THERAPEUTIC ROLE, PROCEDURAL METHODS AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SWEDANA KARMA IN PANCHKARMA

Dr. Mandeep Kaur* and Dr. Asha K.

ABSTRACT

Swedana Karma refers to a series of treatment procedures used to enhance sweating. Swedana helps to mobilize the stuck and tenacious Doshas of peripheral tissues by relaxing and loosening up toxins, allowing skin pores to open and clearing them from the body. In this process sweating may be induced either with the help of heat or without the help of heat. Swedana may be localized or may be used for the entire body, and may be classified as dry or wet fomentation, with increasing intensity of procedure. The medications employed in Swedana offers Ushna and Tikshna actions, to penetrate down into the Srotas of body, which further activates sweat glands. The therapy increases capillary permeability, makes way for the elimination of stored toxins into extracellular space, and clears body pathways. Swedana is applied in the treatment of several conditions including cough, asthma, constipation, muscle stiffness and neurological disorders like paralysis. It also serves the purpose of preparing the body for Panchakarma treatments by liquefying the Doshas. This article explains therapeutic role, procedural methods and clinical significance of Swedana Karma.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Panchkarma, Swedana, Sweating, Purification Therapy.