SWEDANA
Swedana also called sudation or fomentation therapy is the process of production of sweat or perspiration in the body through various methods. It is one of the major preparatory procedures of the Panchakarma therapy to open up the channels of the body to eliminate toxins effectively. The therapy is considered to relieve stiffness and heaviness in the body by inducing sweating. It is also recommended as the best treatment for diseases characterized by vitiation of vata and kapha doshas.
Benefits
- Corrects imbalances of vata dosha
- Reduces the stiffness and improves the flexibility of body parts
- Increases digestion as well as metabolism
- Nourishes and softens skin
- Improves the dermis
- Increases appetite
- Clears the body channels at all levels
- Improves activity of sense organs and reduces sleeps and drowsiness
- Relieves the stiffness in the joints and thus improves range of joint movement
- Provides quick relief from pain
Indications
Swedana is considered beneficial for the following conditions.
- Rhinitis
- Cough
- Heaviness of the body
- Headache
- Stiffness of the throat
- Constipation
- Body ache
- Cold sensations
- Fatigue
- Numbness
Types of Swedana
There are different types of Swedana according to the various methods used for inducing perspiration. Following are the two primary types of Swedana performed before Panchakarma therapies.
Bashpa Sweda – It is the process of inducing sweat by making the person sit inside a chamber for a medicated steam bath. The process opens up the body channels, mobilizes the dosha and is helpful for arthritis.
Nadi Sweda – The steam generated from boiling medicinal decoctions in a pot is directed towards the desired part of the body through a pipe. It is beneficial for reducing pain, muscle spasm and rigidity in body parts.