Treating Pain with Potli Massage and Vasti: An Ayurvedic Approach to Pain Management

Everything in the universe is composed of the five elements: space, air, fire, water and earth.

In Ayurveda, chronic pain is seen as a result of an imbalance in the body’s main energies, called doshas. When these energies are out of balance, it causes discomfort and pain. Instead of focusing on temporary relief, Ayurveda takes a holistic approach that restores balance to these energies, treats the root cause of pain naturally and promotes long-lasting relief. 

In this blog, we explore Ayurvedic principles and therapies such as Polti Massage and Vasti that effectively treat chronic pain without side effects.  

Table of Contents

  • Understanding Pain from Ayurveda’s Perspective and Its Causes
  • Types of Pain Ayurveda Treats
  • Ayurvedic Treatments for Chronic Pain
  • Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatment for Chronic Pain
  • Why Choose Tarunveda 
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Pain from Ayurveda’s Perspective and Its Causes

Ayurveda views pain as the result of an imbalance in the body’s natural energies, called “doshas” – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurveda, pain occurs when Vata – the energy controlling movement and nerves, aggravates. This disturbance can block the body’s natural energy flow, leading to discomfort and pain.

But what triggers the pain? Some common causes of pain include:

  • Vata Imbalance: Caused by dryness, cold, and irregular habits. This results in joint stiffness, muscle soreness, or nerve pain.
  • Pitta Imbalance: Triggered by heat, inflammation, and digestive issues. This results in burning sensations, swelling, or sharp pain.
  • Kapha Imbalance: Occurs due to heaviness and stagnation, such as fluid retention or swelling in joints. 

Other contributing factors include:

  • Poor eating habits
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Excessive stress
  • External factors like cold weather or improper posture
  • Injuries
  • Stress

Types of Pain Ayurveda Treats

Ayurveda provides natural remedies for managing various types of pain. Here are some common pains that Ayurveda can help alleviate:

  1. Joint Pain and Arthritis: Ayurveda tackles joint pain and arthritis by focusing on reducing inflammation and balancing the Vata dosha. Herbal treatments and oil massages are effective in reducing stiffness and discomfort.
  2. Back Pain: Back pain, often due to poor posture or muscle strain, can be treated in Ayurveda through therapies like Abhyanga (oil massage) and Panchakarma, which help relax muscles and enhance mobility.
  3. Muscle Pain: Muscle pain can be relieved using Ayurvedic methods such as warm oil applications, herbal potlis, and therapeutic massages that help relax sore muscles.
  4. Nerve Pain: For nerve pain, Ayurveda utilises treatments like Vasti (medicated enema) and herbal remedies that calm the nerves and restore the body’s balance.
  5. Headaches and Migraines: Ayurvedic therapies like Shirodhara (pouring warm oil on the forehead), Nasyam and specific herbal treatments help address the underlying causes of headaches and migraines, which are often linked to stress or dosha imbalances.

Ayurveda’s holistic approach offers natural and safe methods for managing various types of pain effectively.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Chronic Pain

Ayurveda provides several therapeutic options to manage chronic pain by addressing the root cause. Some of the most effective therapies include:

1. Potli Massage

This potli massage uses warm herbal pouches, aka potlis filled with medicinal herbs, powders, or rice. The therapist heats the potlis and gently massages the affected areas, focusing on joints, muscles, and pressure points.

Benefits of Potli Massage for Pain

  • Reduces joint and muscle pain
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Relieves stiffness and inflammation
  • Promotes relaxation and flexibility
  • Balances Vata dosha, which often causes pain

Minimum Sessions Required: Typically, 7 to 10 sessions are needed for long-lasting relief.

2. Vasti Therapy

Vasti is an Ayurvedic treatment involving a medicated enema, using oils or herbal decoctions, as part of Panchakarma therapy. This method is highly effective in treating chronic pain by balancing the Vata dosha and eliminating toxins. 

There are two main types of Vasti Therapy: Internal Vasti and External Vasti.

Internal Vasti

Internal Vasti involves administering medicated oils or herbal decoctions directly into the colon through an enema. The primary aim is to detoxify, nourish, and balance the Vata dosha, which governs movement, nerve impulses, and bodily functions. There are two subtypes within Internal Vasti:

a. Sneha Vasti (Oil Enema)

Sneha Vasti involves the use of medicated oils as the main ingredient in the enema. The oil-based enema provides deep lubrication to the colon, which helps alleviate dryness and Vata imbalances.

Benefits:

  • Provides lubrication and nourishment to the colon
  • Relieves constipation, bloating, and dryness
  • Reduces lower back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness

Recommended Sessions: Typically 5–8 sessions depending on individual needs.

b. Kashaya Vasti (Decoction Enema)

Kashaya Vasti uses a water-based herbal decoction, sometimes combined with a small amount of oil. This type of enema provides a stronger detoxifying effect, helping to clear blockages and promote deeper cleansing.

Benefits:

  • Flushes out toxins and waste from the colon
  • Alleviates nerve pain and muscle stiffness
  • Provides relief from chronic joint pain and inflammation

Recommended Sessions: Generally 5–8 sessions depending on the condition’s severity.

External Vasti

External Vasti involves the external application of medicated oils on specific parts of the body to provide localised pain relief and reduce inflammation. In this process, a dam or reservoir of herbal dough is created on the target area and filled with warm medicated oil. This treatment is beneficial for managing localised pain and stiffness and includes several subtypes:

a. Kati Vasti (Lower Back Therapy)

In Kati Vasti, the dough dam is placed on the lower back, particularly over the lumbar region. Warm, medicated oil is poured into the dam to relieve back pain.

Benefits:

  • Relieves lower back pain and stiffness
  • Reduces inflammation in the lumbar region
  • Provides relaxation to the spine and lower back muscles

Recommended Sessions: Typically 5–7 sessions depending on the condition.

b. Janu Vasti (Knee Therapy)

Janu Vasti focuses on the knee joint. A dough ring is formed around the knee, and warm, medicated oil is applied to alleviate knee pain and improve joint mobility.

Benefits:

  • Relieves knee pain and stiffness
  • Reduces inflammation in the knee joint
  • Supports flexibility and mobility in the knee

Recommended Sessions: Typically 5–7 sessions based on the severity of the condition.

c. Greeva Vasti (Neck Therapy)

Greeva Vasti is performed on the cervical spine, targeting neck pain and stiffness. The warm, medicated oil in the dough dam provides relief from discomfort in the neck area.

Benefits:

  • Reduces neck pain and stiffness
  • Relieves inflammation in the cervical region
  • Improves mobility and flexibility in the neck

Recommended Sessions: Generally 5–7 sessions depending on individual needs.

d. Uro Vasti (Chest Therapy)

Uro Vasti is applied to the chest region, focusing on respiratory issues and tension in the chest muscles. Warm-medicated oil is used to relieve congestion, stress, and pain.

Benefits:

  • Relieves chest pain and stiffness
  • Eases respiratory discomfort and muscle tension
  • Promotes relaxation in the chest region

Recommended Sessions: Generally 5–7 sessions based on the condition.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatment for Chronic Pain

Ayurveda offers safe, natural ways to manage chronic pain, promoting overall well-being. Here are some benefits of Ayurveda in addressing pain at its root cause.

  • Holistic healing by addressing the root cause of pain
  • Uses natural remedies with no side effects
  • Customised treatments based on individual needs
  • Detoxifies the body to remove toxins
  • Reduces inflammation and swelling in affected areas

 

Why Choose Tarunveda

Managing chronic pain and enhancing overall wellness is now easy. Tarunveda is a top choice for Ayurvedic treatments in Delhi that help treat pain without side effects. Here are a few key reasons to choose Tarunveda:

  • Skilled practitioners with in-depth knowledge and expertise.
  • A holistic approach that targets the root causes of pain.
  • Natural remedies with no side effects.
  • Customised treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Comprehensive therapies, including Panchakarma and herbal remedies.
  • Positive patient outcomes and satisfied clients.

FAQ's

Ayurvedic treatments for pain involve therapies such as:

  • Vasti 
  •  Potli
  •  External vasti (local vasti)

Yes, Ayurveda can cure nerve pain by restoring balance to the Vata dosha, which is often linked to nerve issues.