Swedana - The Ayurvedic Sweat Therapy

Swedana, meaning "to sweat" in Sanskrit, is an ayurvedic steam therapy used to open tissues blocked with saturation of heat and moisture

. These open tissues allow deep seated toxins to make their way out through the skin pores. Swedana is effective in improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and facilitating healing and restoration.

The Swedana treatment requires a steam chamber. After a session of herbal oil massage, the patient is made to rest in the steam chamber filled with steam produced from boiling medicinal herbs. However, there are some more ways to induce Swedana. The steam treatment is continued till the complete sweating at patients forehead and abdomen.

Since eyes need to be protected, these should be wrapped with a piece of cloth during the process of Swedana. After the sweat dries, patient is made to bathe in slightly warm water followed by a warm, unctuous and light meal after one hour.

Types of Swedana

Avagaha Swedana

Bashpa Swedana

Pinda Swedana

Valuka Swedana / Lavana Swedana

Istika Swedana

Tapa Swedana

Upanaha Swedana

Drava Swedana

Ushma Swedana

Physiological Benefits of Steam in Ayurveda

Sweating - induced by steam therapy or Swedana - has different therapeutic and physiological benefits. A 10-20 minute session of steam bath increases the heart rate by 50-75 percent, which in turn enhances the cardiac output resulting in increased blood flow to the skin. The increased blood flow supplies vital nutrients to subcutaneous tissue and skin hence stimulating both cellular activity and growth of cells.

Swedana is especially beneficial to the parts of the skin suffering from poor blood circulation and ensures that these parts get extra nutrients and oxygen due to increased blood flow. The growth in the metabolic rate is beneficial in improving circulation, promoting water-weight loss, burning calories and skin beautification. Swedana is also an effective therapy to restore unbalanced Dosha- especially Vata and Kapha doshas - back to the normal state.

How the Body Detoxifies

As the skin acts as a doorway for the elimination of toxins, it is also referred to as the "third kidney" of the human body. When Swedana is applied to the patient, heat of a steam accelerates the chemical processes inside the body to excrete the accumulated toxins out of the body.

Millions of sweat glands make passage for the excretion of metabolic and other waste products hence reducing fluid retention inside the body. Opening up of pores through Swedana also stimulates perspiration allowing the emission of toxins and other impurities through the skin. All this makes Swedana an effective ayurvedic therapy that helps kidneys and liver in detoxification of blood.

Other major benefits of Swedana

Helps in losing weight

Cleanses an beautifies skin

Effective in stress relief

Provides relief from joint pain

Eases sore muscles

Relieves allergies/asthma

Improves circulation/reduces inflammation

It provides relief from coldness, stiffness, heaviness, and inflammation of the body.

It is advised to consult an ayurvedic therapist before going for Swedana - the sweat treatment.

by: kaylapete

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