Concept of Swedana-Karma in Ayurveda

Ayurveda advocates number of therapeutic procedures for the cure of different diseases. Snehana, Swedana, Langhana, Brimhana, Rukshana and Stambhana are the Shadupakramas (six therapeutic procedures) on which entire clinical practice depends and it is the reason why Acharya Charak has stated that only he is the real physician who knows these Shadupakramas. Either it is the case of Kayachikitsa or of Shalya-chikitsa, these upakramas (therapeutic procedures) are considered and applied according to the need of the patient and disease. Swedana-karma is one significant upakrama out of Shadupakramas. Sweda, gharma, and nidagha are the synonyms having the meaning of perspiration. Swedana-karma (fomentation) means that thermal or non-thermal procedure which cures stiffness, heaviness and cold and produces sweating in the body. By virtue of the properties of Swedana dravyas, it is mainly beneficial in Vata-Kaphaja rogas (diseases). Different types of Swedana are discussed in Ayurveda considering different diseases and their stages. Sagni-niragni, ruksha-snigdha and ekanga-sarvanga Swedana are discussed in the text which explores the area and scope of this procedure.