Journal of Natural Remedies

Vandana Verma ¹, Saurabh Yadav ¹, Abinav ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Kriya Sharir, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi – 221005, Uttar Pradesh, IN
2 Department of Kaya Chikitsa, Panchakarma Unit, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221005, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

Introduction: <i>Svedana Karma</i> (Sudation) is a therapeutic procedure used to pacify <i>Vata, Kapha Dosha</i> and also helps in detoxification of the body. Various methods have been described to induce sweating as per the disorder and the type of <i>Dosha</i> involved in pathogenesis. <i>Sarvanga Ruksha svedana</i> used in the present study is a type of <i>Sagni Sveda (Kuti Sveda)</i> in which heat is applied without prior <i>Abhyanga</i> (massage with oil). Objectives: To analyze certain physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters in blood and sweat and also to understand the mechanism of effects produced by <i>Sarvanga Ruksha Svedan</i>. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted on 30 clinically healthy subjects in the age group of 20-30 years. They were registered for the study after their written consent for <i>Svedan</i> procedure. The impact of <i>Svedan</i> was observed in terms of subject’s pulse rate (PR), blood pressure (BP), Temperature and biochemical parameters like complete blood count (CBC), and renal function test (RFT), lipid profile, sweat biochemical analysis. Assessment of <i>Prakriti</i> was done as per the predominance of <i>Dosha</i>. Results: The changes observed in the BP, PR, temperature, hemoglobin (Hb), CBC, biochemical parameters such as serum and sweat electrolytes, blood lipid levels, serum urea, creatinine have shown significant effect of <i>Sarvanga Ruksh Svedan</i>. The difference in responses has been found to vary as per <i>Prakriti</i> also. Conclusion: Present study has shown several interesting findings leading to scientific interpretation of <i>Svedan Karma</i> and <i>physiology</i> of <i>Svedavaha Srotas</i> and also has provided a lead for future research in this area.

Keywords

Svedana, Passive Heat Therapy, Panchakarma, Sweat, Prakriti

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