Kati Vasti - Sacrum/Low Back Therapy
Kati is the Sanskrit term for the lower back region and Vasti in Sanskrit means to hold. Kati Vasti is a warm oil treatment for lower back pain by bathing the sacrum in healing medicated oils over a period of time to nourish the muscles and tissues and provide pain release.
MORE INFORMATION
Kati Vasti is a localized procedure to treat disease in the region of the lower back. Warm medicated Dosha-specific oil is kept in contact over the skin of the lower-back region of the spine, for a particular time, using a ‘well’ made of black gram dough. The medicated oil, according to the disease condition, is warmed and slowly poured in the well, sitting over the skin of the lower back. As the oil cools it is replaced with warm oil throughout the procedure, to maintain a uniform temperature. This process is continued for a specific time. Following this, the excess oil is drained off and a light massage is given to the lower back and surrounding areas.
This therapy has an extremely soothing and healing effect on the Swadhishthana Chakra, the skin, muscles, joints, bones, and underlying structures of the lower back. It can be extended to the mid and upper spine.
BENEFITS
Relaxing and healing effect reduces pain and stiffness in the lower back and surrounding musculature
Soothes the nerves supplying the lower back, sacrum, lower limbs, enhances local blood circulation, and relieves muscle tension.
Improves flexibility and range of motion of the lumbar joint and reduces both the intensity and recurrence of low back pain.
INDICATIONS
Low back pain
Sciatica
Paraspinal spasm, spondylosis of lumbar spine
Osteoarthritis of the spine
Muscle weakness
Slip disc
Degenerative disorders of the spine
Oils for this treatment are chosen based on client's condition and needs to be assessed by the therapist.
To receive the maximum benefits of this treatment, it is recommended that it be received in combination with an Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage.
For Chronic Conditions
It is advised to have 3 or more sittings of this therapy. This may be discussed with the therapist in your first session. For general relaxation of the mind for those with busy lives, it is advised to receive once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely! However, if you are suffering from chronic stress, insomnia, or any other chronic health issue, you would benefit from receiving this treatment regularly. With the amount of stress that we carry today, sometimes one treatment is not enough to calm the mind and its thought processes. I recommend purchasing a package of 5 x treatments and receiving these in 5 consecutive days to receive maximum benefit. Shirodhara can be done for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 28 days.
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Absolutely! However, if you are suffering from chronic stress, insomnia, or any other chronic health issue, you would benefit from receiving this treatment regularly. With the amount of stress that we carry today, sometimes one treatment is not enough to calm the mind and its thought processes. I recommend purchasing a package of 5 x treatments and receiving these in 5 consecutive days to receive maximum benefit. Shirodhara can be done for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 28 days.
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To get the full benefits of your treatment it is best not to eat beforehand (especially heavy meals). However, if you are very hungry, it’s better to have a small snack so that you aren’t distracted by a growling stomach during your treatment.
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You can wash the oil from your body and hair but it is recommended to leave it on and let your body. Showering before bedtime is fine as it allows oils to get absorbed fully. When you shower, avoid using soap on the body but you can use shampoo to remove the oil from your hair if it bothers you.
It is recommended to take rest after the treatment to allow the body to process the benefits of the massage. Eat a simple and easy to digest meal such as Khichdi, rice and lentils or soup and spend time relaxing with loved ones.
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Please wear something comfortable, but in the case of an Oil Massage, I suggest that you don’t wear expensive clothing that could get stained. I can provide you with single-use underwear for body treatments (you are welcome to wear your own underwear but please be advised that it may become stained with oil). In order to preserve your modesty at all times, the technique of draping is used at all times where only the body part being worked on is exposed.
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At this time, I do not offer this treatment for pregnant clients.
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Yes, it is important for me to be fully aware of all your current medical conditions, including pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, because in some cases massage therapy is contraindicated. Please advise me prior to booking a treatment if you are currently experiencing any of the following:
Infectious skin condition or skin condition with itching, oozing, redness or hives; scalp infection/dandruff; open cut or wound; severe bruising; high temperature or fever; cold or flu virus/cough; hyperacidity; gout; auto-immune disorder; diabetes (Type 1); severe circulatory disorder; heart condition; epilepsy; thrombosis or embolism; recent injury/surgery; recent scar tissue.Yes, it is important for me to be fully aware of all your current medical conditions, including pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, because in some cases massage therapy is contraindicated. Please advise me prior to booking a treatment if you are currently experiencing any of the following:
Infectious skin condition or skin condition with itching, oozing, redness or hives; scalp infection/dandruff; open cut or wound; severe bruising; high temperature or fever; cold or flu virus/cough; hyperacidity; gout; auto-immune disorder; diabetes (Type 1); severe circulatory disorder; heart condition; epilepsy; thrombosis or embolism; recent injury/surgery; recent scar tissue.
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Simple answer; no… absolutely not (so please don’t embarrass yourself by asking).