Murdhni-Sthanik Oil Retention Therapy for Knee Joint
Janu Basti is a classical Panchkarma supportive therapy designed specifically for the knee joint (Janu Sandhi).
A well-sealed reservoir (made of black gram dough) is created around both knees and continuously filled with warm, Vata-shamana medicated oil for a sustained period.
This prolonged contact of medicated oil deeply nourishes articular cartilage, hydrates synovial structures and reduces friction between joint surfaces.
It is clinically one of the most important external therapies in degenerative osteoarthritis, ligament strain-based discomfort, long standing pain, post-stress knee overuse and age-related knee dryness.
This is not a cosmetic spa ritual, it is a functional joint preservation protocol.
AYURVEDIC VIEW / HOW IT WORKS
knee joint complaints in Ayurveda fall primarily under Sandhigata Vata.
When Vata becomes Ruksha (dry), Khara (rough) & Shunyata (void space), joint structures become dry, painful, noisy and fatigued.
PITHY THERAPY INCULDE
| Ayurvedic Mechanism | Physiological Effect |
|---|---|
| Snigdha Snehana on Sandhi | Nourishes cartilage & synovial membrane |
| Ushna Guna | Improves micro-circulation and reduces stiffness |
| Vata Shamana in Janu Sandhi | Reduces pain, cracking & crepitus |
| Kledak Pitta Support | Restores hydration/lubrication balance |
Within a few sessions, patients report improved weight-bearing comfort and reduced morning stiffness.
INDICATION
Osteoarthritis knee / Sandhigata Vata
Ligament soreness & overuse strain (non-acute)
Postural occupational knee fatigue
Crackling sound / dryness while stair climbing
Chronic stiffness in runners / athletes
Old age degenerative knee changes
BENEFITS / EXPECTED RESULTS
reduced pain, grinding sensation & friction
better lubrication → smoother joint mobility
improved standing & walking tolerance
improved ease in stair climbing / squatting
reduced dependency on analgesics
long-term joint preservation & delayed progression
PROCEDURE STEPS
- 25 minutes – warm medicated oil retention on both knees
- 15 minutes – therapeutic massage on knee region
- 10 minutes – localized steam
TIME DURATION
Minute
0
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Avoid / postpone in:
acute inflammatory swelling
post-traumatic acute injury stage
fever / viral illness
open wounds
SESSION FREQUENCY / PROTOCOL
| Condition / Goal | Recommended Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lumbar OA / Chronic Stiffness | Daily | 10–14 sessions |
| Disc Hydration Support | Alternate day | 12–18 sessions |
| Sedentary Back Stress | Once weekly | 4–6 weeks |
| Maintenance | Once in 2–3 weeks | — |
