Case report: spinal injury managed with kati basti, matra basti and abhyanga

This case report describes the management of a lumbar spine injury using Kati Basti, Matra Basti and Abhyanga. Spinal injuries often lead to low back pain, radiculopathy, and varying degrees of motor or sensory loss in the lower limbs. Ayurvedic therapies, especially Basti and Abhyanga, are commonly used for conditions driven by aggravated Vata. A 32-year-old male presented with acute lumbar pain radiating to both lower limbs after trauma. He had reduced motor strength, sensory deficits, and difficulty walking. The initial assessment included VAS for pain, neurological examination, the straight leg raising test, and the Oswestry Disability Index. MRI of the lumbar spine showed L4–L5 posterolateral disc herniation with L5 vertebral compression fracture and canal compromise. Treatment included daily Abhyanga to the lumbar region and lower limbs for 25 to 30 minutes, followed by mild Nadi Svedana. Kati Basti and Matra Basti was given according to the classical method, using Mahanarayan oil. Over 14 days, the patient received two sessions of Kati Basti morning and evening and Matra Basti after food in the morning, with regular monitoring of neurological status and vital signs. The patient reported steady improvement in symptoms. Pain decreased (VAS 8 to 2), muscle strength improved (right knee extension from MRC grade II to IV), and functional capacity increased (ODI from 70% to 20%). No adverse events were observed. A one-month follow-up showed that the improvements were maintained. This case suggests the potential benefit of combining Kati Basti and Matra Basti with Abhyanga in selected spinal injury cases and highlights the need for controlled studies.