Swedana (Svedana) – Ayurvedic Method of Sudation

June 23, 2015Last Updated: July 4, 2019

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Swedana (also spelled as Svedana) is a Sanskrit word, which means perspire or sweating. The various techniques that induce sweating are known as Swedana karma. Swedana can induce hemodynamic changes in the body. First, it increases blood pressure and heart rate or pulse rate. These changes are just for a short period. After that, it can also reduce systolic blood pressure. It also improves blood circulation and removes toxic substances through sweating.

Therapeutic Indications

Swedana is beneficial in following health conditions.

General Symptoms

VATA disorders
KAPHA disorders
Heaviness in body
Hoarseness of voice
Chocking sensation in throat
Excessive Yawning
Rigidity of any part (flanks, abdomen, back, lockjaw etc.)
Contraction
Pain
Rigidity
Heaviness
Numbness
Inflammation
Body ache

Lungs & Airways

Cough
Rhinitis
Hiccups
Breathlessness
Asthma

Pain Disorders

Earache
Neck Pain
Headache
Pain in foot, leg, knee and thigh regions
Pain with cramps in ankle, knee, wrist, hip Joints

Brain & Nerves

Facial palsy
Monoplegia (Paralysis of a single limb)
Generalized paresis
Paralysis
Sciatica
Tremors

Muscle, Bones & Joints

Kyphosis
Lordosis
Scoliosis
Rigidity of spine
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Muscular dystrophy
Stiffening of thighs
Sprain of ankle

Abdomen

Abdominal distension
Constipation
Abdominal lump

Others

Dysuria
Enlargement of scrotum
Rigidity in foot, leg, knee and thigh regions

Contraindications

Swedana (sudation therapy) is not appropriate in following cases and conditions.

General Contraindications

Thirst
Pregnancy
Anger
Hunger
Grief
Weakness

Note: Swedana (sudation therapy) is not suitable for following body organs and you should cover these parts with towel, flowers or leaves etc.

Eyes
Heart (cardiac region)
Scrotal region

Special Contraindications

PITTA Disorders (Strong sudation is always contraindicated. In some cases, mild sudation is suggestible if required.)
Diarrhoea
Diabetes mellitus ⁺
Haemorrhagic disorders
Proctitis
Rectal prolapsed
Alcoholism
Poisoning
Extremely Obese
Burning micturition
Jaundice
Ascites
Liver enlargement
Spleen enlargement
Cirrhosis of Liver
Acute abdomen
Lung injury
Gout
Gastroenteritis or Cholera
Excessive weakness
Low immunity
Incipient cataract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Multiple Sclerosis

⁺ Note: Mild Swedana is reported beneficial in diabetes mellitus complications including diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, we can use mild sudation for diabetic patient with good diabetes control, but strong sudation is always contraindicated. In uncontrolled diabetes, mild sudation is also contraindicated.

Possible Complications

Excess sudation or excessive use of Swedana therapy can cause following complications.

PITTA Disorders
Burning sensation
Syncope
Ill health
Weakness in whole body
Joint pains with burning sensation
Pain with burning sensation
Eruption of blisters
Thirst
Fatigue
Fever
Heat burns – black or reddish discoloration of the skin

Management of Complications

The management of complications of Swedana involves.

Symptomatic treatment according to predominance of humours and symptoms involved
First, treat severe complications.
Use of herbs or measures that brings coolness in the body
Use of herbs or remedies having sweet taste, cool potency, and unctuous in nature