Swedana means sweating therapy. The body (except the head) is exposed to steam from a decoction of herbs such as Dashamoola or Nirgundi, usually in a steam chamber, right after an oil massage.
Swedana is one of the Purvakarma (preparatory) steps of Panchakarma. Warmth helps loosen stiffness and heaviness related to Vata and Kapha.
How Swedana is done
- Abhyanga oil massage first.
- You sit or lie in a steam chamber with the head kept outside and cool.
- Herbal steam for 10–20 minutes, watched by the therapist.
- Rest, then a warm-water bath.
Who Swedana may suit
Swedana may suit body stiffness, heaviness, joint stiffness, cold-sensitive body aches and preparation for Panchakarma.
Precautions before Swedana
- Not suitable during pregnancy, with high fever, bleeding disorders, very high blood pressure or heart disease without clearance.
- Drink water as advised; tell the therapist at once if you feel dizzy.
- Tell the doctor about any medicines you take, pregnancy, recent illness, high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems before the therapy. Do not stop any prescribed medicine on your own.
Swedana in Varanasi at Aarogyam Shri Ayurveda
Swedana at our Varanasi (Banaras) clinic is done by trained therapists under the supervision of an Ayurveda doctor, who first checks your Prakriti, current health and reports. The doctor then decides the oils or medicines, the number of sittings and the diet to follow during the course.
