Greeva Basti – Health Benefits, Procedure, Treatment Duration

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay)
Ayurveda offers the best remedies for neck pain and related painful conditions. Among all the remedies available for neck pain (acute and or chronic), Greeva Vasti (Greeva Basti) is the most popular one.

Neck pain is a common painful condition of the modern day. Sitting in front of computers for the whole day, adapting wrong postures while sitting, standing and sleeping, travelling for long distance in a packed local bus and train have contributed to increasing number of patients who suffer with chronic sore neck.
Neck pain is called by the names Greeva Shula, Greeva stambha and Manya Stambha in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda offers the best remedies for neck pain and related painful conditions. Among all the remedies available for neck pain (acute and or chronic), Greeva Vasti (Greeva Basti) is the most popular one. It gives a magical relief from the pain and stiffness associated with neck pain and in many cases a long standing one too. When Greeva Vasti is combined with effective treatments like Nasya (nasal instillation of medicines), Abhyanga (massage with herbal oils), Patra Pinda Sweda (leaf bolus fomentation) etc and disease modifying drugs and compounds, it provides a significant and appreciable relief in many painful neck related conditions like Cervical spondylosis etc.
Now let me take the privilege of introducing this treatment to you.

Introduction

What is Greeva Vasti (Greeva Basti)?

The term has 2 terms –
Greeva – means neck
Vasti – means to hold (compartment which holds)

Thus Greeva Vasti means a treatment in which medicated oils are poured and pooled for a fixed duration of time in a compartment or a cabin constructed over the neck or nape of the neck (back side of the neck) area using wet flour of black gram, covering the cervical region (nape of the neck / over the neck bones).

In simple words, Greeva Vasti is pain relieving oil-pooling treatment conducted for neck pain caused due to many causes

Vasti or Basti is a term used to describe the urinary bladder in Ayurveda. Urinary bladder is a bag which holds urine for a certain amount of period till it is voided.

Similarly in Greeva Vasti, a compartment (cabin or compound like structure) is constructed over the back of the neck by using flour of black gram and the pain relieving medicated (herbal) oils are pooled and left in place (retained) in this compartment for a fixed duration of time. Therefore the procedure is called Greeva Vasti.

Indications

“In which conditions is Greeva Basti beneficial?

Greeva Vasti is highly beneficial in the below said conditions –
Cervical spondylosis – It is one of the most common causes of the neck pain. Cervical spondylosis is also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis. It is a degenerative condition of the bones forming the neck (cervical vertebrae). It affects the joints and discs (cushion like material between each 2 bones of the spine or backbone) and soft tissues of the neck. It develops due to the wear and tear of the cartilage and bones found in the cervical spine. While it is generally contributed to the ageing process, it can be caused by other factors as well.
Read related: Ayurvedic treatment and remedies for cervical spondylsos

Whiplash – It occurs when a person’s head moves backward and then suddenly forward with great force.  Rear-end car collision, physical abuse, sports injuries, horseback riding, cycling accidents, blows to the head with heavy objects or amusement park rides can cause whiplash. The muscles in the neck suffer strain. The sudden motion causes ‘stretch and tear’ in the neck’s tendons and ligaments. Whiplash presents with neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in ears etc.

Sprains and strains – These are injuries caused due to some physical activities. Most of the times they are minor and don’t require medical attention. Greeva Vasti helps in long lasting sprains and strains. Sprains occur at joints and affect the ligaments (structures connecting bone to another bone). They occur when a joint is twisted while bearing some weight. The usual symptoms include limited mobility, inflammation, pains, swelling and bruising. A popping sound may be heard at the time of injury. Strains affect the muscles or tendons (structures which connect muscle to a bone). This occurs when too much force is placed on a muscle. They often occur during weight-bearing activities that stretch the muscle. Repetitive motions, overusing a muscle, or working beyond your physical ability may cause a strain. Strains are accompanied by pain, cramping, swelling, muscle spasms and stiffness of soreness of the muscle.

Tension headaches – It can cause mild, moderate or intense pain in your head, neck and behind your eyes. It gives a feel of tight band around the forehead. In tension headache Nasya (nasal medication) and Shirodhara (stream pouring of medicinal liquids including oils, milk etc over the head for a scheduled time) etc can be clubbed for better relief.

Migraine with aura – Migraines are intense, sometimes debilitating headaches. The most common types are those with aura (classical migraines) and those without aura (common auras). Stiffness or pain in the neck is one of the symptoms of migraine with aura. In Migraines also, Greeva Vasti can be combined with effective treatments like Nasya (nasal medication), Shirodhara (stream pouring of medicinal liquids including oils, milk etc over the head for a scheduled time) etc for better results.
Read related: Migraine – Ayurvedic treatment, Herbs, Home Remedies

Wry neck (Torticollis) – It is a painfully twisted and tilted neck. The top of the head in this condition generally tilts to one side and the chin tilts to the other side. It can be congenital or acquired. It can also result from the damage of neck muscles or blood supply. Most of the times, the causes of Torticollis are unknown. Symptoms include, an inability to move your head normally, neck pain or stiffness, headache, having one shoulder higher than the other, swollen neck muscles, a tilting of your chin to one side.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – It is an autoimmune disease, causes joint problems such as pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of unction. When this disease affects the neck, it causes similar symptoms of pain and inflammation. Greeva Vasti when combined with Abhyanga (massage with herbal oils), Churna Pinda Sweda (powder bolus fomentation), Patra pinda sweda (leaf bolus fomentation and Virechana (therapeutic purgation) gives excellent relief.
Read related: Rheumatoid arthritis – causes and symptoms

Ankylosing Spondylitis – It is a form of arthritis which primarily affects the spine. It causes severe inflammation of the vertebrae that might eventually lead to chronic pain and disability. The disease will cause pain and stiffness in other parts of your body. Other large joints such as the shoulders, hips and knees can be involved as well. Abhyanga (Massage with medicated oils), Sarvanga dhara (stream pouring of medicated liquids like oils; milk etc) all over the body, form effective combinations with Greeva Vasti.

Osteoporosis – It is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of bone tissue typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. Symptoms of Osteoporosis of neck (cervical vertebrae) is pain, discomfort and stiffness in the neck. Here it is important to combine Greeva Basti with Nasya (nasal instillation of medications), Lepa (application of herbal pastes), Vasti (enemas with herbal decoctions, milk and medicated oils and ghee) for better relief.
Read related: Low Bone Density Causes, Ayurvedic Treatment, Diet

Fibromyalgia – It is a chronic disorder marked by widespread, unexplained pain in the muscles and joints, it’s not a disease. It is a syndrome, which is a collection of symptoms that occur together. Symptoms point out towards‘arthritis like disease’. The condition is often associated with tender points (trigger points) at the back of head, shoulders, upper chest, hips, knees and outer elbows. Tenderness in 11 out of 18 trigger points clinches the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Neck pain and catches are quiet common complaint in Fibromyalgia. Greeva Vasti should be skillfully combined with Sarva Abhyanga (general body massage with medicated oils), Swedana (sweating treatment), Sarvanga dhara (stream pouring of oils and milk processed with medicinal drugs) and Vasti (enemas with herbal decoctions, milk and medicated oils and ghee) for good relief.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica – It is an inflammatory disorder that causes pain and stiffness in various parts of the body. It commonly affects neck, shoulders, arms, thighs and hips. The disease is commonly seen affecting people over 55 years of age. Nasya (nasal instillation of medicines) and the same Ayurvedic treatments mentioned in management of Fibromyalgia should be combined with Greeva Basti for better relief.

Spinal stenosis – It is a condition in which the spinal column (backbone or spine) narrows and starts compressing the spinal cord. It is a gradual process. If the narrowing is minimal, no symptoms will occur. Too much narrowing can compress the nerves and cause problems. The symptoms include leg or arm weakness, lower back pain while standing or walking, numbness in legs or buttocks and balance problems. Greeva Vasti will work out when there is neck pain along with arm weakness.

Slipped herniated disk – Intervertebral disks are cushioned structures which occupy the space between every two vertebrae’s (bones making your back) and allow free movements of the spine (backbone). When these disks slip from their place they put pressure on the nerves and muscles in their vicinity and cause pain and stiffness. When this happens in neck bones it presents with neck pain. Other symptoms include numbness, pain extending down the arms, pain worsening at night, muscle weakness, tingling, aching or burning sensations in the neck and arm etc. When Nasya (nasal instillation of medication) is done along with Greeva Basti, the result will be outstanding.

Pagets disease of the bone – It is also called osteitis deformans and is a chronic condition which affects the skeleton. It commonly affects older adults. In this disease, abnormal breakdown of bone occurs with subsequent abnormal bone formation. The new bone that is formed is significantly over sized, weak and typically deformed. The symptoms include bone pain, joint stiffness, bone fractures, deformities of the legs or skull, hearing loss, nerve compression etc. Greeva Vasti helps in relieving pain and stiffness. Lepa (application of herbal pastes) and Pinda sweda (bolus fomentations) can be clubbed for better results.

Trauma to neck bones – Injuries to neck bones may vary from mild to severe. Greeva Vasti fits into the treatment protocol of neck injuries only when pain and associated symptoms are mild to moderate and not involving fractures and dislocations. Care should be taken not to give a hard massage in these conditions.

Neck pain due to poor posture – Poor posture at sitting or sleeping or standing can cause neck pain and stiffness. Greeva Vasti along with Pinda Sweda (powder / leaf / rice bolus fomentation) gives good relief in this condition.
Click to Consult Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ayu)

Procedure

How is Greeva Basti done?

Greeva vasti is done in the below said method –

Purvakarma

Purvakarma (Pre-treatment procedures): This includes –
Preparation of the patient:
The patient is thoroughly examined. The Prakriti (basic constitution) and Vikriti (details of morbidity) are documented in detail. The disease is also examined. The treatment line-up, materials and medicines which need to be used are enlisted.

Preparation for the treatment:
Materials needed for the treatment are collected beforehand. They are:

For Greeva Vasti (oil pooling) – Taila (medicated oil), Ghee (medicated ghee) or both suitable to the disease and diseased are collected and stored beforehand. The same medicines are used for conducting Abhyanga (massage) after the completion of Greeva Vasti procedure
Flour of black gram
Water
Stove, bowls, vessels, spoons etc
Sterile cloth

Herbal powders like – Rasnadi Churna, Kottamchukkadi Churna, Jatamayadi Churna, Ellumnishadi Churna, Grihadhoomadi Churna, Kolakulattadi Churna etc are collected for Churna Pinda Sweda (Powder bolus fomentation).

Churna pinda sweda is administered for a couple of days before starting Greeva Vasti as a part of pre-treatment procedures. This aims at causing Rukshana (drying therapy) before conducting Greeva Vasti. Greeva vasti is a sthanika sneha procedure (local oleation). Greeva Vasti or oil pooling is said to provide extra-ordinary relief if done on a dry surface, dryness being created after conducting Rukshana procedure. This is especially preferred when symptoms of ama (endotoxins, metabolites or intermediate products of digestion which tend to block the channels and transport systems of the body owing to sticky nature) and Kapha like swelling, stiffness, mild to moderate pain etc. It can be skipped when Vata (severe pain, degeneration) prevails. Even in this the wet form (dipped in oil) of churna pinda sweda can be preferred. It can be avoided when there is high pitta symptoms like burning sensation, raise in heat, redness etc.

Method of Churna pinda sweda – The above mentioned herbal powders are chosen according to the nature of the disease, symptoms and dosha involvement. Ex. Rasnadi churna is used when pain predominates, Jatamayadi churna is used when inflammation predominates etc. The powder is heated on a pan and tied in a sterile cloth so as to form a bolus. A couple of such boluses are kept ready.

After giving a massage to the low back with herbal oils, hot fomentation is given with the powder boluses. This brings about Rukshana (dryness). The powder should be used in a dry form if symptoms of ama (metabolic wastes created by low metabolism and indigestion which have a sticky nature and has a tendency to produce pain and stiffness) and morbid kapha like pain, stiffness, swelling etc are found in the low back. If the pain is of a dry nature with the involvement of morbid vayu, the powder may be heated by frying it in oil and used for pinda sweda.

Churna pinda sweda is done for 30-45 minutes daily for 2-3 days prior to Kati Vasti.

Materials needed for Udwarthana – Powders like Kolakulattadi Churnam etc, oils (same oils used for abhyanga can be used) etc

Udwarthana means massage conducted by using powders fried in medicated oils, the massage being done in reverse direction (from below upwards). This is preferred when symptoms of excess ama and or kapha or meda (fat) is found associated with neck pain. Udwarthana in the region of neck shall be done as a part of whole body Udwarthana.

Fresh leaves of pain killing and vata alleviating drugs like Eranda (Ricinus communis – castor plant), Nigundi (Vitex negundo), Arka(Calotropis gigantia), Chincha (tamarind), etc. for conducting Patra pinda sweda (leaf bolus fomentation) as a part of post-treatment procedure.

Lemon, coconut gratings, Rasnadi Churna, Turmeric powder, fenugreek, Saindhava Lavana (rock salt), castor oil etc for patra pinda sweda

In some cases, Greeva Vasti can be clubbed with Matra Vasti (oil / ghee enemas given in a fixed dose, everyday). If this is planned, the medicated oil / ghee and enema syringe should be kept ready

Nasya (nasal instillation of medicines) is always the perfect combo with Greeva Vasti in neck related painful conditions. It is the best in business of providing relief in the diseases related to head and neck. Medicines like Ksheerabala Tailam 101, Dhanwantaram Tailam 101, Anu Tailam, Shadbindu Tailam etc are kept ready along with droppers (sterile).

Pradhana Karma

Pradhana Karma (Treatment proper):
Greeva Basti –
Positioning of the patient:
Greeva Vasti is done in the morning when the Kapha symptoms predominate in the neck (stiffness), in the noon when pitta symptoms predominate (inflammation, burning sensation etc) and in the evening if Vata symptoms predominate (pain). Generally it is done early in the morning if convenience of the patient has to be seen.

The patient is asked to come or attend the treatment on empty stomach because while doing Greeva Vasti, the patient has to sleep in prone position (on stomach).

The patient is positioned and made to lie on his belly on a comfortable couch. The construction of Greeva Vasti compartment and the pooling of oil shall be carried out on the nape of the patient.

Preparing the wet flour for the treatment:
Finely pounded black gram flour is taken in a sterile bowl or vessel. Water is added to it (preferably warm water) and kneaded well so as to prepare a bolus.

Preparation and construction of Greeva Vasti ring / compartment:
From this bolus a ring is made(compartment). The ring should be having a diameter so as to accommodate and enclose the cervical vertebrae (neck bones) within it. That means to tell that when the ring of wet flour is placed on the neck, the neck bones are enclosed within the ring. The height of the ring should be at least 5-6 inches. The junction of the ring and skin is sealed with wet flour. A small amount of oil is now poured in the ring (compartment) of flour and checked for leakage. Greeva Vasti should be started after confirming that there is no leakage at the base of the walls of the ring.

Method of oil pooling:
The chosen medicated oil is heated passively. Required quantity of oil (sufficient enough to fill the space within the ring of wet flour) is taken in a small bowl. The bowl is kept in the vessel filled with hot water. When the oil gets warm, the bowl is removed. Oil is poured into the compartment (space within the constructed ring of wet flour).

Recycling the oil:
Care should be taken to maintain the temperature of the oil in the Greeva Vasti pool. The temperature should be kept uniform throughout the procedure (until the procedure is completed). For this to happen, the oil from the pool is removed at regular intervals (leaving some oil in it i.e. oil should not be completely removed) and replaced by warm oil (on the other side, simultaneously oil is passively heated).

Oils / ghee used for Greeva Vasti / Abhyanga:

Ksheerabala tailam
Mahamasha tailam – one of the powerful Ayurveda oil, widely used for many neurological conditions.
Mahanarayana tailam
Kottamchukkadi tailam
Balashwagandhadi Tailam
Ashwagandhabalalakshadi Tailam
Sahacharadi tailam
Murivenna
Pinda tailam
Tiktaka ghritam
Guggulutiktaka ghritam
sesame oil etc

Paschat Karma

Paschat Karma (Post-treatment procedures):

Removal of oil and flour cabinet:
At the end of fixed duration meant for completing a schedule (30-45 minutes roughly) the oil is slowly removed from the pool and stored in a container or bottle. On the next day, the same oil shall be reused after adding some more oil to replace the quantity consumed for treatment procedures on the previous day. The whole oil shall be replaced on the 4^th day of the treatment. Actually it is good to take new oil every day but practically it is not affordable from all the patients perspective. The flour cabinet (greeva-vasti ring) is also removed thoroughly.

Abhyanga –
A light massage is given using the same oil for 10-15 minutes. Care should be taken not to apply more pressure while massaging. The upper limbs, hand and shoulders also shall be covered in the massage (optional).

Patra Pinda Sweda – Leaf bolus fomentation
The fresh leaves of the Vata alleviating / pain relieving herbs are collected and sliced. Ex. Leaves of castor plant, Nigundi (Vitex nigundo), Arka (Calotropis gigantean), tamarind, Shigru (Moringa oleifera – Drum stick leaves), Dhattura (Datura stramonium), Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), etc are taken and sliced. The sliced leaves are fried in oil (oil taken for Kati Vasti). Along with the leaves, grated coconut, sliced lemon, Rasnadi Churna, Haridra (Turmeric powder), Methika (fenugreek), Saindhava Lavana (rock salt), Eranda Taila (castor oil) are also added and fried. The sliced leaves are tied in a bolus to form a Patra Pinda (Leaf bolus). A couple of boluses are prepared

The leaf bolus is dipped in warm oil, any oil drooping from the bolus is mopped over the edge of the pan, and temperature of the bolus is tested and used for giving fomentation. The bolus is rubbed on the affected part gently (as good as massaging with bolus). Circular motions with gentle pressure is given over the joints and rubbed vertically from above downwards while giving fomentation over muscles (in the direction of muscles).

Once the bolus loses its temperature, it should be replaced with other bolus which has been kept dipped in the oil in the heated pan. The fire beneath the pan should be constant (mild flame) until the treatment is completed. The boluses are thus changed one after the other until the procedure is completed.

After the completion of treatment, the residual oil etc are cleansed with the help of a tissue paper or vata alleviating leaves or with sterile cloth / cotton dipped in warm water.

Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda – Fomentation with Shashtika Rice (rice grown in 60 days duration) processed with medicinal decoctions packed in boluses shall be preferred as a combined therapy for Greeva Vasti when there are signs of severe Vata vitiation and degeneration of tissues and when nourishment seems to be in demand as far as the neck is concerned. It rejuvenates, nourishes and strengthens the neck bones, muscles and soft tissues.

Snana – Bath
The person is allowed to rest for about 1 hour and later advised to take hot water bath. He should be using green gram powder to rub his body. Siddhartha Snana churna (bathing powder) or any herbal powder can also be used alternatively. If the patient is being treated as outpatient, the patient is advised to take a bath at home after an hour or couple of hours.

Matra Basti –
Vasti (Basti) – medicated Enema’s are the best to control morbid Vayu and hence the painful conditions caused by it, including low back pain. It works wonder when there are degenerative issues with respect to neck bones as in cervical spondylosis and is also handy in osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Matra Vasti is a subtype of Vasti procedure wherein a small quantity of enema using medicated oil or ghee or a combination of both is given daily. Usually 50-75 ml is given after food.

Medicines used for Matra Vasti – Guggulutiktakam Ghritam, Mahanarayana Tailam, Sahacharadi Tailam, Dhanwantaram tailam / mezhupakam  etc

Matra Vasti is given on all days of Greeva Vasti

Nitya Virechana – Daily metered dose of purgation with purgative decoctions or oils like Gandharvahastadi Kashayam, Gandharvahastadi Eranda tailam, Nimbamritadi Eranda Tailam etc can be administered if a small amount of detoxification is essential on a daily basis or if morbid Vata and Pitta need to be tackled (optional and strictly based on the decision of the doctor). This can be thought of when Virechana is needed during treatment. Nitya Virechana can also be a part of follow up. Nitya Virechana should never be administered when Matra Vasti or Nasya is planned in the protocol of treatment. In such cases, where more than one procedure seems to be useful, they shall be used at different time periods. Ex. Nasya can be given during the schedule of Greeva Vasti and Nitya Virechana and or Matra Vasti if needed can be brought in the follow up seeing the morbidity of Vata and Pitta.

Discharge – The patient is discharged on daily basis (out-patient) or after the course has been completed (in-patient) after giving proper lifestyle and diet advice along with suitable medicines (oral). The patient is also advised to undergo the treatment twice or thrice in a year as a part of maintenance and to avoid recurrence. Chronic diseases if any should be attended by prompt intake of medication. Regular exercises should be added with a planned diet to reduce weight. Yoga and meditation too comes hand in hand in relieving the pain and other complaints related to neck pathology.

From my clinical experience
Some physicians like to finish the process after finishing Greeva  Vasti without touching or extending it to Abhyanga, Patra pinda sweda and Nasya. But with my clinical experience, combining therapies will definitely provide better and long-standing relief. Whenever I have combined Greeva Vasti with Patra Pinda Sweda or Nasya, the results have been outstanding. But again the nature of the disease and the predominance of the Dosha and affordability of the patient should be considered. There are no fixed rules for carrying on the treatments, the only rule is that things should not be overdone or underdone and the relief of the patient is the most important motive. Ayurveda has given us a liberty to experiment (Yukti).

Duration

Duration of the course –
The number of days of treatment varies from 7-14 days depending on the nature and intensity of the disease

Treatment (only Greeva Vasti) is done for a period of 30-45 minutes per session (Treatment duration will extend beyond this if it is combined with other treatments mentioned above)

Benefits

Relieves pain in the neck, shoulders and upper limbs
Relieves stiffness in the neck, shoulders and upper limb
Relieves swelling and inflammation in the neck, shoulders, in the bones and soft tissues of the neck
Brings lightness and a sense of health in the upper portion of the body
Improves movements of the neck and upper limbs and enable us to move and work freely
Strengthens the neck, shoulders and arms
Soothes the nerves supplying the neck, shoulders and arms (upper limbs)
Enhances blood supply to the neck and upper limbs
Alleviates associated conditions like headache, dizziness etc

Mode of action

Probable mode of action:
Almost all pains are caused due to –
Aggravation of Vayu (mainly degenerative types of pain) – This further leads to depletion and degeneration of tissues

Avarana of Vayu (enveloping of smooth functioning of Vayu by one or the other element of the body including Pitta, Kapha, Dhatus – tissues, etc)

Ama – Sticky toxins produced as a result of low digestion (gut and cellular) which hamper the smooth functioning of Doshas and Dhatus and hamper the excretion of body wastes by blocking them.

High Pitta can cause inflammatory type of pain in the low back and also in lower limbs

High Pitta can cause stiffness and loss of movements in the low back

Udwarthana and or Churna Pinda Sweda done before Greeva Vasti would dry up ama and kapha, liquidity of pitta (sama pitta) and relieve stiffness and loss of movements. Greeva Vasti nourishes the joints of the neck, pacifies the dosha causing pain or discomfort (by using ideal oils), soothes the nerves, relieves degeneration, stiffness and inflammation and cures pain. Patra Pinda Sweda further rejuvenates the back by controlling Vayu. Shashtika shali pinda sweda strengthens and nourishes the low back and limbs. Virechana detoxifies the system and relieves inflammation and Vasti drives the morbid Vayu out of the system and fortifies the cure. Vasti and Virechana also help in removing the avarana of Vayu and also in preventing the recurrence of neck pain. Vasti and Virechana together helps in preventing degeneration and inflammation, nourishes and rejuvenates the bones and soft tissues of the neck, enhances immunity and prevents recurrence.

It is not mandatory to combine all the treatments at a time but it is left to the wisdom of the Ayurvedic doctor attending your low back and the diagnosis he or she has done after examining you.

Other conditions which give you neck pain –
We should be wary about certain conditions which give neck pain. Greeva Vasti is not going to give relief in these conditions because the pain will be referred or radiating type. They are –
Heart attack
Meningitis
Polio,
Vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders
Hodgkins disease
Subacute Thyroiditis
Brain abscess
Spinal cord abscess
Laryngeal cancer
Brain aneurysm
Subarachnoid haemorrhage

Some of the above said are medical emergencies, which gives us a clue not to take neck or nape pain lightly and to seriously investigate the cause before starting with any remedies.

Ayurvedic medicines

Kashaya’s (Herbal decoctions):
Prasarinyadi Kashayam
Rasonadi Kashayam
Manjishtadi Kashayam
Pathyaksha Dhatryadi Kashayam
Pathyadi Kadha
Rasnapanchakam Kashayam
Dhanwantaram Kashayam
Amruthotaram Kashayam
Guggulutiktakam Kashayam
Kokilaksham Kashayam
Guluchyadi Kashayam
Gandharvahastadi Kashayam

Ghritam and Tailam (medicated ghee and oils):
Guggulutiktakam Ghritam
Varanadi Ghritam
Rasnadi Ghritam
Dhanwantaram Ghritam
Tiktakam Ghritam
Ksheerabala Tailam
Prasaranyadi Tailam
Ksheerabala tailam 101
Dhanwantaram tailam 101

Asava / Arishtam:
Dashamularishtam
Abhayarishtam
Ashwagandharishtam
Balarishtam
Arjunarishtam
Dhanwantararishtam
Devadarvarishtam etc

Vati and Gulika (Tablets):
Trayodashanga Guggulu
Rasnadi Guggulu
Simhanada Guggulu
Navaka Guggulu
Kaishora Guggulu
Yogaraja Guggulu
Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu
Ekangaveera rasa
Mahavata vidhwamsini rasa
Vatagajankush rasa
Maharajaprasarini Tailam / Tailam caps
Ksheerabala Tailam 101 caps
Dhanwantaram Tailam 101 caps etc

External applications:
The same herbal oils mentioned in Abhyanga etc. can be used for external application.

To sum up,
Greeva Vasti is the best treatment which Ayurveda provides to heal your neck pain. All you need to do is to meet an experienced Ayurvedic doctor and put forth your problems. The doctor will help you to get your sore back into its rhythm.

The beauty of Greeva Vasti is that it can even be administered on healthy individuals and health freaks. Thus Greeva Vasti forms an important part of prophylactic neck care, a part of ‘prevention is better than cure’ mantra.

If you have occasional neck pain, you are having a platform for a more serious one. If your job and posture are bad enough to predispose for recurrent episodes of neck pain and stiffness, you need to take preventive ‘Greeva Vasti’ sessions. In this your doctor may advise you to take Greeva Vasti and Patra Pinda Sweda and Nasya once (one day) a month or twice a month, say on alternate Saturday’s or Sunday’s.
Isn’t it good news to all of you?
So whenever you have a neck pain, think of Greeva Basti
Click to Consult Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ayu)