joint issues are linked to Vata imbalance and Ama (toxins) accumulation.

🔸 Common Causes of Knee Pain:

• Osteoarthritis – wear and tear of cartilage due to aging

• Rheumatoid arthritis – autoimmune joint inflammation

• Meniscus tear or ligament injuries – due to sports or trauma

• Overuse or repetitive strain

• Postural imbalances – sitting or standing for long hours

• Obesity – excess weight puts pressure on joints

• Lack of lubrication – reduced synovial fluid in the joint space

• Bone degeneration or osteoporosis

• Metabolic conditions, such as gout or high uric acid

• Post-surgical or post-fracture stiffness

🪔 What is Janu Vasti / Janu Basti?

• Janu = Knee

• Vasti/Basti = To retain or hold

Janu Vasti (or Janu Basti) is a localized Ayurvedic therapy that involves retaining warm medicated oil or ghee over the knee joint for a specific period using a dough ring. This allows the herbal oils to deeply penetrate the joint tissues, relieving pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

It is particularly beneficial for:

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Ligament injuries

• Knee joint degeneration

• Sports injuries affecting the knee

🔍 Why is Janu Basti Gaining Popularity?

In an age where joint surgeries are common but not always necessary, Janu Vasti offers a natural, non-invasive, and rejuvenating approach. It works by:

• Pacifying aggravated Vata dosha

• Improving synovial fluid (joint lubrication)

• Enhancing blood circulation and nourishment

• Strengthening ligaments and cartilage

🛠️ How is Janu Vasti Treatment Done?

✅ Materials Required:

• Medicated oil (Taila)

• Black gram flour

• Hot water

• Cotton, towels, and vessels

🔶 Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Purva Karma (Pre-procedure):

• The patient lies comfortably on the Droni (massage table).

• A dough made of black gram flour is shaped into a well-like ring and placed around the knee joint.

• The knee area is gently massaged with warm oil.

2. Pradhana Karma (Main Procedure):

• Lukewarm medicated oil or ghee is slowly poured into the well and retained for 30–45 minutes.

• The temperature is carefully maintained.

• The warmth allows deep tissue penetration.

3. Paschat Karma (Post-procedure):

• Oil is removed, and the area is cleaned.

• The patient rests for 20–30 minutes.

• A mild massage or Nadisweda (herbal steam) may follow.

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective on Knee Pain (Janusandhigata Vata)

According to Ayurveda, knee pain often results from:

• Vata imbalance – causing dryness, stiffness, and cracking

• Ama accumulation – toxins clogging joints, causing swelling and inflammation

This leads to Sandhigata Vata, which closely resembles osteoarthritis:

“Shoola (pain), Shotha (swelling), Sparsha Asahatva (tenderness), and Vedana during movement” are key features.

Janu Basti, as part of Vata Vyadhi Chikitsa, helps pacify Vata, clear Ama, and restore normal joint function through:

• Snehana (Oleation)

• Swedana (Sudation)

🌟 Benefits of Janu Vasti (Janu Basti)

🎯 Indications for Janu Basti

• Osteoarthritis of the knee

• Chronic knee pain and stiffness

• Ligament or meniscus injuries

• Knee degeneration

• Osteoporosis

• Bursitis and tendonitis (non-acute)

• Post-operative joint care (after inflammation subsides)

🚫 Contraindications

• Acute inflammation

• Infected wounds near the knee

• Skin allergies or burns

• Recent fractures in the knee region

🧘‍♂️ Lifestyle Tips to Enhance Janu Vasti Results

• Avoid cold, dry, and heavy-to-digest foods

• Practice gentle yoga or physiotherapy as advised

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce knee stress

• Follow a Vata-pacifying diet (warm, oily, cooked foods)

• Avoid prolonged standing or squatting

📍 Best Place for Janu Vasti in Bangalore

At Adyant Ayurveda, we provide authentic Janu Vasti (Janu Basti) treatment under the guidance of experienced Ayurvedic doctors. Our centers in Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Kalyan Nagar, and Rajarajeshwari Nagar are fully equipped to offer holistic joint care.