SWEDANA

The process by which sweating occurs mitigating stambha (rigidity), Gourava (heaviness) and Sheeta (cold) is called Swedana.

“स्तम्भगौरवशीतघ्नं स्वेदनं स्वेदकारकम् ||”  (च.सू-२२/११)

The word Sweda is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Swid’ which means to sweat or perspire. So it is a process of inducing sweat with the help of steam which can be generated from medicated herbal decoction.

Though Swedana is basically considered as Purvakarma in Panchakarma, yet it is important in course of treatment as Pradhana Karma in some disease or plays a major part in some other Karma. Swedana plays an important role in Rapid relief from many symptoms and acute treatment of many diseases. Sometimes, Swedana is mandatory in many cases as Paschata Karma.

As Purvakarma– Vaman, Virechana, Basti, Nasya- in all these therapies Swedana is to be done as a pre therapeutic major.

As Pradhan Karma– this is a major Upkarma out of 6 type of Upkarma. Swedana is used as Pradhana or Prinicipal Karma in Urosthambha, Amavata, Sandhivata, Sheeta, Shoola, Gourava and Vedana Nighra.

As Paschat Karma- After surgery, Nasya, Mudhgarbha and in Samyaka Prajata.

As purvakarma and Paschatkarma both- Arsha, Bhagandar, Ashmari.

TYPES OF SWEDANA

Swedana can be classified as follows:

On the basis of Guna

1. Snigdha swedana
2. Ruksha Swedana
3. Snigdha-Ruksha Swedana

On the basis of site of Administration

1. Ekanga Swedana
2. Sarvanga Swedana

On the basis of strength of therapy

1. Mridu Sweda
2. Madhyam Swedana
3. Mahan Swedana

On the basis of method of administration

1. Sagni Swedana
2. Niragni  Swedana

SAGNI SWEDANA

According to Acharya Charaka, Sagni Sweda is of 13 types. These are as follows:

सङ्करः प्रस्तरो नाडी परिषेकोऽवगाहनम्|
जेन्ताकोऽश्मघनः कर्षूः कुटी भूः कुम्भिकैव च||
कूपो होलाक इत्येते स्वेदयन्ति त्रयोदश|  (च.सू-१४/३९)

1. Sankara Sweda
2. Prastara Sweda
3. Nadi Sweda
4. Parisheka
5. Avagha Sweda
6. Jentaka Sweda
7. Asmaghana Sweda
8. Karshu Sweda
9. Kuti Sweda
10. Bhu-Sweda
11. Kumbhi Sweda
12. Kupa-Sweda
13. Holaka Sweda

NIRAGNI SWEDA

According to Acharya Charaka, Niragni Sweda is of 13 types. These are as follows:

व्यायाम उष्णसदनं गुरुप्रावरणं क्षुधा|
बहुपानं भयक्रोधावुपनाहाहवातपाः||
स्वेदयन्ति दशैतानि नरमग्निगुणादृते| (च.सू-१४/६४-६५)

1. Vyayama- exercise
2. Ushnasadana- residing in a warm chamber
3. Gurupravaran- wearing of heavy clothing
4. Kshudha -hunger
5. Bhahupana - excess drinking
6. Bhaya-fearUpnaha - application of poultice
7. Krodha- anger
8. Ahata- wrestling
9. Atapa-exposure to sunraise

According to Acharyaa Susruta and Vagbhata - 4 types of sweda

चतुर्विधः स्वेदः; तद्यथा- तापस्वेद, ऊष्मस्वेद, उपनाहस्वेदो, द्रवस्वेद इति; अत्र सर्वस्वेदविकल्पावरोधः || (सू.चि. ३२/३)

1. Tapa sweda
2. Upnaha sweda
3. Ushma sweda
4. Drava sweda

INCLUSION OF 13 TYPES OF SWEDA OF CHARAKA IN 4 TYPES OF SWEDA OF SUSRUTA

Tapa Sweda- Jentaka Sweda, Karshu Sweda, Kuti Sweda, Kupa Sweda.

Ushma Sweda- Sankara Sweda, Prastra Sweda, Nadi Sweda, Asmaghana Sweda, Kumbhi Sweda, Bhusweda.

Drava Sweda- Prasiseka, Avagha Sweda.