The Karmukata of Svedana Karma: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Traditional approach to health care and cure has been the basic concept of Panchakarma. The Panchakarma is a branch of Ayurveda and one of the oldest health systems in the world with wide acceptance among large segments of the population. Svedana which is a major procedure of Panchakarma acts unanimously as Purvakarma, Pradhana Karma and Pashchat Karma, fight against diseases and becoming more successful in achieving Samyavastha. By its versatility it shows its effectiveness in the diseases of almost all the system by mostly causing vasodilatation and improved general circulation leading to healthy return in the condition. Svedana is considered as Bahirparimarjana Chikitsa and one among the Sad-Upakrama. Svedana which is a major procedure of Panchakarma and it is subdivided into Purvakarma, Pradhana Karma and Pashchat Karma. It is an independent Upakarma, as a Purvakarma measures generally done after Deepana, Pachana and Snehana, before administration of Shodhana treatment, Svedana is a process to induce sweating artificially in a patient who had already undergone Snehana may be or may not be. The heat is generated directly (Saagni) or indirectly (Niragni). Svedana liquefies the Doshas, clears the obstruction of channels of circulation and directs the Doshas to selective places from where they can be expelled easily. In the Vedic era the use of Natural remedies like sun-rays, fire were advocated as remedy in many disorders and mentioned as destroyers of Rakshas i.e. microbes. The current status of Svedana which indicate fluid perspiration from the body by sun light and exercise or the sweating which brought about in the body by contact of heat.