Janu Basti

The knee joint is called Janu Sandhi in Sanskrit; hence the name Janu Basti is given to the procedure done on knee joints. In this, the knee joint is bathed with warm medicated oil or freshly prepared herbal decoction. Depending on the condition it can be practiced over both the knee joints or on one knee joint. Knee joints are considered as sandhi Marma in Ayurveda (joint type of vital areas) which measure about three fingers (three anguli pramana). So the Janu Basti is specialized knee therapy or massage which rejuvenates the Janu marma.

• The person is made to lie on his back on the massage table (Droni).
• A reservoir made of black gram dough is built upon the Knee Joint. The dough ring should be such that it covers the knee joint.
• After ensuring the ring is leakproof, the lukewarm medicated oil or herbal decoction is slowly poured into it. When that cools down, it is squeezed out with cotton gauze and the procedure is repeated.
• At the end of the procedure, the ring is removed and the affected area may be gently massaged The person is then made to take rest for a short while.

The healing properties of herbal oil improves circulation, helps strengthen the musculature and lubricate the joint.

• Pacifies aggravated Vata dosha in the knee region
• Restores the lubricating fluid in the joint and maintains the integrity of the structures involved in the joint.
• Removes stiffness and pain in the Knee joint
• Protects knee joints from age-related changes
• Increases blood circulation; thus strengthens and nourishes the knee joints
• Improves the mobility of the knee joints (knee flexion and knee extension)

• Osteoarthritis of knee joints
• Osteoporosis
• Arthrosis of knee joints
• Chronic pain of the knee joint

Janu Basti is not recommended for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.