Swedanam - In sanskrit, sweda means to sweat or perspirate; It has a broad meaning and wide application in ayurveda. It is the procedure of inducing sweat with application of steam produced by medicated concoctions or preparation in any form. Swedanam is one of the primary treatments for vata and kapha dosha imbalances. It is helpful in detoxification, improving blood circulation, reducing pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. The are diverse methods of swednam employed for various bodily conditions.

Bashpa Swedanam / Steam Bath - This method of sudation is carried out by using herbs according to the type of disease which are infused into the steam chamber. The patient is made to sit and sweat in a chamber filled with medicated herbal steam for a regulated time period. This type of swedanam helps to cleanse, purify and release the toxins thus brightening the skin. It also enables relaxation of muscles by reducing pain and stiffness.

Nadi Swedanam - Is a form of Bashpa swedanam in which steam is applied over specific body part through a tube after a It is a method of sweating induced through vapours in the local area of pain. The procedure is more beneficial for local fomentation rather than generalised application i.e Sarvanga Sweda ( full body steaming}

Churna pinda swedanam / Podikizhi

Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen according to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induse perspiration. Churna pinda swedanam is where medicinal powders are roasted and made into a bolus for application. The poultice is heated frequently by rubbing it over an iron tava which is consatntly placed over a minimal fire. The therapists rhythmically work in sequence to induce perspiration by applying the right amount of heat and pressure throughout the procedure.It is an unparalled treatment in treatemnt of Vata Kapha morbidity and in any conditions of pain, stiffness in joints and muscles.

Patra Pinda swedanam / Ela Kizhi - Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen according to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induse perspiration. Patra means leaves. Patra Pinda swedanam is a treatment where medicinal leaves are fried with varoius other ingredients and are made into a bolus. Patra pinda swednam helps in pain relief and reduces swelling and stiffness in joints, mainly in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spondylosis, cervical spondylosis, musculoskeletal pain and myalgia.

Kukutanda Pinda swedanam / Mutta Kizhi - Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen according to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induse perspiration. Kukutanda is egg . The swedana , or sudation, is administered by means of a bolus made with fried eggs in medicated oil along with herbalpowders. .It is a very effective procedure in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, muscular disorders, facial paralysis, vata dominant conditions and other spine and joint related conditions. It also nourishes the tissues and relaxes the muscles.

Valuka Pinda swedanam / Manal Kizhi - Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen accordi ng to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induce perspiration. Valuka means sand, Valuka pinda swedanam is where clear sand is used to make a poultice. This is used to reduce pain, inflammation and muscle stiffness in the affected areas and is mainly given for rheumatoid arthritis and obesity.

Shastika shali pinda swedanam / Navara Kizhi - Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen according to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induce perspiration. Shastika shali is a kind of rice that is grown for 60 days and has special medicinal values. The rice is boiled with milk and kashayas of herbal powders to obtain a thick semi soilid consistency. The cooked rice is then made into a bolus and is used for the sudation process. The main purpose is to improve circulation to the body tissues mainy to reduce pain and stiffness, nourish the body and improve the strength of tissues, muscles and bones.

Mamsa shastika pinda Swedanam - Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen according to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induce perspiration. Shastika shali is a kind of rice that is grown for 60 days and has special medicinal values. The rice along with Minced goat meat is boiled with milk and kashayas of herbal powders to obtain a thick semi solid consistency. The cooked mixture is then made into a bolus and is used for the sudation process. The main purpose is to improve circulation to the body tissues mainy to reduce pain and stiffness, nourish the body and improve the strength of tissues, muscles and bones.

Jambira pinda Swedanam / Naranga Kizhi - Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen according to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induce perspiration. Naranga in general refers to lemon. It is also called jambeera pinda swedanam. It’s a treatment given to painful areas. This hot fomentation made as bolus using lemon along with other medicinal herbs. It is indicated in pain, swelling and stiffness associated with sore joints, spine, nerves and soft tissues.

Masha Pinda swedanam -Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen according to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induce perspiration. Masha means 'Black gram'. The swedanam procedure is done using bolus made out of cooked black gram.

Avagaham - Is Immersing oneself in a medicated decoction. This therapeutic sudation procedure is one in which the patient is made to sit in a tub filled with a herbal decoction made from dried or fresh leaves for a prescribed period of time, say for 15 - 20 mins, such that to obtain a minimal sweating that is induced due to the exposure of the body to high temp. This therapy is intensively used in ayurveda for the treatment of neurological disorders, Gastro iontestinal disorders, Gyanaecological disorders and to treat peoblems relating to the lower spinal region.The therapy deeply relaxes the tissues, muscles , nerves and restores circulation in the congested area of the body.