Ayurveda offers a range of natural treatments for sciatica and lower back pain. Ayurvedic remedies and treatments for sciatica pain relief are mentioned in this article.

Lower back pain and sciatica are common disorders affecting up to 80% of people during their lifetime.¹

According to Ayurveda, the lower back is ruled by a subtype of Vata known as Apana Vata or ‘downward flowing wind’.

Apana Vata is centered in the colon, pelvis and lumbosacral region of the lower back.

Here, Vata has found its natural throne from where it governs a variety of physiological functions, including movement in the lower back, hips, and thighs, and all excretory processes of the body (feces, urine, menstruation, etc.)

The dry quality of Vata, in excess, can lead to weakness and changes in the structure of the spinal joints.

Focus on Sciatica Pain

Sciatica is known in Ayurveda as grdhrasi which means ‘vulture’. This descriptive name refers to the limping gait of a person due to the excruciating pain from sciatica.

The meaning of Vata is ‘that which spreads’. It is said in Ayurveda that “where there is pain, there is Vata”. Sciatica is a classic example of a Vata disorder. Although the problem starts in the lower back, the pain spreads down the leg.

Now let’s look at some Ayurvedic remedies and treatments for lower back and sciatica pain.

Ayurvedic Treatments For Sciatica Pain Relief

Kati Basti

Kati basti is a treatment of the lower back, unique to Ayurveda. ‘Kati’ refers to the lower back and ‘basti’ means ‘to hold’.

Flour dough is used to form a well on the lower back and is filled with warm oil. The oil is kept warm by continuously replacing it as it cools.

The warm oil increases blood circulation in the area, relaxing the muscles, relieving pain, improving movement and reducing stiffness.

“Then the real magic happens, which I can’t quite explain. [Kati Basti] feels exceptionally relaxing and completely changes how my back feels – so much lighter. Freeing.” – Birgit

A traditional Ayurvedic full body massage (abhyanga) helps to relieve tension in the muscles.

Medicated herbal oils are used, which are absorbed through the skin to nourish the body.²

Abhyanga is traditionally followed by steam therapy – either localized or of the entire body – to further soften and relax muscles.³

If you want to learn more about abhyanga, check out Robert and Melanie Sachs’ course on Himalaya mountain abhyanga below.

Therapeutic Enema (Vasti/Basti)

By inserting herbal oil or herbal decoction into the colon in the form of therapeutic enemas, excess Vata is removed from its main seat in the pelvic area.

Both the rectum and colon have very rich blood and lymph supply that allows for effective absorption.

Studies have shown that substances delivered by enemas are more effectively passed into the general bloodstream than by oral administration, as it bypasses metabolism in the liver.²

Herbal Supplements

The following herbs are often used for reducing Vata in the lower back region.

Castor oil (Ricinus Communis)

Castor oil has a mild purgative effect which helps to reduce Vata.

Dashamula

Dashamula is a renowned traditional herbal combination of ten roots.

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

One of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs, ashwagandha is nourishing, rejuvenating and reduces pain.

Guggulu (Commifora Mukul)

Guggulu is a gum resin obtained from a small tree. It has strong pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties, widely used for the joints.

Lower back pain and sciatica can be effectively treated by Ayurveda in a great many cases, reducing the necessity for pain killers and even surgery or spinal injections.

In addition to the Ayurvedic treatments described above, an Ayurvedic practitioner will also advise dietary and lifestyle changes to avoid the causes of the sciatica pain. The whole body may be brought back into balance.

Got a question? Connect with us in the comments below!

Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying the above-mentioned treatments, herbs, and remedies for sciatica pain relief.

About the Author

Colette Jyothi Park

Colette is an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner working full-time within the Ayurvedic field since 2010. She holds a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Ayurveda and an MSc in Clinical Nutrition. Colette currently enjoys giving Ayurvedic consultations, herbal prescriptions and a wide range of therapeutic treatments in London, UK. She also lectures on Ayurvedic theory and practice and writes Ayurvedic copy for various media.