Abstract

Dr. Jyoti Kumbar* and Dr. Hemant Toshikhane

ABSTRACT

Swedana which is considered as "Bahirparimarjana chikitsa” and one among the “Sad-Upakrama” exactly opposite to stambhana. There are 4 varieties of Swedana karma explained in Ayurveda classics- Tapa, Upanaha, Ushma and Drava Sweda. Parisheka is one variety of drava sweda in which medicated liquid is filled into pot, jug with spout, or a tube and poured slowly and steadily over the part covered with cloth. In case of Vata affecting the entire body, the same- medicated water may be filled into tub and the patient made to sit in it, this method can be adopted in piles, Dysuria etc. Swedana is beneficial in different ways- like diminution of cold, diminution of pain and softening of the organs etc. Research indicates that Sweadana increases the availability of all neurohormones affecting brain chemistry, providing the recipient with a sense of well being. In this way different researches appear to show that swedana seems to regulate the various neurohormones either by stimulating or inhibiting the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The balance between the two is critical as it helps us maintain homeostasis in the body.