Definition: Swedana is a form of therapy that uses herbal steam to release toxins from the body through the skin.
Sanskrit: Swid= to sweat or to perspire
Description: Swedana is the process of inducing sweat with the help of steam, generated from medicated herb al decoctions. It is the pre-operative procedure in various Ayurvedic detox therapies where the objective is to dilate the channels of the body to detach the toxins from the tissues.
Benefits
Reduces numbness, stiffness, rigidity, heaviness; improves mobility
Relieves stress
Revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin
Detaches toxins; expels them through the tiny pores of the skin along with sweat
Increases circulation; reduces inflammation
Improves digestion
Indications
Arthritis
Parkinsonism
Motor Neuron Disorders
Chronic constipation
Osteoarthritis
Low backache
Asthma and sinusitis
Contraindication
Bleeding disorders
Jaundice
Have burns on the skin
Exhausted due to physical work
Pregnant
Excessive dryness of body parts
Procedure
Herbs are selected depending on the condition and doshic predominance. The head is covered using a wet towel as Ayurveda strongly believes the eyes and head should be protected from overheat. Treatment is continued till the forehead and abdomen sweat very well.
Duration: 30 minutes
Post-treatment care
Have a light, warm and unctuous meal after an hour of the treatment.
Take shower with hot water
Follow the home recommendations of the therapist.
Stay hydrated with plenty of warm water.
How to prepare for a treatment?
Like most Ayurvedic therapies, it is advisable to not eat anything 90 minutes prior to your treatment.
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time
Refrain from any heavy meals for 90 minutes before appointment.
Stay well hydrated
Do not schedule any strenuous tasks for the rest of the day. It's best to have at least a few hours after the appointment that are easily relaxed.
Wear clothes you are ok getting a bit of oil on, post- treatment.
What to wear?
This treatment involves the use of oil, we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting oil on until you can shower.