Dates
From August 1st to 2nd, 2026
Place
1 Imp. des Ormeaux, 11110 Salles-d'Aude, France
Your trainer
Amandine Galtier
0650246239
About the training
EXTERNAL BASTIS & POUCHES ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA
The Bastis
Specific training based on body treatments according to Ayurveda and open to people who have completed module 1 and to wellness and Ayurveda professionals.
External bastis (or sthaniya basti ) are localized therapeutic techniques consisting of maintaining a warm medicinal oil on a specific area of the body for a set period of time.
To achieve this, a sealed reservoir is formed using a paste made from flour or legume paste, directly on the area to be treated. Hot oil is then poured into this structure and maintained for approximately 20 to 40 minutes, providing localized thermal and therapeutic action.
These techniques belong to the Ayurvedic approaches of oleation (snehana) and gentle heat therapy, aimed in particular at soothing Vata dosha, often involved in musculoskeletal disorders.
External bastis are named according to the area of the body being treated, for example:
Janu basti: application at the knee
Kati basti: lumbar region
Greeva basti: cervical region
Hridaya basti: sternal region
Nabhi basti: umbilical region
These techniques are traditionally used to support the management of joint pain, muscle stiffness, mobility disorders, and imbalances associated with Vata.
From a contemporary perspective, their effects could be linked to local therapeutic heat, muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and the action of Ayurvedic medicinal oils.
Within the training, students will learn the theoretical principles, indications, application protocols and precautions for using these techniques.
Training objectives
° Understanding the Ayurvedic principles of external bastis and localized treatments
° Learn the protocols for setting up the bastis
° Mastering the preparation and use of medicinal oils
° Discover the techniques of massage and work with Ayurvedic poultices
° Adapt these techniques according to the doshic imbalances and the needs of the person
📚 PROGRAMME
Theoretical foundations
° Introduction to localized treatments in Ayurveda
° Principles of Snehana (oleation) and thermal therapy
° Role of Vata dosha in musculoskeletal disorders
° Indications and contraindications for external bastis
° Choice of medicinal oils and plants used
Study of external bastis (Sthaniya Basti)
° Therapeutic principles and indications
° Preparation of the dough used to form the reservoir
° Setting up the basti and managing the oil temperature
° Duration and procedure of the treatment
° Integration of basti into a body care sequence
Study and practice of the main bastis:
✔️Janu basti (knees)
✔️Kati basti (lumbar region)
✔️Greeva basti (cervical region)
✔️Hridaya basti (sternal region)
✔️Nabhi basti (umbilical region)
✔️Netra tarpana basti (eye region)
PLANT POUCHES & RICE PUDDING
This training is dedicated to the study and practice of various traditional Swedana techniques (heat therapy) using medicinal pouches applied to the body.
These treatments belong to the Ayurvedic body therapies aimed at promoting tissue relaxation, stimulating circulation, and balancing the doshas. They are frequently used in musculoskeletal treatments and in certain tissue revitalization approaches.
Participants will learn how to prepare the sachets, select the plants and medicinal substances, as well as the application protocols and precautions for use.
Traditional indications
° Pacify Vata dosha : stiffness, joint pain, tissue dryness
° Muscle tension and musculoskeletal disorders
° Body fatigue and joint stiffness
° Stimulation of blood and lymphatic circulation
° Support for mobility and flexibility
Depending on the substances used, certain techniques can also act on Pitta or Kapha , particularly in inflammatory or congestive states.
Techniques studied
° Pinda Swedana – plant pouches
Pinda Swedana involves applying poultices containing heated medicinal plants to the body. This technique combines massage, heat, and the effects of plants, promoting muscle relaxation and tissue stimulation.
° Navarakizhi – rice pudding pouches
Navarakizhi is a traditional technique using pouches filled with medicinal rice cooked in milk and herbal decoctions. This treatment is particularly renowned for its nourishing and revitalizing effect on the tissues.
° Naranga Kizhi – lemon and herb pouches
Naranga Kizhi uses poultices filled with lemon, herbs, and medicinal spices heated in therapeutic oil. This technique is often used to stimulate circulation, reduce muscle tension, and support certain Kapha and Vata imbalances.
Training objectives
° Understanding the principles of Swedana and heat therapies in Ayurveda
° Learn how to prepare different medicinal pouches
° Master the application protocols for the pouches on the body
° Adapt the technique according to the doshas and the needs of the recipient
° Integrate these techniques into an Ayurvedic treatment sequence
Program
° Introduction to Swedana in Ayurvedic medicine
° The role of heat in body treatments
° Indications and contraindications for poultice therapy
° Selection of plants, oils and medicinal substances
Study of techniques & practices
° Pinda Swedana: preparation and use of herbal pouches
° Navarakizhi: preparation of medicinal rice and treatment protocol
° Naranga Kizhi: preparation of lemon pouches and application techniques
° Demonstration by the trainer
° Preparation of medicinal pouches
° Practice in pairs
° Integration of techniques into a care protocol
During their practical exchanges, participants will receive treatment with pouches according to their actual needs.
📍TERMS AND CONDITIONS
° Saturday: Bastis care training - 8am
° Sunday: training in PETRA PINDA SWEDANA treatments (herbal pouches) and NAVARAKIRI (rice pudding pouches) – 8am
Total duration: 16 hours
° Opening hours: 8:30 am / 5:30 pm
° Group of 9 people maximum.
A training certificate is issued at the end of the internship.
° Next sessions: August 1-2, 2026 & February 27-28, 2027
° Prices:
2 days: 240 euros
1 day: 140 euros (Bastis or Pochons)
📍 Ayurvedic and vegetarian lunches are included.
Registration: contact us
🔎 Is the 1-day PINDA SWEDANA (pouches) training course complete?
In Ayurveda, there are several methods for preparing potali or herbal poultices. Some methods are rather more laborious and require time-consuming preparation (especially those involving long decoctions), which is difficult to implement within a practitioner's practice and not necessarily more effective. We offer simple, traditional, and therapeutic preparations, made using local plants, which have proven their worth over many years in our Ayurveda center.
📍The movements in the herbal poultice treatment protocol largely follow the Abhyanga massage protocol. This training integrates perfectly into the complete curriculum and may be more challenging for beginners undertaking their first training.