Griva Basti

Griva Basti

🪔 Ayurvedic Perspective on Griva Basti

Griva Basti is a specialized localized therapy in Ayurveda, primarily used to treat Vata-related disorders in the cervical (neck) region. It is a type of external Snehana (oleation) where warm medicated oil is retained over the neck area for a specific period of time using a dough-based reservoir.

🌿 According to Ayurveda:

The Griva (neck) region is considered a site of Vata dominance. When aggravated, Vata causes symptoms like:

  • Neck stiffness

  • Muscular tightness or inflammation

  • Pain in the neck and shoulders

  • Dizziness

  • Cervical spondylosis

  • Nerve-related weakness or tension

Since Vata is dry, rough, and mobile in nature, it is best pacified through Snehana (unctuousness) and Swedana (heat/steam).

🛖 Procedure of Griva Basti:

  1. A dough ring (made from wheat or black gram flour) is formed around the cervical region.

  2. Warm medicated oil (such as Mahanarayan Taila, Dashamoola Taila, or Mahamasha Taila) is slowly poured into the ring.

  3. The oil is retained in this reservoir for 30–45 minutes.

  4. Afterward, the area is gently massaged and cleaned with warm water or a towel.

⚕️ Benefits of Griva Basti:

  • Improves blood circulation in the neck

  • Pacifies aggravated Vata dosha

  • Provides deep nourishment to muscles, bones, and nerves

  • Relieves stiffness, tightness, and pain

  • Enhances neck mobility and flexibility

  • Strengthens the neuromuscular system

🌼 Indicated in the Following Conditions:

  • Cervical spondylosis

  • Chronic neck pain and stiffness

  • Shoulder tension or heaviness

  • Vertigo or dizziness

  • Neuromuscular weakness in the neck region

When combined with Ayurvedic herbal medications, proper diet and lifestyle, yoga, and pranayama, Griva Basti offers holistic relief and restoration of cervical health.