Janu Basti Ayurvedic Oil
Therapy for Knee Joints
A Traditional Ayurvedic Therapy for Knee Relaxation and Inflammation Management
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What is Janu Basti
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Janu Basti is a classical Ayurvedic knee treatment focused on nourishing, strengthening, and healing the knee joints.
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A soft dough ring is formed around the knee and filled with warm herbal oil, which is kept in place for a fixed time.
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This therapy relieves soreness, limits swelling, reduces inflammation, and improves the strength and mobility of the knee.
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It works from inside the joints, improves smooth movement, balances doshas, and helps maintain healthy knees over time.
Process of Janu Basti
Janu Basti is a traditional Ayurvedic knee therapy that helps reduce pain, stiffness, and weakness while improving joint strength and flexibility. The treatment is performed in three main stages to ensure comfort, safety, and better results.
Purvakarma
This is the first step, where the body and knee joint are prepared for the main therapy.
Before starting, the Ayurvedic doctor examines the patient’s knee condition and overall health. Based on this, the doctor selects the most suitable medicated oil and decides the duration of treatment.
All necessary materials are then prepared. The chosen oil is gently warmed to a comfortable temperature. A soft but firm dough, usually made from black gram flour, is shaped to form a strong boundary around the knee.
The patient is asked to lie down comfortably on the treatment table in a calm and clean environment. A gentle massage is given to the knee using medicated oil to relax the muscles and improve blood flow. This is followed by mild steam therapy to open the pores and loosen stiffness.
Pradhanakarma
This is the most important part of Janu Basti, where deep healing and nourishment take place.
The prepared dough ring is carefully placed around the knee joint and sealed properly to prevent leakage. Once it is fixed securely, warm medicated oil is slowly poured into the ring.
The oil is kept inside the boundary for about 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the temperature is maintained by replacing the oil when it cools. This allows the warmth and herbal properties of the oil to penetrate deep into the joint tissues.
The patient remains relaxed during the procedure so the therapy can work effectively.
Paschatkarma
This final stage focuses on cleaning, relaxation, and recovery after the therapy.
After the required time is completed, the oil is gently removed using a spoon. The dough ring is then carefully taken off, and the knee area is cleaned with lukewarm water or herbal wipes.
A light massage may be given to soothe the joint and improve circulation. In some cases, mild steam therapy is repeated to support better absorption.
The patient is advised to rest for about 20 to 30 minutes after the session. They are also encouraged to avoid heavy physical activity and follow the doctor’s guidance for best results.
Process of Vamana
Purvakarma
This is the first step, where the body and knee joint are prepared for the main therapy.
Before starting, the Ayurvedic doctor examines the patient’s knee condition and overall health. Based on this, the doctor selects the most suitable medicated oil and decides the duration of treatment.
All necessary materials are then prepared. The chosen oil is gently warmed to a comfortable temperature. A soft but firm dough, usually made from black gram flour, is shaped to form a strong boundary around the knee.
The patient is asked to lie down comfortably on the treatment table in a calm and clean environment. A gentle massage is given to the knee using medicated oil to relax the muscles and improve blood flow. This is followed by mild steam therapy to open the pores and loosen stiffness.
Pradhanakarma
This is the most important part of Janu Basti, where deep healing and nourishment take place.
The prepared dough ring is carefully placed around the knee joint and sealed properly to prevent leakage. Once it is fixed securely, warm medicated oil is slowly poured into the ring.
The oil is kept inside the boundary for about 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the temperature is maintained by replacing the oil when it cools. This allows the warmth and herbal properties of the oil to penetrate deep into the joint tissues.
The patient remains relaxed during the procedure so the therapy can work effectively.
Paschatkarma
This final stage focuses on cleaning, relaxation, and recovery after the therapy.
After the required time is completed, the oil is gently removed using a spoon. The dough ring is then carefully taken off, and the knee area is cleaned with lukewarm water or herbal wipes.
A light massage may be given to soothe the joint and improve circulation. In some cases, mild steam therapy is repeated to support better absorption.
The patient is advised to rest for about 20 to 30 minutes after the session. They are also encouraged to avoid heavy physical activity and follow the doctor’s guidance for best results.
Types of Janu Basti
Janu Basti is mainly classified based on the type of medicated oil used and the therapeutic purpose of the treatment. The oil is selected according to the patient’s knee condition and body constitution to achieve better results.
Sneha Janu Basti (Oil-Based Therapy)
This type uses warm medicated oils to nourish and lubricate the knee joint. Commonly used oils include Mahanarayan Taila and Ksheerbala Taila. It is mainly recommended for stiffness, dryness, and joint degeneration.
Kashaya Janu Basti (Herbal Decoction Therapy)
In this method, herbal decoctions are used instead of oil. It is more suitable for conditions involving inflammation, swelling, and heat. This type helps reduce redness and excess fluid accumulation in the joint.
Janu Basti with Nadi Swedana (Steam Therapy)
After oil retention, localized steam therapy is applied to the knee. Herbal steam prepared with Dashmoola decoction is commonly used. It improves blood circulation and enhances the effect of the oil treatment.
Sneha Janu Basti (Oil-Based Therapy)
This type uses warm medicated oils to nourish and lubricate the knee joint. Commonly used oils include Mahanarayan Taila and Ksheerbala Taila. It is mainly recommended for stiffness, dryness, and joint degeneration.
Kashaya Janu Basti (Herbal Decoction Therapy)
In this method, herbal decoctions are used instead of oil. It is more suitable for conditions involving inflammation, swelling, and heat. This type helps reduce redness and excess fluid accumulation in the joint.
Janu Basti with Nadi Swedana (Steam Therapy)
After oil retention, localized steam therapy is applied to the knee. Herbal steam prepared with Dashmoola decoction is commonly used. It improves blood circulation and enhances the effect of the oil treatment.
Key Benefits of Janu Basti
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Relieves Pain & Inflammation
Helps reduce knee pain, swelling, and redness by calming irritated joints with warm medicated oils..
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Improves Joint Lubrication
Supports natural lubrication inside the knee, lowering friction between bones and easing movement, especially in osteoarthritis.
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Enhances Mobility & Flexibility
Reduces stiffness and supports smoother joint movement by balancing aggravated Vata dosha.
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Strengthens Supporting Tissues
Nourishes ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the knee, improving joint stability and strength.
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Boosts Blood Circulation
Improves local blood flow, helping deliver nutrients and remove toxins from joint tissues.
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Slows Joint Degeneration
Helps delay cartilage damage and joint wear, making it a helpful non-surgical option for long-term knee care.
Mental & Emotional Benefits
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Balances Vata
Supports nervous system balance, reducing restlessness, anxiety, and overthinking.
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Improves Sleep Quality
Helps promote deeper and more restful sleep by easing long-term pain and discomfort.
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Enhances Mental Stability
Promotes a feeling of calmness, security, and inner peace through nourishing therapy.
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Strengthens the Nervous System
Soothes and refreshes the nerves, improving mental clarity and overall emotional well-being.
The History of Janu Basti
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Janu Basti is rooted in ancient Ayurvedic traditions and has been practiced for centuries for joint care and mobility..
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The term comes from Sanskrit, where "Janu" means "knee" and "Basti" means "to hold or contain medicated oil."
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In early Ayurveda, Basti mainly referred to internal cleansing therapies used in Panchakarma.
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With time, this concept was adapted into external oil-retention treatments for focused healing.
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The therapy is based on the principles of Snehana (oil therapy) and Swedana (heat therapy).
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These principles are described in classical texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
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Traditionally, Janu Basti was used to calm aggravated Vata and manage stiffness and degeneration.
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Today, it has evolved into a structured clinical therapy and remains important for long-term knee health.
Conditions Reversed
Janu Basti is used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. It helps in
Alleviating Knee
Discomfort and Rigidity
Rebuilding Joint Motion
Addressing Early-Stage
Osteoarthritis
Supporting Ligament
and Tissue Recovery
FAQ’s
It is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that nourishes, strengthens, and relaxes the knee joints.
Warm medicated oil is gently retained over the knee using a soft dough ring.
A single session usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.
Yes, it helps reduce pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint discomfort.
It is useful for osteoarthritis, joint stiffness, ligament weakness, and knee injuries.
It means holding warm medicated oil over the knee for healing and nourishment.
