Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal and compressing the nerves travelling through the lower back into the legs. Anuvasana Basti supports lubrication and Vata balance, but it cannot reverse mechanical nerve compression caused by lumbar stenosis. It is a supportive treatment.
- Avoid intense exercise, it may trigger symptoms. - You can focus on slow movement exercises like yoga - Knee to chest exercise, Pelvic tilts, gentle hamstring and calf muscle stretching exercise
Continue some internal medicine for 2 weeks and follow up. 1. Gandharvahasthadi kashaya 15ml + 45ml lukewarm water at morning. 2. Sahacharadi mezhupaka 5 drops along with kashaya 3. Stifain tab 0-0-1 after food. 4. Sahacharadi tailam for external application
Thank you for contacting ask Ayurveda.
Based on what you have described, you are suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis, with moderate pain while walking and mild cramping in the calves during exercise, even after completing Anuvasana Basti two months back. This situation is actually quite common in chronic spine and nerve related problems. So first thing, please do not panic. This is not unusual.
In ayurveda this condition is classified under Katigata Vata, with clear features of Avarana of Vata . In lumbar stenosis, there is structural narrowing in the spinal canal. Because of this, nerves get compressed. Thus is a degenerative Vata disorder, where dryness, degeneration, weakness, and obstruction are happening together. Not just one factor.
Anuvasana Basti mainly provides Sneha, meaning oiliness and nourishment, to aggravated Vata. It is a very good therapy. No doubt. But in conditions like lumbar stenosis, only Anuvasana basti is usually not sufficient.
Because here problem is not only dryness. There is also blockage. There is inflammation. And there is nerve compression.
So when only oil basti is given: Some lubrication happens Some stiffness may reduce Patient may feel temporary relief
That is the reason why pain while walking is still present, and why calf muscles start cramping during exercise. This does not mean treatment has failed. Not at all. It simply means treatment was incomplete or not fully matched to the depth of disease.
Importance of Niruha / Yoga Basti
In your case, Niruha Basti (decoction enema) is very important. This is not optional. Niruha basti helps in: Removing deep-seated obstruction Reducing inflammation around compressed nerves Improving nerve conduction Allowing Vata to move in proper and natural direction
For chronic lumbar stenosis, best and stable results are seen with: Yoga Basti, or Kala Basti protocol
This combination gives both cleansing and nourishment. Only oil without cleansing will not work here. Without Niruha basti, Anuvasana alone cannot give full relief, especially when walking pain is a major symptom.
Walking pain and calf cramping – what it actually indicates
Pain that increases during walking and exercise is a very typical sign of Vata prakopa with nerve compression. Calf cramping indicates: Vata affecting Mamsa and Snayu dhatu Reduced nerve and blood supply during exertion Muscles being pushed beyond their current capacity
Your body is clearly giving signal to slow down. But intense exercise is continuing. So Vata keeps getting aggravated again and again. Medicine tries to calm it. Exercise again disturbs it. So relief becomes slow.
You mentioned you are doing regular intense exercise. Honestly speaking, this is one of the main reasons pain is persisting. I have to be clear here.
In lumbar stenosis: High impact exercise Long walking Treadmill walking Excess stretching Twisting movements Forward bending
All these will increase nerve irritation, even if medicines are perfect.
Exercise is important, yes. But wrong exercise is harmful.
For now: Stop intense workouts Do only short, gentle walks Avoid long-distance walking • Avoid bending and twisting movements Swimming is allowed if comfortable Gentle physiotherapy or yoga only under proper guidance
Panchakarma Yoga Basti course (Anuvasana + Niruha in proper sequence) • Kati Basti with Sahacharadi taila or Mahanarayana taila • Regular Abhyanga followed by mild Swedana
These therapies help in relaxing deep muscles, reducing stiffness around lumbar spine, and improving nerve circulation.
Internal Medicines - You may consider the following medicines: Sahacharadi Kashayam – 15 ml twice daily before food with warm water Helpful for nerve pain, lower limb pain, difficulty in walking. Rasna Saptakam Kashayam – 15 ml twice daily Helps reduce inflammation and stiffness. Yogaraja Guggulu – 1 tablet twice daily after food Useful in chronic Vata disorders and spine related degeneration. Ashwagandha Churna – ½ teaspoon at night with warm milk
Diet and lifestyle Warm, freshly cooked food Slightly oily food is beneficial Avoid dry, cold, refrigerated food Avoid fasting and irregular eating Avoid excess tea and coffee
Drink warm water in small sips through the day.
Sleep should be proper. Late nights will worsen Vata. Cold exposure, direct AC air on body, sleeping on cold floors – avoid all these.
Lumbar stenosis is not an acute condition. It is chronic and degenerative.
Relief is: Slow Gradual But steady if treatment is done correctly Generally,Pain reduction starts after 3–4 weeks of proper basti and medicines Walking tolerance improves gradually Full recovery takes few days to months ….
Regards
Dr prasad
Hello I can understand your worry.Such kind of situation can be really disappointing. Lumbar spinal stenosis with persistent pain and calf cramping even after Anuvasana Basti can be really annoying especially when it makes it impossible to go for a walk or do your regular exercise. But it is alright as we are still with you to sort your problem out.
YOUR CONCERN
Lumbar spinal stenosis Anuvasana Basti done (approximately 2 months ago) Pain on walking still persists During exercise mild cramping in calf muscles Pain aggravated by physical activity Activity level: Regular intense exercise
AYURVEDIC UNDERSTANDING
According to Ayurveda, lumbar stenosis corresponds to Katigata Vata / Gridhrasi-like condition, where:
Vata dosha is very imbalanced in: –Asthi (bone) –Majja (nerve tissue) –Snayu (ligaments)
Long-term pressure leads to: –Rukshata (dryness) –Sankocha (tightness) –Margavarodha (obstruction in nerve pathways)
👉 Anuvasana Basti mainly brings lubrication and nourishment, however, in deep-rooted or structural cases, Anuvasana only is rarely enough.
WHY IS PAIN STILL THERE AFTER ANUVASANA BASTI?
👉 CHRONICITY OF DIESEASE
One of the major problems is chronicality of the disease If stenosis has been there for several years and Vata is very deeply lodged Only one Anuvasana basti treatment can bring only partial relief, not complete remission
👉COMBINED BASTI The work of Anuvasana Basti will be more effective if there is a Niruha (Asthapana) Basti – to release the obstructed Vata Removal of obstruction is necessary for oil to be able to give relief completely Without the combination Niruha Basti, Anuvasana Basti cannot achieve full relief.
👉EXCESSIVE EXERCISE
Excess or Intense Exercise Very intense exercise will definitely make Vata worse As a result, calf muscle cramps may appear due to: -Vata caused nerve irritation -Muscle ischemia and dryness
👉 In stenosis, if you push yourself too hard with the exercises, your symptoms will get worse, even though the exercise is generally good for you.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE NOW (STEP-BY-STEP)
✅ PANCHAKARMA MODIFICATION You may take a Kala Basti or Yoga Basti Combination of Anuvasana + Niruha basti Or Ksheera Basti (milk-based basti) if degeneration is predominant
⚠️ All the procedures should be carried out under a very professional and experienced Panchakarma physician.
✅ INTERNAL MEDICATION
1.Yograj Guggulu – 1-0-1 after food for Vata-kapha obstruction 2.palsineuron 1-0-1 after food – nerve & muscle strength 3.Lumbatone plus 1-0-1 after food
✅ EXTERNAL THERAPIES
Kati Basti with Sahacharadi / Kottamchukkadi Taila is very useful Patra Pinda Sweda (herbal bolus fomentation) Soft Abhyanga followed by gentle swedana
✅EXERCISE MODIFICATION (VERY IMPORTANT)
❌ AVOID Intense workouts Long walks without breaks Forward bending, jumping, weight lifting
✅ DO
Short and slow walks Light stretching Exercises in the supine position Yoga (very gentle and under guidance)
👉 If there is pain during exercise, you should stop doing it, not continue further.
✅DIETARY SUPPORT
INCLUDE Warm, cooked food Ghee (small daily quantity) Milk with turmeric (if digestion allows) Soups, stews
AVOID Dry foods Cold foods/drinks Excess fasting Raw salads at night
WHEN TO EXPECT IMPROVEMENT
Pain reduction: 4–6 weeks after proper combined therapy Walking tolerance improves gradually Calf cramps reduce as Vata normalizes
You cannot “heal” structural stenosis in a matter of days, however, pain, cramps, and general wellbeing can be greatly improved with the right Ayurvedic treatment.
–Anuvasana basti alone is not enough for lumbar stenosis –Combined basti + lifestyle correction is essential –Do not over-exercise as it will only delay healing –Regular, gentle therapy is the best long-term solution
Warm regards, Dr Snehal Vidhate
Also take brihath vata chintamani ras 1tab bd,maha yoga Raja Guggulu with Gold 1tab bd,maha Narayana tail external application u ll get results
Dr RC BAMS MS
You mentioned Regular intense exercise. This is the root cause of your persistent pain. In Stenosis, the spinal canal is narrow. Intense exercise increases friction and inflammation, undoing the benefits of the Basti treatment you took. You must stop high-impact exercise immediately.
Medicines Sahacharadi Kashayam: 15ml mixed with 15ml warm water, twice daily before food. Maha Yograj Guggulu: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water (after food). Ekangvir Ras: 1 tablet twice daily with warm water.
External Therapy Mahanarayan Tailam: Apply warm oil on the lower back and calves daily. Nadi Sweda (Steam): If possible, use a hot water bag or steam on the lower back after oiling to relax the tight muscles.
Lifestyle Advice Exercise Modification: STOP running, jumping, or heavy lifting. These compress the spine.
Allowed: Stationary Cycling (recumbent) or gentle walking only up to the point of pain. Forward Bending: In Stenosis, slight forward bending opens the canal. Avoid deep backward bending (extension) yoga poses (like Cobra pose), as they narrow the canal further.
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
take lumbaton pluse soft gel capsul 2 bd take castor oil 5 ml at night take yograj guglu 2 bd take livtone 2 bd take chandraprabhavati 2 bd
Some regime you should follow
✔️Do’s:✔️ Eat freshly cooked food. Chew an inch of fresh ginger half an before meal. Eat only fruit vegetables. Limit dairy products (stop if possible)
🧘♀️Yoga🧘♀️ Virabhadrasana Trikonasana Vrukshasan Prasavkonasan Bhujangasan Balasan Shavana
First thing in the morning as you open your eyes you have to do this exercise on bed. Raise your left leg straight up as high as you can without bending your knees. Bring in back down upto 5 degree donot touch down hold it in the air. Repeat this atleast 5 times in the start and slowly slowly increase the count.
🧘♀️Pranayam🧘♀️ Anulom Vilom Bhastrika Kapalbhati
❌Dont’s:❌ Sitting directly under a fan or right in front of the A.C Oily, spicy, processed food. Packed food products. Sour and fermented items. Bakery items. Fried food products. Potatoes.
💊Medication💊
Tab. Ampachak Vati. 2 tabs twice a day before food. Tab. Sinhanad Guggul 2 tabs twice a day before food. Cap. Palsinuron 2 caps twice a day before food. Syp. Maharasnadi Kwath 3 tsp twice a day before food with warm water.
Tab. Shankhavati 2 tabs twice a day after food. Suck and eat like hajmola
Sunthi Siddh Castor Oil. 3 tsp at bed time with a cup of hot water.
For lumbar stenosis, experiencing ongoing pain and cramping after Anuvasana Basti isn’t uncommon, as healing can take time and may require a multifaceted approach. Anuvasana Basti, which is an oil enema, often aids in nourishing and lubricating the tissues, but for chronic conditions like lumbar stenosis, additional measures may be needed.
Firstly, consider incorporating a regular routine of gentle Ayurvedic massages like Abhyanga using warm Mahanarayan oil. This could help relieve muscle tension around the lumbar region and calves, supporting better circulation and reducing cramping. Ideally, massage should be done before bath, preferably in the morning or evening whenever you can manage, ensuring the oil is slightly warm.
Strengthening agni (digestive fire) through dietary measures can also be quite helpful. Ensure a diet rich in light, easy-to-digest foods. Include spices like ginger and turmeric to enhance digestion and reduce inflammation. Avoid heavy, cold, and excessively oily or spicy foods, which can aggravate Vata, a common factor in pain disorders. Try to eat your meals warm and at consistent times to maintain digestive health.
Regular practice of specific yoga asanas to stretch and strengthen your lower back and calf muscles may provide relief as well. Ensure these exercises are done under guidance, especially if you’re unfamiliar with yoga techniques. Simple movements like forward folds or gentle back extensions can enhance flexibility and reduce nerve compression.
Ensure your sleeping environment supports spinal alignment. A firm mattress and a proper sleeping posture can make a significant difference. Consider placing a small pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side, or under your knees if you sleep on your back.
If symptoms persist, or worsen, consulting with an ayurvedic or allopathic specialist to explore imaging or other diagnostics might be worthwhile. Adding supportive therapies like Panchakarma or physiotherapy could be beneficial depending on your overall condition.
Anuvasan basti is the treatment for lumbar stenosis, the pain you experience is the pain which is lingering due to lumbar stenosis, takes longer time to see complete result. Apply nirgundi oil on calves Start with Trayodashang guggul 1-0-1
You have acompleted Anuvasana Basti about two months back , it mainly nourishes, lubricates and pacifies Vata, but in conditions like lumbar stenosis where there is structural narrowing, nerve compression and chronic Vata prakopa, Anuvasana alone is usually not sufficient to relieve walking pain and calf cramping.
The pain while walking and cramping in calves during exercise suggests neurogenic claudication. In Ayurveda this is a combination of Apana Vata and Vyana Vata disturbance with Margavarana caused by degeneration, dryness and stiffness in the lumbar region and nerve channels. When you walk or exercise intensely, Vyana Vata gets aggravated and the compressed nerve pathways fail to conduct properly, leading to pain, tightness and cramping in calves. continuing regular intense exercise in lumbar stenosis can delay healing and maintain symptoms, even if basti or medicines are given. this keeps Vata aggravated and prevents nerves from settling.
Two months after Anuvasana, if pain persists, the line of treatment needs correction and strengthening, not repetition of the same approach.
In such cases, classical management includes a properl planned course of Niruha basti along with localized external therapies like Kati basti or Kati pichu using Vatahara oils, and internal medicines that specifically support nerve tissue, reduce inflammation and improve circulation to the lower limbs. Calf cramping during exercise also indicates depletion of Majja dhatu and improper nerve muscle oordination. This is not just a muscle issue, it is nerve-related, so stretching or exercising more will not solve it on its own.
Avoid intense exercise, long walks, running, or anything that increases pain .short walk and specific yogic postures only if they do not provoke symptoms are safe
Dry, cold, light foods, irregular meals, excess caffeine or late night eating aggravate Vata and worsen nerve pain.
lumbar stenosis does not reverse overnight. The goal of Ayurveda here is to slow degeneration, reduce nerve irritation, improve walking tolerance and quality of life. This requires a correctly sequenced treatment plan and With the right correction, improvement is definitely possible.
HELLO,
PRIMARY DOSHA INVOLVEMENT
VATA PRADHANA VYADHI -Apana vata (pelvic lumbar region) -Vyana vata (movement, walking, calf muscles)
Secondary kapha Avarana may be present due to spinal canal narrowing (stenosis)
DHATU INVOLVEMENT -Asthi dhatu= degeneration, narrowing -Majja dhatu= nerve compression symptoms -Mamsa dhatu= calf cramping during exertion
SROTAS AFFECTED -Asthi and Majjavaha srotas -Pranavaha and Raktavaha (calf ischemia-like cramping on exertion)
PROBABLE SAMPRAPTI -Chronic vata prakopa -Long standing degeneration -Inadequate vata shamana despite Anuvasana Basti alone -Intense exercise aggravating vata
IMPORTANT Anuvasana basti alone is insufficient in chronic lumbar stenosis. It must be part of Kala/ Yoga/ Karma basti
WHY PAIN STILL PERSISTS AFTER ANUVASANA BASTI
1) Only Sneha basti given -does not remove Avarana or Ama
2) No Niruha (asthapana) basti -hence nerve inflammation + obstruction persists
3)Continued intense exercise -further aggravates vata
4) Degenerative pathology -requires long term Rasayana+ asthi majja strengthening
DETAILED MANAGEMENT PLAN
A) PANCHAKARMA ESSENTIAL
1) BASTI THERAPY (gold standard)
Niruha (anuvasana) basti= core treatment= Dashmoolaerandadi basti =relieves nerve compression symptoms, reduces calf cramping, improves walking tolerance
ANUVASANA BASTI= Sahacharadi tavla dose=60 ml -on alternate days with Niruha
DURATION= 8-16 days depending on strength
B) EXTERNAL THERAPIES
1) KATI BASTI = SAHACHARADI TAILA -duration= 40 min -course= 7-14 days
2) OIL MASSAGE ABHANGA -full body or lower back + legs -Ksheerbala 101 taila -daily for 21 days
3) NADI SWEDA/PATRA PINDA SWEDA -esepcially for calves -reduces exercise induced cramping
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) FOR VATA SHAMANA AND NERVE PAIN
-YOGARAJ GUGGULU= 2 tabs twice daily after meal
2) FOR NERVE STRENGTH AND CRAMPING
-ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at night
-BALA TAILA (internal)= 5 drops with warm milk in morning
3) FOR ASTHI-MAJJA SUPPORT
-ASTHI POSHAK VATI = 1 tab twice daily after meals
-LAKSHADI GUGGULU= 1 tab twice daily after meals
-DASHMOOLA KASHAYA= 30 ml twice daily with warm water before meals
D) LONG TERM ESSENTIAL Start after pain reduces
-CHYAWANPRASHA = 1 tsp in morning
DIET -warm,unctous, vata shamaka foods -ghee, milk, bone broths -rice, wheat, mung dal -garlic, ajwain, ginger
AVOID -dry, cold , raw foods -excess protein powders -caffeine, fasting -late night eating
EXERCISE AND LIFESTYLE Stop intense exercise temporarily
ALLOWED -gentle walking short distance -supine stretching -makarasana, shavasana
AVOID -running -weight lifting -excessive calf loading -forward bending and jerky movements Resume activity only after vata stabiization
PROGNOSIS -Pain relief =4-6 weeks -Improved walking distance= 6-8 weeks -Calf cramping = improves after proper niruha basti -Full recovery depends on stenosis severity
WHEN TO REASSESS Immediate reassessment needed if -increasing numbness or weakness -loss of bladder/bowel control -pain worsens despite basti
Your symptoms suggest chronic vata vyadhi with Asthi majja kshaya, inadequately managed with Anuvasana basti alone and aggravated by intense exercise.
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
