Neck pain is a common painful condition of the modern day world. Sitting in front of computers, wrong postures while sitting, standing and sleeping, long distance traveling in packed local buses and trains have contributed to an increasing number of patients who suffer from the chronic sore neck.
Neck pain is called by the names Greeva Shula, Greeva stambha and Manya Stambha in Ayurveda
Aprasu Ayurveda offers the best remedies for neck pain and related pain conditions. Among all the remedies available for neck pain (acute and or chronic),
Green Basti is the most popular one. It gives a magical relief from the pain and stiffness associated with neck pain and in many cases a long standing one too. When Griva Vasti is combined with effective treatments like Nasya (nasal instillation of medicines), Abhyanga (massage with herbal oils), Patra Pinda Sweda (leaf bolus fomentation) etc and disease modifying drugs and compounds, it provides a significant and appreciable relief in many painful neck related conditions like Cervical spondylosis etc.
Green Basti means a treatment in which medicated oils are poured and pooled for a fixed duration of time in a compartment or a cabin constructed over the neck or nape of the neck (back side of the neck) area using wet flour of black gram, covering the cervical region (nape of the neck / over the neck bones).
Cervical spondylosis
– It is one of the most common causes of the neck pain. Cervical spondylosis is also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis. It is a degenerative condition of the bones forming the neck (cervical vertebrae). It affects the joints and discs (cushion-like material between every 2 bones of the spine or backbone) and soft tissues of the neck. It develops due to the wear and tear of the cartilage and bones found in the cervical spine. While it is generally contributed to the aging process, it can be caused by other factors as well.
Procedure:
The person undergoing Greeva Basti is made to lie face down on the massage table. The dough is prepared out of black gram flour or whole wheat flour. It is then made into a small ring of four to five inches in diameter which is placed over the neck to cover all the vertebrae of the neck and 2-3 vertebrae of the thoracic region. After it is glued with some water to make it leak proof, lukewarm medicated oil or the decoction of herbs is slowly poured into it. When this cools down it is squeezed out and replaced with a warmer one. At the end of the procedure, the dough is removed; a gentle massage is given over the area. The person is made to take rest for a while.
Duration of treatment: 30 minutes
Benefits:
1) Relieves the burden of stress and congestion in nerves, bones, and muscles of the neck and shoulders and thus relaxing and rejuvenating them
2) Improves flexibility and brings smooth movement.
3) Improves circulation around the neck and shoulder region.
4) Relieves pain and stiffness.