Kativasti (Kadivasthi) at Dhanwantari Ayurvedic Detox Center, Tiruvannamalai
Warm medicated oil therapy for lower back pain, sciatica, and stiffness—Kerala Ayurveda care
Introduction
Kativasti (also spelled Kadivasthi) is a classical Kerala Ayurvedic therapy for the lower back and lumbosacral region. To begin with, our team creates a soft dough ring over the painful area and then fills it with comfortably warm, medicated oil. As a result, heat and herbs work together to ease pain, reduce spasm, and improve mobility. Meanwhile, we follow strict hygiene and calm, respectful draping.

What Is Kativasti / Kadivasthi?
In essence, “Kati” means lower back and “Vasti” means to contain or hold. Accordingly, a dough dam (black gram or whole wheat) is fitted over the lumbar area so warm herbal oil can pool without leaking. Consequently, sustained warmth penetrates tissues, lubricates joints, relaxes muscles, and calms aggravated Vata—the dosha linked with pain and stiffness. Furthermore, when performed under guidance, the method is considered safe and dependable.
Who Benefits from Kativasti?
In particular, consider Kativasti if you experience any of the following:
- Mechanical low back pain from long sitting or driving
- Sciatica, radiating pain to the legs, or piriformis syndrome
- Lumbar spondylosis or disc bulge (as advised by the physician)
- Post-travel soreness, gym-related stiffness, or muscle spasm
- Postural strain in office workers, bikers, and caregivers
- Dryness or weakness around the lumbosacral region
Notably, guests choose Kadivasthi when they want focused relief without a full-body massage.
Key Benefits
Overall, Kativasti offers multi-layered support:
- Deep, localized warmth that reduces pain and spasm
- Improved flexibility and range of motion in the back
- Lubrication and nourishment of joints and tissues
- Vata calming—less dryness, cracking, and nerve irritation
- Better circulation and quicker recovery after strain
- A calmer mind and, therefore, better sleep quality
How We Perform Kativasti (Step-by-Step)
- Consultation: First, our physician reviews your symptoms, posture, and any X-ray/MRI. Based on this, we suggest a plan—standalone Kativasti or a combination with Abhyanga, steam, or simple physio advice.
- Preparation: Next, we clean the lumbar area and shape a custom dough dam with a secure seal. In addition, we confirm your comfort and explain each step.
- Medicated Oil Selection: Then, depending on your dosha and condition, we choose Mahanarayana Taila, Kottamchukkadi, Bala, or Dhanwantharam; moreover, we adjust temperature to your tolerance.
- Therapy: After that, we pour warm oil (comfortably hot, never scalding) into the dam and keep the temperature steady for 20–40 minutes. Meanwhile, a therapist recirculates the oil and tracks your comfort.
- After-care: Finally, we remove the oil, give a mild back massage, and may add short Swedana (herbal steam) to enhance absorption. Additionally, we teach easy stretches and home care.
Duration, Frequency & Course
- Per session: 30–50 minutes including prep and after-care
- Typical course: 5–7 sessions on consecutive or alternate days
- Chronic cases: 10–14 sessions as advised, with weekly or fortnightly maintenance thereafter
Moreover, we customize scheduling, monitor progress, and adjust the plan whenever needed.
Safety & Who Should Avoid
Generally, Kativasti stays gentle and safe in professional hands. However, we postpone or modify therapy in acute infections, open wounds, active skin disease at the site, fever, or pregnancy (unless the physician clears it). Throughout, temperature is carefully regulated and comfort is checked continuously.
After-Care & Home Tips
For best results, please follow these simple steps:
- Avoid direct cold wind or AC on the back for a few hours
- Sip warm water and choose light, easy-to-digest meals that day
- Practice gentle spinal mobility and hamstring stretches as taught
- Improve workstation ergonomics; take micro-breaks every 45–60 minutes
- For recurrent strain, add core work and, likewise, gentle yoga
Pair Kativasti with Other Ayurvedic Therapies
Additionally, Kativasti pairs well with complementary care:
- Abhyanga + Kativasti: First, a full-body oil massage reduces global tension; then focused back care deepens relief
- Herbal Steam (Swedana): Enhances penetration; consequently, stiffness reduces faster
- Greevavasti / Januvasti: Similar localized oil-retention therapies for neck or knees
- Nasya: Useful when back pain coexists with dryness, poor sleep, or stress
- Panchakarma programs: Recommended when systemic imbalance drives chronic pain
Indicative Pricing (Tiruvannamalai)
- Single Kativasti session: ₹900 – ₹1,500 (depends on oils and duration)
- 5-session package: Value pricing available
- Abhyanga + Kativasti + Steam combo: From ₹1,800 – ₹2,600
Therefore, we keep pricing transparent and share exact quotes after a quick evaluation. If you prefer, package details can be provided in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kadivasthi help sciatica?
Yes. Many clients feel reduced nerve irritation and better mobility when we combine Kadivasthi with guided stretches and posture correction.
Will I feel heat or any discomfort?
Typically, you’ll feel pleasant warmth—never burning. If needed, we adjust temperature continuously and pause the session if you feel uneasy.
How soon will I notice relief?
Often, clients feel lighter after the first session; most notice meaningful change after 3–5 sittings, with steady gains over a full course.
Can I do it during menstruation?
Usually, we postpone to avoid overheating or discomfort; please check with our physician.
What clothes should I wear?
Come in loose, comfortable clothing. Draping is provided and, importantly, hygiene is strictly maintained.
Why Choose Dhanwantari Ayurvedic Detox Center
- Kerala-trained therapists and in-house Ayurvedic physician
- Authentic medicated oils and precise temperature control
- Clean, calm rooms near Arunachala; easy scheduling and guidance
- Integrated plans with massage, steam, Nasya, and lifestyle coaching
Book Your Kativasti Session
Dhanwantari Ayurvedic Detox Center
1st Floor, 91 Chengam Road, Ramana Nagar, Tiruvannamalai – 606603
Open: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (All Days)
Phone/WhatsApp: +91 93859 34668
Website: dhanwantariayurveda.com
To conclude, call or message us to discuss your back pain, choose the right course length, and reserve your Kativasti (Kadivasthi) appointment today. Ultimately, our goal is steady relief and confident movement.

