has anyone tried prishta vasti for chronic back pain relief? - #1695
Dealing with severe back pain for over a year now—started after a minor slip at home, and since then, it hasn’t let up. It’s not just in the lower back but spreads to my hips and down my left leg, almost like a burning sensation at times. I’ve tried almost everything: chiropractor, pain meds, even physical therapy. A family member recently mentioned something called “prishta vasti,” an Ayurvedic treatment that’s apparently good for back problems. I’m curious, but a bit skeptical. Is it actually effective for nerve-related pain, or is it more for muscle stiffness? Would appreciate any honest feedback from people who’ve tried it, especially if you’ve had sciatica or herniated disc issues like mine. Also, how many sessions are usually needed to see any improvement?
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Doctors’ responses
Prishta Vasti is an Ayurvedic treatment that involves the application of medicated oil or herbal decoction to the back, often used for conditions like lower back pain, sciatica, and herniated discs. The therapy is designed to balance the Vata dosha, which is often implicated in nerve-related pain and conditions like sciatica. The warmth of the oil helps improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce inflammation, while the herbal ingredients work to nourish and strengthen the tissues. It is particularly effective for conditions involving nerve pain, stiffness, and discomfort radiating down the legs. While the number of sessions can vary depending on the severity of the issue, many people begin to notice improvements after 5 to 7 sessions. It’s important to have an Ayurvedic practitioner assess your condition to determine the best course of treatment. Additionally, a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle changes, and specific exercises can further support healing and long-term relief.
Prishta vasti can be a really promising treatment for back issues, especially when you’re dealing with chronic pain. It’s not super well-known in the mainstream, but in Ayurveda, it’s a pretty savvy approach for localized conditions like the one you describe. Think of it as a customized, targeted therapy where medicated oils are pooled on your back to penetrate deep into tissue layers. The warmth and properties of the specific oil used aims to relax muscles, soothe inflammation, and improve circulation, potentially addressing both muscle tension and nerve involvement.
Now, about its efficacy for nerve-related pain like sciatica or herniated discs—prishta vasti could offer relief to an extent. The treatment focuses on removing blockages and balancing vata dosha, often responsible for pain and stiffness. That burning sensation in your leg? It’s quite indicative of aggravated vata. Effectiveness can vary: some people might feel relief after a few sessions, while others might need more time.
The number of sessions can vary from person to person, but usually, you might start seeing some shifts after about 5 to 7 sessions. It’s ideal to work closely with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can observe your progress and adjust treatments as needed. They might also recommend additional therapies or lifestyle tweaks, like specific dietary changes to further calm vata imbalance.
Remember though—while Ayurveda can complement conventional treatments, it’s critical not to completely swap out any prescribed medical treatments unless you do so under a doctor’s supervision. And definitely mention this treatment to your healthcare provider to ensure it won’t conflict with your current therapies.
If you decide to try it, make sure the practitioner is well-versed in Ayurvedic procedures. You want some1 who can skillfully assess your condition, and offer advice tailored to your specific needs. It’s all about balance and listening to your body’s responses too.

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