• 1. Ayurvedic Massage Balances Vata & Kapha.
• 2. Hot Fomentation Removes Toxins.
• 3. Panchakarma Treatment Enhances Blood Circulation.
• 4. Swedana Is A Muscle Relaxing Procedure.
• 5. Fomentation Improves Digestion.

Swedana, also known as fomentation therapy is a panchakarma treatment that pacifies the aggravated Vata in your body. The word Sweda is a Sanskrit word that means ‘to sweat or perspire.’ The process, therefore, encourages sweat production leading to the removal of toxins in the body. This Panchakarma treatment benefits the skin, muscles, digestive as well as the respiratory system. An ayurvedic massage precedes the process of fomentation. After the massage, steam produced from herbal decoctions helps detoxify your body. Also, swedana is not for pregnant, anemic or menstruating women.

Fomentation (Swedana) Procedure

There are two types of fomentation (sweat therapy):

• Bashpa Sweda: You simply sit in a steam chamber.
• Nadi Sweda: It is a wet as well as a penetrating heat. A tube releases steam to the specific part of the body which needs healing.

The process of sweat therapy is mentioned below:

• Eyes, as well as your head, are first covered to protect them from excess heat.
• The body is given an ayurvedic massage by applying a herbal oil.
• The oil, as well as herbs used in fomentation, depends upon your particular body constitution (doshas).
• After the ayurvedic massage, you either get into the steam room or receive steam through a tube.

Swedana Benefits

1. Ayurvedic Massage Balances Vata & Kapha.

The purpose of fomentation (sweat therapy) is to balance the three humor – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in the body. Therefore, the process of Swedana helps manage the vitiated Vata as well as Kapha in the body.

2. Hot Fomentation Removes Toxins.

Since the process of Swedana means to sweat, it helps open up the blocked skin pores flushing out toxins upon proper perspiration.

3. Panchakarma Treatment Enhances Blood Circulation.

Coldness in the body hinders proper functioning and the flow of blood in your body. However, a full body massage increases heat leading to better blood circulation.

4. Swedana Is A Muscle Relaxing Procedure.

Ayurvedic massage in the process helps relax all your body muscles as the oils used for the therapy have medicinal properties. Since these better absorb in the skin, the treatment leads to healthier skin as well as stronger muscles.

5. Fomentation Improves Digestion.

The process of fomentation passes a new as well as a positive energy in the body. It clears the blockages in your gut, intestines and other channels. It also builds a stronger digestive system to ignite the digestive fire.

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.