Effects of yoga and add on Ayurvedic Kati Basti therapy for patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) signficantly affects quality of life and productivity, leading to limitations in mobility, activity, and potential work absenteesim. Yoga and Ayurveda have shown promising evidence in reducing pain, improve function, and enhancing well-being for individuals with CLBP, as demonstrated by numerous studies. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of a 1-week residential integrative approach to yoga therapy. (IAYT) alone versus when combined with Ayurveda therapy (Kati Basti) in patients with CLBP. Methods: Forty patients were recruited from E-section of a holistic health center in South India for randomization and split into a Yoga and Ayurveda (n=20) and a Yoga-only (n=20) group. Yoga and Ayurveda group received a 1-week residential program combining Yoga and Ayurveda (therapy including Kati Basti with Ksheerbala Taila), while the Yoga-only group received only yoga therapy. Assessments at baseline, 1-week, and three months were measure pain intensity, disability, and depression. Results: Both Yoga and Ayurveda group, and Yoga-only group showed significant reductions in pain and improvements in disability and depression at 1-week and three months. Quality of life also improved, specifically in physical, social, environmental, and psychological health. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of pain, disability, and depression. Conclusion: Both interventions demonstrated comparable results in pain reduction and disability improvement, as well as alleviating depression symptoms. Only Yoga and Ayurveda group exhibited improvement in physical health. Further research should explore long-term effects and compare different yoga interventions.