Today's lifestyle is all about working for too long in front of computer screens and mobile phones, which also includes poor posture and excessive stress that often leads to stiffness in the neck and shoulders. This stiffness is not easy but very painful. This is why neck pain has become one of the most common health hazards. If not treated properly, it can be chronic!!
Neck pain never comes alone. It brings along headaches, pain in the shoulder, tingling arms, and prolonged discomfort. Ayurveda has a wonderful healing wand for neck pains like cervical spondylosis, spondylitis, etc. This is the Greeva Basti treatment. In this blog, we will understand the benefits of the Greeva Basti treatment in treating neck and shoulder pain.
Ayurveda is a natural and holistic way used to treat health issues in humans. Greeva Basti is one of the best nourishing therapies for the neck region. In this, warm medicated oil is applied in a certain way that it helps in relieving the deepest tissue and cells of the neck region. It also helps in relieving the pain from the nerve and rejuvenates the whole neck region. It is not like modern medicine that subsides symptoms, but it works on the root cause. This is why it might take a bit longer than modern medicine, but the effect is long-lasting and deep. The treatment focuses on improving the blood circulation, muscle health, and supporting long-term wellness. So let us understand what Greeva Basti is all about.
What Is Greeva Basti Treatment?
Now, let us understand what Greeva Basti is in Ayurveda. Greeva means neck, and Basti means to hold something. Greeva Basti is one of the most authentic and ancient Ayurvedic therapies. In this therapy, warm medicated oil is retained on the neck region for a certain period of time. A ring is made using the dough, and it is placed on the neck, on the back of your neck. Warm oil is poured into that ring. The warm oil stays in that ring for some time until it properly gets soaked deep into the neck tissues, muscles and joints for proper nourishment!!!
The warmth of the oil helps in improving the blood circulation in the neck region and helps in removing the stiffness. It is not a regular oil massage but a therapy that keeps the oil on the affected area for a longer period of time. This helps in offering deeper relaxation and relief from cervical pain!! So, Greeva Basti is an Ayurvedic therapy that helps in curing the pain in the neck and shoulder region.
What is the Greeva Basti Treatment Procedure: Step-by-Step?
Greeva Basti is not just about pouring the oil on your neck area! It is a detailed procedure in Ayurveda. The whole Greeva Basti is carefully planned as per the individual's body type and the problem. After that, a proper treatment is given. Here is the detailed Greeva Basti Procedure
1. Assessment of the patient
Greeva Basti starts with proper patient assessment. Here, an Ayurvedic practitioner who is certified to do the assessment of the patient to know the patient's body type or prakriti, their problems, symptoms, and more. The assessment usually includes details about the neck region, the symptom duration, medical history, evaluation of the person's posture, mobility of the neck, and more. All this comes together and helps the Ayurvedic practitioner to pick the best oil as per the individual's need.
2. Room preparation
Another important step in any Ayurvedic therapy, including Greeva Basti, is the preparation of the room where therapy will be given. This is an important step, and it includes keeping the room clean, peaceful, and warm for the procedure because warmth helps in rejuvenation. During this time, the therapy table is cleaned, medicated oils are prepared, black gram flour is arranged for making the dough, heating equipment is arranged, fresh towels are arranged, and other necessary things are arranged in the therapy room.
3. Patient positioning
Now, finally, the patient is brought for the Greeva Basti treatment. In this, the position of the patient is set. The practitioners and the therapist make the patient lie on the therapy table very comfortably. The patient has to lie upside down, the patient has to lie on their stomach, facing downward. After that, the neck is positioned in a way that it is relaxed, so that all the muscles in the neck region are not stiff but loose throughout the Greeva Basti procedure. Proper positioning of the patient is done so that oil and the whole treatment can be administered in the best way possible.
4. Neck massage
Before starting the main Greeva Basti treatment, a gentle neck massage is performed in order to loosen the muscles and allow the oil to absorb the maximum benefits from the oil. This helps in improving the circulation and preparing the body for the Greeva Basti treatment. The massage is very gentle, and it in itself will help in relieving the pain to a greater extent.
5. The dough ring preparation
The dough ring is the main component of the Greeva Basti. In this, black gram flour is used to prepare a ring, which will be placed on your neck for the Greeva Basti treatment. The edges are brought together and sealed properly in order to prevent any kind of leakage or spill. This ring works like a reservoir of oil when placed on your neck region.
6. A stream of oil
Now, the medicated oil that was selected as per the patient's need is warmed to a certain temperature. Then the therapist or the practitioner will pour the warm oil inside the dough ring. The warm oil is poured until the whole ring is filled with the oil. The oil will give you a pleasant warmth on your skin and the deeper tissues. The oil is not too hot. It is kept just at a comfortable temperature.
7. Temperature maintenance of oil
When oil is on your back inside the ring, it cools very fast. This is why a small amount of oil is continuously removed from the ring, and fresh warm oil is added to maintain the warmth of the oil. The temperature is the key to this treatment. The particular temperature is maintained in order to benefit the neck area with the oil.
8. Oil retention
Oil is retained on the back for a certain time. This duration mostly ranges from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. The duration depends on the treatment plan as well as the condition. During these 20 to 40 minutes, the warmth of the oil is soaked deep into the cells, muscles, tissues, and joints. This gently helps in relieving the stiffness and pain in the back region!! The patient has to remain still to avoid any kind of spill or hindrance in the treatment.
9. Oil removal
After the completion of the session, the oil is removed from the ring. The dough ring is removed from the back region, and a soft towel is used to clean the back and neck.
10. The massage
A final massage is administered after the dough ring is removed. This helps in absorbing the remaining oil into the neck region. This helps in additional rejuvenation and relaxation of the muscles and nerves in the neck region!!
[Read Also: 7 Positions of Abhyanga Massage]
Why is Greeva Basti Treatment Needed Today?
Modern life has disconnected us from our natural roots. This is why we do not give enough attention to our bodies. Prolonged stress in our neck region often leads to chronic symptoms and problems like cervical spondylosis, etc. Stiffness and pain have become very common today. The reason why Greeva Basti is again gaining importance in today's modern world is as follows.
1. Long desk work
Today, people have to spend 9 to 10 hours working on a laptop and computers, sitting in the same place. This led to constant strain and pain in the neck region.
2. Excessive screen time
When we use a phone, we have to constantly look down at the screen. This leads to poor posture of the neck region. This is why neck problems have become quite common today. And this demands Greeva Basti.
3. Stress and tension
Physical ailments are not only caused by physical causes, but also due to constant stress and tension. Stress sits deep in our bodies and leads to problems like pain, stiffness, strain, etc. This is another reason why the Greeva Basti is an important part of our lifestyle today.
5. Sedentary lifestyle
Today, our lifestyle lacks movement. Earlier, people used to perform yoga, pranayama, and meditation, which was the reason for their healthy and long lives. But today's sedentary lifestyle is dominated, making the body and neck prone to stiffness and discomfort. This again demands Greeva basti treatment.
6. Long drives
Today, people have to commute from one place to another. And driving has become very common. Driving for long hours can lead to various problems, including neck pain and stiffness. Here also, the Greeva Basti works the best.
7. Age-related problems.
Wear and tear can happen in our body, muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves as we age. Age-related neck issues can also be relieved by the Greeva basti.
8. Disconnection from natural roots
In ancient times, India was famous for holistic healing. Ayurveda was the only, was the, Ayurveda was not a treatment. It was a lifestyle that everyone used to follow. This is why, in earlier times, people lived long and healthy lives free from these modern ailments. Today, we are disconnected from our ancient Ayurvedic roots. This is why Greeva Basti is very important today to reconnect with the herbs and nature to stay healthy.
What are the Greeva Basti Treatment Benefits?
The rejuvenating Greeva Basti treatment in Ayurveda is given in the following cases:
1. Cervical spondylosis
Greeva Basti is one of the most important parts of cervical spondylosis treatment. It helps the muscles to relax and ensures good movement of the neck region.
2. Chronic pain in the neck
People who are experiencing prolonged and chronic neck pain can also take Greeva Basti as per the direction of an expert Ayurvedic practitioner.
3. Stiffness of neck
Continuously working and stressful days can result in neck stiffness. It can make the movement of the neck very difficult. Greeva Basti helps in soothing the neck region and ensuring good movement of the neck.
4. Neck spasm
Most of the time, our neck often gets muscle spasms. This can hinder the movement of our neck region. The warm oil used in the Greeva Basti helps in relieving muscle spasm, thereby ensuring good neck health.
5. Referred pain
When our neck is stiff due to any acute or chronic illness or condition, the pain can travel to the shoulder as well as the head region. Greeva Basti is very helpful in rejuvenating the health of our upper back.
6. Posture-related pain
When we are not able to keep up our posture due to constant use of the phone, computer, and laptop, it can also lead to posture-related neck pain. This strain is very uncomfortable and can hinder our daily lifestyle. Greeva Basti is very good in relieving muscle tension and supports healthy neck functioning!!
What are the different oils used in the Greeva Basti?
In Greeva Basti, oil is selected as per the person's Prakriti and the other Ayurvedic diagnosis. Some of the most common oils used in Greeva Basti are as follows:
1. Mahanarayan Taila
When there is a lot of stiffness and neck pain, then for balancing Vata, Mahanarayan Tel is used in the Greeva Basti.
2. Dhanwantharam Taila
When there is any musculoskeletal disorder that can hinder the flexibility of the neck region, then this oil is used.
3. Kashirra Bala Taila
It is a mix of Bala herb and milk. This oil is used when the Vata dosha is causing problems in the neck region.
4. Sahacharaadi Taila
This oil is also used in the Greeva Basti for selected types of pain, stiffness, upper back and shoulder strain.
5. Bala Taila
This is the most effective therapeutic oil used in most of the cases of Greeva Basti. It strengthens the muscle and ensures tissue nourishment.
6. Pinda Taila
If in the neck region there is a burning sensation along with pain, then Pindataila is used to remove the inflammation.
7. Murivenna Taila
This oil is also used to comfort the neck in the case of muscle injury, tissue injury or strain. This is good for quick recovery.
8. Vishagarbha Taila
When there is a chronic neck disorder, stiffness and immobility, then Vishagarbha Tela is used in Greeva Basti.
Read Also: Ayurvedic guide to remove stress
Conclusion
Greeva Basti is a natural elixir in Ayurveda for the neck and upper back region. It is a natural therapy that does not use any chemical-based, harmful medicines or oils. In this, oils are extracted from various herbs and are prepared into a formulation for the therapy. These oils differ from person to person and case to case. Different body constitutions require different kinds of oils.
Similarly, different stages of pain require different types of oil. The key is the temperature control here. During the whole Greeva Basti, temperature is properly controlled, and the whole procedure is administered by an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and therapist. If you are looking for the best cervical treatment in Rishikesh or the best Greeva Basti treatment in Rishikesh, India, then Haritha Ayurveda Centre and Panchkarma Academy welcome you.
Comments (0)