subject: Swedana - The Ayurvedic Sweat Therapy [print this page] 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.
