Swedana (Fomentation) Karma | Ayurvedic Steam Bath Therapy | Panchakarma Treatment in Ayurveda

Abstract

Ayurveda is a science of life which provides not only curative but also preventive principles for healthy and long life. Panchakarma therapy is gaining popularity in the public because of its quick and permanent relief in many hazardous diseases. Efforts should be made to implement this therapy not only for diseased persons but also for healthy individuals to maintain their health as a preventive measure. Ayurvedic texts describe five major karmas or therapeutic procedures namely Vamana (Emesis), Virechana (Purgation), Basti (Enema), Nasya (Medication through nose) and Raktamokshan (Bloodletting). Snehana (Oleation) and swedana (Fomentation) therapy are described under poorva karma (pre-operative managements) advocated for all purificatory procedures. But these treatments are described as pradhana karma (Main upkarmas) for vata and kaphaja vyadhies (Diseases). Hence these are independent therapies and said to be main treatment procedures for so many diseases.

Swedana, Fomentation, Karma, Ayurvedic, Steam Bath, Therapy, Panchakarma, Treatment, Ayurveda

Introduction

स्तम्भगौरवशीतघ्नं स्वेदनंस्वेदकारकम। (C.Su.22/11)

It is defined as the process by which perspiration of the body will be produced. It removes stiffness, heaviness and coldness of the body. After the snehana (Oleation) therapy fomentation must be adopted to regulate the movement of blood circulation, extra and intra-cellular fluids of the body without any obstruction. It enhances the nutrition to the cells and evacuates the waste materials from the tissues.

Fomentation is said to be effective if applied with consideration of disease, season and the diseased, is not too hot or too mild, combined with proper drugs and arranged in the proper place. In diseases due to cold and strong persons strong fomentation is prescribed. In weak and medium persons it should be mild and medium respectively. Fomentation is beneficial in vata and kapha dosha.

Properties Of Swedana Drugs

उष्णं तीक्षणं सरं स्निग्धं रुक्षं सूक्ष्मं द्रवं स्थिरम।
द्रव्यं गुरु च यत प्रायस्तध्दि स्वेदनमुच्यते।। (C.Su.22/16)

Hot
Sharp
Unstable

Swedana (Fomentation) Karma | Ayurvedic Steam Bath Therapy | Panchakarma Treatment in Ayurveda

Abstract

Ayurveda is a science of life which provides not only curative but also preventive principles for healthy and long life. Panchakarma therapy is gaining popularity in the public because of its quick and permanent relief in many hazardous diseases. Efforts should be made to implement this therapy not only for diseased persons but also for healthy individuals to maintain their health as a preventive measure. Ayurvedic texts describe five major karmas or therapeutic procedures namely Vamana (Emesis), Virechana (Purgation), Basti (Enema), Nasya (Medication through nose) and Raktamokshan (Bloodletting). Snehana (Oleation) and Swedana (Fomentation) therapy are described under poorva karma (pre-operative managements) advocated for all purificatory procedures. But these treatments are described as pradhana karma (Main upkarmas) for vata and kaphaja vyadhies (Diseases). Hence these are independent therapies and said to be main treatment procedures for so many diseases.

Introduction

स्तम्भगौरवशीतघ्नं स्वेदनंस्वेदकारकम। (C.Su.22/11)

Properties Of Swedana Drugs

Hot
Sharp
Unstable
Unctuous
Rough
Minute
Liquid
Stable drugs are mostly sweating in effect

Indications

Coryza
Cough
Hiccup
Dyspnea
Non-lightness
Pain in ear
Back Neck and head
Hoarseness of voice
Choked throat
Paralysis of face, one limb, whole or half body
Bending of body
Hardness of bowels and constipation
Suppression of urine
Excessive yawning
Stiffness in sides, back, waist and abdomen
Sciatica
Dysuria
Enlargement of scrotum
Body-ache
Pain and stiffness in feet, knees, thighs and shanks
Swelling
Contracture
Conditions of ama (Toxins), cold, shivering
Heaviness and numbness in organs and general disorders

Contraindications

Habitual users of medicinal extracts and wine
Pregnant ladies
Those afflicted with internal hemorrhage
Pitta dosha and diarrhea
Rough persons
Diabetics
Burns
Prolapse and inguinal hernia
Having complications of poison and alcohol
Fatigue
Unconscious
Thirsty
Hungry
Angry
Aggrieved
Jaundice
Abdominal enlargement
Injury and gout
Weak people emaciated
Suffering from blurred vision

Prevention

During fomentation, the eyes should be covered with clean cloth or circular pieces of moistened wheat flour or flowers of lotus, water lily and palasa (silk cotton). Similarly, the cordial region of the person subjected to fomentation should be touched with cool pearl necklaces, cool utensils, lotus flowers or hand wet with water.

Fomentation should be stopped when cold and pain subsides, stiffness and heaviness are controlled, softness and sweating produced.

Classification Of Swedana

Snigdha and ruksha (Dry and wet)
Ekanga (For one organ) and sarvanga (Whole body)
Agnikrita (Which requires heat) and anagnikrita (Which do not require heat)

Dry fomentation should be administered to kaphaja disorders and wet fomentation is very useful in vataja disorders.

Ekanga Sweda

Fomentation is done to one part of the body, for example nadi swedana, sankara swedana, valuka sweda (Sand fomentation).

Sarvanga Sweda

Fomentation is done to all parts of the body, for example kuti, prasthara, bashpa swedana etc.

Acharya Sushruta classified swedana into four varieties.

Tapa sweda
Upanaha sweda
Ushma sweda
Drava sweda

Agnikrita Sweda

संकर: प्रस्तरो नाड़ीपरिषेकोअवगाहनम।
जेनताको अश्मघन: कर्षू: कुटी भू: कुम्भीकेवच।।
कुपोहोलाक इत्येते स्वेदयन्ती त्रयोदश।। (C.Su.14/39-40)

There are 13 varieties of agnikrita swedanas (fomentation with the help of heat) have been mentioned in Ayurveda:-

Sankara
Prasthara
Nadi
Parisheka
Jentaka
Ashmaghana
Karshu
Kuti
Bhoo
Kumbhika
Koopa
Holaka
Avagaha

Anagnikrita Sweda

व्यायाममुष्णसदनं गुरुप्रावरणम क्षुधा।
बहुपानं भयक्रोधावुपनाहाहवाआतपा:।
स्वेदयन्ति दशैतानि नरं अग्निगुणादृते।। (C.Su.14/64-65)

There are 10 varieties of anagnikrita swedanas (fomentation without the help of heat) have been mentioned in Ayurveda:-

Vyayama (Exercise):- The work which produces tiredness (Ayasa) in the body is called exercise (Vyayam). Exercise is a kind of langhana (Reducing) chikitsa. A person should do exercise till the sweda (Sweat) appears on forehead, armpit, nose, joints of legs and hands.
Ushna sadana (Residing in a warm room) :- Residing in a warm room without heating by any external source and lying or sitting till the sweating appears.
Gurupravarana (Wearing of heavy clothing):- This is the method in which the body is covered by thick blankets, clothes etc till the sweat appears.
Kshudha (hunger) :- It is referred to as fasting (Langhan) treatment. Fasting is done till the perspiration starts.
Bahupanam (Excessive alcohol):- Consumption of excessive alcohol leads to sweating because alcohol (Madya) is ushna (Hot), tikshana (Sharp), vyavahi (Diffuse), vikashi (Spreading nature), sukshma (Minute), ruksha (Dry), laghu (Light) and amla (Sour) properties.
Bhaya (Fear):- Fear leads to sweating.
Upanaha (application of poultice):- poultice may also be prepared from aromatic drugs, wine yeast, jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata) and shatapushpa (Anethum graveolens) and also be managed by bandaging the part with hide, free from hairs and foetid smell of usna virya (Having heating effect).
Krodha (Angry):- Emotions like anger lead to induce perspiration.
Aahava (Wrestling):- It is a type of vyayam (Exercise) which induces sweating.
Aatap (Exposure to sun rays):- Exposure to the sun leads to sweating.

There are 13 types of Agnikrita Sweda out of which the following are the mostly performed and effective procedures:-

Nadi Swedana

It is a process by which the person is made to perspire by using a tube and medicated steam will be passed on the whole body or affected part of the body. It relieves pain immediately without oral drugs.

Indications

This therapy is indicated in the following diseases.

Sandhi vata (Osteoarthritis)
Pakshaghata (Paralysis)
Bal pakshaghata (Poliomyelitis)
All nervous disorders
Swasa (Asthma)
Kasa (Cough)
Ardita (Facial paralysis)
Adhmana (Flatulence)
Manyashoola (Neck pain)
Katishoola (Backache)
Gridhrasi (Sciatica)

Contraindications

Atisara (Diarrhea)
Kamala (Jaundice)
Raktapitta (Bleeding disorder)
Twacha vikriti (Skin disorders)
Visha peedita (Poisoning cases)
Jwara (Fever)
Madhu meha (Diabetes mellitus)

Materials

6 litres of pressure cooker
2 metres rubber tube
Gas stove

Note:- If anybody wants to electrify this instrument 1500 voltage coils can be installed inside the cooker. It will be very useful for the physicians to handle the nadi swedana treatment.

Medicines

Dashamoola
Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)
Nirgundi patra (Vitex negundo)
Eranda patra (Ricinus communis)
Bala-moola (Sida cordifolia)
Vasa-patra (Adhatoda vasica)
Arka patra (Calotropis procera)
Shigru-patra (Moringa oleifera)
Guduchi patra (Tinospora cordifolia)

Procedure

100 grams of mixture of all above herbs or available herbs should be taken for Nadi sweda.

Poorva Karma (Pre-operative Procedure):-

The patient who is fit for nadi swedana should be applied oil to the whole body or the part affected and he should be asked to sit on the stool (Sometimes in kapha pradhana diseases or amajanya vyadhis there is no need to apply oil). Meanwhile the cooker is filled with 2/3 water and add above-mentioned drugs 25-50 gm and keep it on the stove or switch on if it is an electrical Nadi swedan yantra. After 10-15 minutes steam will start coming out from the tube.

Pradhana Karma (Operative Procedure):-

When steam is coming out from the tube the tolerable steam should be made to pass over the affected parts for 10-15 minutes. While giving Nadi swedana, patients should be asked to do some exercises (Light flexion and extension) of the affected part for better results. If a patient is not able to sit on the stool the Nadi swedana can be given in a lying posture.

Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedure):-

After completion of Nadi swedana that part will be cleaned with a towel and the patient is required to take complete rest for half an hour in a closed room. He should not be exposed directly to air. After one hour he can take a hot water bath.

Uses

It acts as an analgesic and relieves pain immediately.
It reduces the swelling.
It softens the ligaments.
It improves the movements of the joints by reducing rigidity of the muscles.
It enhances blood circulation and improves the nutrition to that part and also drains the waste material.
It is very useful therapy for muscular sprains and relieves pain immediately.

Avagaha Swedana

The process by which the patient is made to bath in medicated decoction, oil or ghee in a tub is known as avagaha swedan.

Materials

Tub (full or spinal bath tub)
Dasha mool kwath or bala mool kwath or eranda mool kwath, or nirgundi kwath (Sufficient quantity to fill the tub)

Procedure

Poorva Karma (Pre-operative Procedure):-

Patients should be given a whole body massage with medicated oil before avagaha swedana.

Pradhana Karma (Operative Procedure):-

Patient is asked to sit in the tub containing warm medicated kwath and then he can lie down in it throughout the period the temperature of the liquid should be maintained. It should be continued for 45 minutes to one hour.

Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedure):-

Patients should be given a bath with fresh warm water. Then he should be asked to take complete rest.

Uses

It is very useful for a whole body ache
Useful in muscular pain
It relieves pains in the vertebral column
It is useful in ankylosing spondylosis, avascular necrosis of the neck of femur
It induces sleep

Bashpa Swedana

Bashpa swedana is one of the varieties of sarvanga (Whole body), snigdha (Oily) and agnikruta swedana. It is a procedure by which the perspiration is produced from the body with the help of bashpa swedana yantra.

Indications

This therapy is indicated in the following diseases.

Sandhi vata (Osteo-arthritis)
Pakshaghata (Paralysis)
All types of nervous disorders
Swasa (Asthma)
Ardita (Facial paralysis)
Adhmana (Flatulence)
Katishool (Back ache)
Gridhrasi (Sciatica)
Sthoulya (Obesity)
Body ache
Muscular atrophy
Hypertension

Contraindications

Atisara (Diarrhea)
Kamala (Jaundice)
Raktapitta (Bleeding disorder)
Twacha vikriti (Skin disorders)
Visha peedita (Poison)
Jwara (Fever)
Madhu meha (Diabetes mellitus)
Garbhini (Pregnant women)
Kushta (Leprosy)
All types of pitta predominant diseases
Bhrama (Giddiness)
Hridrogas (Cardiac diseases)
Renal failures

Materials

Bashpa swedana yantra or electrically operated multipurpose panchakarma instrument
Medicated oils for external application
Bed sheet
Woollen blanket

Procedure

Poorva Karma (Pre-operative Procedure):-

Before giving the bashpa swedana treatment every patient must undergo abhyanga (External application of oil). Patients should be asked to pass urine and stools before massage and also asked to remove all the clothes except underwear. It should be proper if he gets snehana in seven postures that is:-

Seated with both legs extended
Lying in supine position
Lying on left side of the body
Lying in prone position
Lying on right side of the body
Lying on supine position
Seated with both legs extended

After completion of snehana in above postures, now he is ready for swedana treatment.

Pradhana Karma (Operative Procedure):-

When proper steam is coming out from bashpa swedana yantra, cover it with one bed sheet on the table and ask the patient to lie down on the table in a convenient position and cover him with a blanket. After getting required heat, advised to change the postures so that he should get perspiration from the whole body. This should be continued up to 20 to 30 minutes or until the desired results are obtained or up to samyak sweda (Proper sudation symptoms) lakshanas are seen. If he gets any sort of giddiness or weakness ask the patient to get up from the table and should be kept on proper management.

Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedure):-

After completion of bashpa swedana, clean the patient's body with a towel and advice to take complete rest for half an hour. He should not be exposed directly to air immediately after bashpa swedana. After one hour he can take a hot water bath.

Uses

Swedana therapy will liquify the doshas due to its ushna (Hot) and tikshna (Sharp) properties.
The perspiration is the result of the excreta of rasa (Plasma), rakta (Blood cells), majja (Bone marrow) dhatus. It removes the waste products which are stagnated in the cells and tissues.
It acts as a best analgesic and relieves body ache.
It softens the ligaments of the body.
It enhances circulation so that it improves the nutrition to the whole body and also it drains the waste products from the body.
It reduces the swelling of the body.
It removes the rigidity and spasticity of the muscles and improves the movements of the joints.
It reduces body weight.
It is very useful for obese patients.
It cleans the channels of the body and brings better circulation.
It makes the body strong and sturdy.

Pinda Swedana (Sankara Swedana / Bolus Fomentation)

Shastika shali pinda sweda is an important fomentation for the patients who are getting emaciation in their muscles and also very useful for those, who are suffering from the deformities in their joints, it checks the emaciation and gives strength to the muscles and ligaments. It is a process by which the whole body or part of the body is made perspiration by the external application of medicated bolus. Acharya Charaka and Vagabhata have mentioned the Pinda Sweda in their texts but they have not described the procedure on how to perform on the patients. This treatment is said to be one of the varieties of sankara sweda. Fomentation by means of bolus containing prescribed drugs with or without being wrapped with clothes is known as sankara sweda. In Kerala, it has been practiced by Ayurved physicians from time immemorial and still existing in the name of “NAVARA-KI-ZI”.

Indications

Pakshaghata (Paralysis)
Ekanga vata (Monoplegia)
Avabahuka (Frozen shoulder)
Pangu (Paraplegia)
Bala Pakshaghata (Poliomyelitis)
Karshya (Emaciation)
Kshaya (Tuberculosis)
Shoola (Muscular pain)
Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis)

Contents Of Pinda Sweda

Bala moola churna (Sida cordifolia) - 50 gms
Dashamoola churna - 50 gms
Rice - 250 gms
Milk - 500 ml
Two cloth pieces - 18”x18”

Some physicians include Mamsa Rohini churna apart from bala moola and dashamoola churna.

Method Of Preparation

Decoction:- Take 50 gms each of balamoola and dashamoola churna and add 4 litres of water and boil it in a vessel and reduce it upto 1 litre decoction.
Rice:- From above decoction take 1/2 litre in a separate vessel and add 1/2 litre milk, 250 gms of rice and cook like a paste.
Bolus:- Keep the cooked paste in two clean cloth pieces, measuring 18”x18” and prepare into bolus (pinda). The remaining half decoction should be used for dipping the bolus while performing the fomentation.
Tala kalk:- Take 50 grams of Amalaki churna mix with water or buttermilk kept overnight and prepare the paste.

Procedure

Poorva Karma (Pre-operative Procedure):-

Remove the patient's clothes after wearing langot (a cloth wear in between the legs) and take him on a wooden table and apply bala tail or mahanarayana tail to the head first. Then apply the same oil to the whole body and massage for 15 minutes in all postures. After massage, apply amalaki (Emblica officinalis) paste over the head and tie with a piece of cloth.

Pradhana Karma (Operative Procedure):-

One member from either side should hold the pinda in their right hands after making it suitably warmed by dipping in decoction. The temperature of the pinda has to be tested by keeping the left hand on it, to confirm whether the heat is suitable for the patient or not. After confirmation of the temperature, give a gentle massage with bolus on the body and the bolus will be changed as soon as its temperature becomes less. Every time we must test the temperature of the bolus before massage. In this way the massage should be done slowly for a period of 30 to 45 minutes in following seven postures:-

Sitting with his legs extended
Lying on his back
Lying on his left side
Lying on his right side
Lying on his front side
Lying on his back side
Sitting by extending his legs

Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedure):-

After completion of pinda sweda, the contents of the bolus should be mixed with the remaining decoction and made it lukewarm and apply this paste to the affected part of the body. After 10-15 minutes the paste should be removed and be advised to take a hot water bath and complete rest.

Duration

According to the condition and requirement of the patient it should be continued for 7 days, 14 days, 21 days or 28 days.

Uses

It improves the blood supply
Removes the stiffness of the joints
Clean all the channels of the body and bring better circulation.
It increases the body weight by correcting the emaciation of the muscles.
It cures all types of nervous disorders. The treatment makes the body strong and sturdy.

Patra Pinda Swedana

Indications

Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis)
Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis)

Drugs

Arka patra (Calotropis gigantea)
Eranda patra (Ricinus communis)
Nirgundi patra (Vitex negundo)
Dhatura patra (Datura stramonium)

Preparation

Make all leaves upto small pieces and prepare pulp and heat in a vessel then prepare bolus in a cloth piece.

Procedure

Take a little oil in a vessel, slightly heat it and rotate the bolus in oil then administer swedana to the patient. After half an hour of rest the area should be cleaned with hot water.

Conclusion

In this article we read about fomentation, its uses, indications, contraindications, pre-operative, operative and post-operative procedures etc. Testicles, heart and eyes should not be fomented or, if necessary, should be mildly fomented. Fomentation is very effective in vata dosha and kapha dosha. It clears the channels of the body and removes the toxins from the body. It improves the complexion of the skin and clears out the pores of the skin and prevents acne, pimples, etc.

Unctuous
Rough
Minute
Liquid
Stable drugs are mostly sweating in effect

Indications

Coryza
Cough
Hiccup
Dyspnea
Non-lightness
Pain in ear
Back Neck and head
Hoarseness of voice
Choked throat
Paralysis of face, one limb, whole or half body
Bending of body
Hardness of bowels and constipation
Suppression of urine
Excessive yawning
Stiffness in sides, back, waist and abdomen
Sciatica
Dysuria
Enlargement of scrotum
Body-ache
Pain and stiffness in feet, knees, thighs and shanks
Swelling
Contracture
Conditions of ama (Toxins), cold, shivering
Heaviness and numbness in organs and general disorders

Contraindications

Habitual users of medicinal extracts and wine
Pregnant ladies
Those afflicted with internal hemorrhage
Pitta dosha and diarrhea
Rough persons
Diabetics
Burns
Prolapse and inguinal hernia
Having complications of poison and alcohol
Fatigue
Unconscious
Thirsty
Hungry
Angry
Aggrieved
Jaundice
Abdominal enlargement
Injury and gout
Weak people emaciated
Suffering from blurred vision

Prevention

Fomentation should be stopped when cold and pain subsides, stiffness and heaviness are controlled, softness and sweating produced.

Classification Of Swedana

Snigdha and ruksha (Dry and wet)
Ekanga (For one organ) and sarvanga (Whole body)
Agnikrita (Which requires heat) and anagnikrita (Which do not require heat)

Dry fomentation should be administered to kaphaja disorders and wet fomentation is very useful in vataja disorders.

Ekanga Sweda

Fomentation is done to one part of the body, for example nadi swedana, sankara swedana, valuka sweda (Sand fomentation).

Sarvanga Sweda

Fomentation is done to all parts of the body, for example kuti, prasthara, bashpa swedana etc.

Acharya Sushruta classified swedana into four varieties.

Tapa sweda
Upanaha sweda
Ushma sweda
Drava sweda

Agnikrita Sweda

There are 13 varieties of agnikrita swedanas (fomentation with the help of heat) have been mentioned in Ayurveda:-

Sankara
Prasthara
Nadi
Parisheka
Jentaka
Ashmaghana
Karshu
Kuti
Bhoo
Kumbhika
Koopa
Holaka
Avagaha

Anagnikrita Sweda

There are 10 varieties of anagnikrita swedanas (fomentation without the help of heat) have been mentioned in Ayurveda:-

Vyayama (Exercise):- The work which produces tiredness (Ayasa) in the body is called exercise (Vyayam). Exercise is a kind of langhana (Reducing) chikitsa. A person should do exercise till the sweda (Sweat) appears on forehead, armpit, nose, joints of legs and hands.
Ushna sadana (Residing in a warm room) :- Residing in a warm room without heating by any external source and lying or sitting till the sweating appears.
Gurupravarana (Wearing of heavy clothing):- This is the method in which the body is covered by thick blankets, clothes etc till the sweat appears.
Kshudha (hunger) :- It is referred to as fasting (Langhan) treatment. Fasting is done till the perspiration starts.
Bahupanam (Excessive alcohol):- Consumption of excessive alcohol leads to sweating because alcohol (Madya) is ushna (Hot), tikshana (Sharp), vyavahi (Diffuse), vikashi (Spreading nature), sukshma (Minute), ruksha (Dry), laghu (Light) and amla (Sour) properties.
Bhaya (Fear):- Fear leads to sweating.
Upanaha (application of poultice):- poultice may also be prepared from aromatic drugs, wine yeast, jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata) and shatapushpa (Anethum graveolens) and also be managed by bandaging the part with hide, free from hairs and foetid smell of usna virya (Having heating effect).
Krodha (Angry):- Emotions like anger lead to induce perspiration.
Aahava (Wrestling):- It is a type of vyayam (Exercise) which induces sweating.
Aatap (Exposure to sun rays):- Exposure to the sun leads to sweating.

There are 13 types of Agnikrita Sweda out of which the following are the mostly performed and effective procedures:-

Nadi Swedana

Indications

This therapy is indicated in the following diseases.

Sandhi vata (Osteoarthritis)
Pakshaghata (Paralysis)
Bal pakshaghata (Poliomyelitis)
All nervous disorders
Swasa (Asthma)
Kasa (Cough)
Ardita (Facial paralysis)
Adhmana (Flatulence)
Manyashoola (Neck pain)
Katishoola (Backache)
Gridhrasi (Sciatica)

Contraindications

Atisara (Diarrhea)
Kamala (Jaundice)
Raktapitta (Bleeding disorder)
Twacha vikriti (Skin disorders)
Visha peedita (Poisoning cases)
Jwara (Fever)
Madhu meha (Diabetes mellitus)

Materials

6 litres of pressure cooker
2 metres rubber tube
Gas stove

Note:- If anybody wants to electrify this instrument 1500 voltage coils can be installed inside the cooker. It will be very useful for the physicians to handle the nadi swedana treatment.

Medicines

Dashamoola
Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)
Nirgundi patra (Vitex negundo)
Eranda patra (Ricinus communis)
Bala-moola (Sida cordifolia)
Vasa-patra (Adhatoda vasica)
Arka patra (Calotropis procera)
Shigru-patra (Moringa oleifera)
Guduchi patra (Tinospora cordifolia)

Procedure

100 grams of mixture of all above herbs or available herbs should be taken for Nadi sweda.

Poorva Karma (Pre-operative Procedure):-

Pradhana Karma (Operative Procedure):-

Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedure):-

Uses

It acts as an analgesic and relieves pain immediately.
It reduces the swelling.
It softens the ligaments.
It improves the movements of the joints by reducing rigidity of the muscles.
It enhances blood circulation and improves the nutrition to that part and also drains the waste material.
It is very useful therapy for muscular sprains and relieves pain immediately.

Avagaha Swedana

The process by which the patient is made to bath in medicated decoction, oil or ghee in a tub is known as avagaha swedan.

Materials

Tub (full or spinal bath tub)
Dasha mool kwath or bala mool kwath or eranda mool kwath, or nirgundi kwath (Sufficient quantity to fill the tub)

Procedure

Poorva Karma (Pre-operative Procedure):-

Patients should be given a whole body massage with medicated oil before avagaha swedana.

Pradhana Karma (Operative Procedure):-

Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedure):-

Patients should be given a bath with fresh warm water. Then he should be asked to take complete rest.

Uses

It is very useful for a whole body ache
Useful in muscular pain
It relieves pains in the vertebral column
It is useful in ankylosing spondylosis, avascular necrosis of the neck of femur
It induces sleep

Bashpa Swedana

Indications

This therapy is indicated in the following diseases.

Sandhi vata (Osteo-arthritis)
Pakshaghata (Paralysis)
All types of nervous disorders
Swasa (Asthma)
Ardita (Facial paralysis)
Adhmana (Flatulence)
Katishool (Back ache)
Gridhrasi (Sciatica)
Sthoulya (Obesity)
Body ache
Muscular atrophy
Hypertension

Contraindications

Atisara (Diarrhea)
Kamala (Jaundice)
Raktapitta (Bleeding disorder)
Twacha vikriti (Skin disorders)
Visha peedita (Poison)
Jwara (Fever)
Madhu meha (Diabetes mellitus)
Garbhini (Pregnant women)
Kushta (Leprosy)
All types of pitta predominant diseases
Bhrama (Giddiness)
Hridrogas (Cardiac diseases)
Renal failures

Materials

Bashpa swedana yantra or electrically operated multipurpose panchakarma instrument
Medicated oils for external application
Bed sheet
Woollen blanket

Procedure

Poorva Karma (Pre-operative Procedure):-

Seated with both legs extended
Lying in supine position
Lying on left side of the body
Lying in prone position
Lying on right side of the body
Lying on supine position
Seated with both legs extended

After completion of snehana in above postures, now he is ready for swedana treatment.

Pradhana Karma (Operative Procedure):-

Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedure):-

After completion of bashpa swedana, clean the patient’s body with a towel and advice to take complete rest for half an hour. He should not be exposed directly to air immediately after bashpa swedana. After one hour he can take a hot water bath.

Uses

Swedana therapy will liquify the doshas due to its ushna (Hot) and tikshna (Sharp) properties.
The perspiration is the result of the excreta of rasa (Plasma), rakta (Blood cells), majja (Bone marrow) dhatus. It removes the waste products which are stagnated in the cells and tissues.
It acts as a best analgesic and relieves body ache.
It softens the ligaments of the body.
It enhances circulation so that it improves the nutrition to the whole body and also it drains the waste products from the body.
It reduces the swelling of the body.
It removes the rigidity and spasticity of the muscles and improves the movements of the joints.
It reduces body weight.
It is very useful for obese patients.
It cleans the channels of the body and brings better circulation.
It makes the body strong and sturdy.

Pinda Swedana (Sankara Swedana / Bolus Fomentation)

Indications

Pakshaghata (Paralysis)
Ekanga vata (Monoplegia)
Avabahuka (Frozen shoulder)
Pangu (Paraplegia)
Bala Pakshaghata (Poliomyelitis)
Karshya (Emaciation)
Kshaya (Tuberculosis)
Shoola (Muscular pain)
Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis)

Contents Of Pinda Sweda

Bala moola churna (Sida cordifolia) - 50 gms
Dashamoola churna - 50 gms
Rice - 250 gms
Milk - 500 ml
Two cloth pieces - 18”x18”

Some physicians include Mamsa Rohini churna apart from bala moola and dashamoola churna.

Method Of Preparation

Decoction:- Take 50 gms each of balamoola and dashamoola churna and add 4 litres of water and boil it in a vessel and reduce it upto 1 litre decoction.
Rice:- From above decoction take 1/2 litre in a separate vessel and add 1/2 litre milk, 250 gms of rice and cook like a paste.
Bolus:- Keep the cooked paste in two clean cloth pieces, measuring 18”x18” and prepare into bolus (pinda). The remaining half decoction should be used for dipping the bolus while performing the fomentation.
Tala kalk:- Take 50 grams of Amalaki churna mix with water or buttermilk kept overnight and prepare the paste.

Procedure

Poorva Karma (Pre-operative Procedure):-

Remove the patient’s clothes after wearing langot (a cloth wear in between the legs) and take him on a wooden table and apply bala tail or mahanarayana tail to the head first. Then apply the same oil to the whole body and massage for 15 minutes in all postures. After massage, apply amalaki (Emblica officinalis) paste over the head and tie with a piece of cloth.

Pradhana Karma (Operative Procedure):-

Sitting with his legs extended
Lying on his back
Lying on his left side
Lying on his right side
Lying on his front side
Lying on his back side
Sitting by extending his legs

Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedure):-

Duration

According to the condition and requirement of the patient it should be continued for 7 days, 14 days, 21 days or 28 days.

Uses

It improves the blood supply
Removes the stiffness of the joints
Clean all the channels of the body and bring better circulation.
It increases the body weight by correcting the emaciation of the muscles.
It cures all types of nervous disorders. The treatment makes the body strong and sturdy.

Patra Pinda Swedana

Indications

Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis)
Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis)

Drugs

Arka patra (Calotropis gigantea)
Eranda patra (Ricinus communis)
Nirgundi patra (Vitex negundo)
Dhatura patra (Datura stramonium)

Preparation

Make all leaves upto small pieces and prepare pulp and heat in a vessel then prepare bolus in a cloth piece.

Procedure

Take a little oil in a vessel, slightly heat it and rotate the bolus in oil then administer swedana to the patient. After half an hour of rest the area should be cleaned with hot water.

Conclusion

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