Why it happens (Nidana)
Prolonged sitting and bad posture, lifting strain, two-wheeler jolting, excess dry-cold-light food, over-exercise without recovery, constipation (Vata reflux), age-related tissue dryness.
Joints & Bones
Low Back Pain · Katishoola
vata involved Source: Charaka Samhita on Vatavyadhi; Sushruta Samhita Nidana 1
Katishoola — pain seated in the lower back — is almost always a Vata disorder in Ayurveda: dryness and depletion of the lumbar tissues from long sitting, poor posture, strain or age. Treatment is oil inside and out: warm oil massage, heat, gentle mobilisation and Vata-pacifying food, escalating to Panchakarma (Kati Basti) for stubborn cases.
See a doctor first if: Pain radiating below the knee with numbness or weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency), fever with back pain, pain after significant trauma, or night pain with weight loss — get medical evaluation.
How it shows up (Lakshana)
Aching or catching pain in the lower back, stiffness on rising from sitting, relief with warmth and gentle movement, worsening with cold, long sitting and exertion.
Key herbs & formulations
Nirgundi, Rasna, Eranda (castor), Guggulu formulations (Yogaraja Guggulu, Trayodashanga Guggulu), Bala and Ashwagandha internally; Mahanarayana Taila for massage.
Classical medicines beyond kitchen herbs should be taken under a registered Ayurvedic practitioner, especially with existing medication, in pregnancy, or for children.
Home care protocol (Chikitsa)
Warm Mahanarayana or sesame oil massage over the lower back 15 minutes daily followed by hot fomentation (hot water bag over a cloth); a teaspoon of castor oil in warm milk at bedtime twice a week lubricates from inside; do not sit longer than 45 minutes without standing; Kati Basti (warm oil pooling therapy) at a Panchakarma centre works well for chronic cases.
Food rules (Pathya–Apathya)
Favour
Warm, unctuous, freshly cooked food; ghee daily; sesame in winter; milk with a pinch of dry ginger at night; soaked nuts; adequate protein for muscle.
Avoid
Cold, dry, stale food; excess beans and raw salads; skipping meals; cold water baths on a painful back; fasting during pain.
Lifestyle (Vihara)
Sit with lumbar support; screen at eye level; sleep on a firm (not hard) mattress; heat before activity, never bounce-stretch a cold back; strengthen the core gently once pain settles.
Yoga & breath
Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana and Marjariasana gently; Pawanmuktasana; avoid forward-bending asanas during acute pain.
AyurSetu provides traditional Ayurvedic wellness information for education only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician. Seek immediate medical care for severe, sudden or persistent symptoms.