Kativasthi is a popular Kerala Ayurvedic treatment, in which heat is applied to low back region using warm medicated oils. First, a dam is built up, using a herbal dough, over the affected area. Warm medicated oil is poured into this area and then left to rest there and it works magic by relieving pain and swelling in the affected area.

This Ayurvedic massage therapy helps treat chronic and acute back pain, prolapsed disc, lumbar spondylitis, sciatica, and osteoporosis. Kativasthi is commonly used by Ayurveda massage therapists in Salem to treat most kinds of pain, strain or tension experienced in the lower or upper back.