Swedan (Steam Therapy)

Swedana is a steam treatment explained in Ayurvedic medical science. The word Sweda is derived from Sanskrit swid, meaning ‘to sweat or to perspire’. So swedana is the process of inducing sweat with the help of steam, generated from medicated herbal 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. Ayurvedic fomentation is usually given after an oil massage.

Before the administration of panchakarma, the body of the patient is to be suitably prepared, and therapeutic measures used for this purpose is called preparation therapy. Swedan is one of them. Hence Ayurvedic massage and steam bath is carried out prior to any panchakarma treatment.