Materials & Types of Swedan or Fomentation

Swedana  (Fomentation or Sudation ) – 

Part 2 on 6 Nov 15

Materials & Types of Swedan or Fomentation

Material used for fomentation may be in liquid or in solid state. These may be oily or dry Substances or medicines. 

Examples are --- 

          Water steam – used in tube fomentation or steam inhalation

          in URTI, Sinusitis etc.

•       Milk –-- used in Shalishastik Pinda Sweda in debilating conditions like cachexia,   muscle development, degenerative arthritis, sleep disk problem etc.

•      Plain sesame Oil or Medicated oils  --- Dhanvantaram oil, Sahacharadi oil, Vishagarbha oil for Muscular Stiffness, Murivenna for traumatic swelling etc. 

•      Cow’s Ghee or Medicated Ghee --- Triphala Ghee, Yashtimadhu ghee in Akshi Tarpana ( Augen Bad in German language) 

•      Kanji, meat & salt ---- Used in Traumatic Swelling in panda sweda form.

•      Medicinal Herbs or Plants --- Vacha, Rasna, Erandmool, Jatamansi, Turmeric, Dashmool etc are used in Nadisweda or Bashpasweda.,Leaf of Nirgudi, Eranda, Shigru are used in Patra pottali  swedan

Fomentation treatment – Types

1.  According to use of fire:

             i.        Agni swed (fomentation with use of fire)

•      Tapa Swedan- Heating pad, Infra Red Lamp, hot water bag, hot silica  used as dry fomentation in Amavata i.e. RA ,Backache

•      Ushma Swedan-

•      a) Nadi Sweda-Tube fomentation- Used for local region like in cervical spondylosis, Knee Pain

•      b) Steam Box- For generalized, whole body-e.g. Hemiplegia

           ii.        Anagni swed (fomentation without use of fire)

•      Vyayama (Exercise) –Yogic stretching expercises or Aerobics or running,jogging in winter

•      Ushna sadana (being inside the warm chamber) --- In European cold countries Internal heating system or Fire place inside the house

•      Gurupraavaranam (wearing of heavy clothing) –Wearing of woolen clothes ,while visiting to Kasmir,Himalaya ot Swiss

•      Kshudha (hunger) ----Fasting stimulates digestive fire or Metabolic process

•      Bahupaanam (excess drinking of alcohol) – Ayurvedic Medicinal wines i.e Asav & Arishtas can  help to generates heat & reducing Kapha problems like Excess cough with expectoration. Bhallatakasav or Kanakasav are good examples

•      Bhaya (fear) ---- Stimulates Sympathetic system & secretion of more adrenaline .Abdominal blood supply reduces but blood supply to extremities increases.This happens in Fight or Flight response

•      Krodha (anger) --- Stimulates Sympathetic system & secretion of more adrenaline .Abdominal blood supply reduces but blood supply to extremities increases.This happens in Fight or Flight response

•      Aahat (wrestling) --- Physical strenuous activities also generates heat in the body  

•      Aatapa (exposure to sun) --- Sun bath is very popular in Europe ,to protect themselves from cold

2.  According to the area to be fomented :

Ekanga sweda- Regional- Local inflammation like ankle sprain

Sarvanga sweda- Whole body steaming. eg.in Hemiplegia

3.  According to nature of swedana :

Snigdha sweda- ( Wet Fomentation)

•      Fomentation done after oil application and Oleation therapy.

•      This is used as purvakarma in panchkarma and in diseases due to mal-nourishment or degenerative arthritis like osteoarthritis.

•       Also in this type swedan material used is of snigdha guna.eg. milk, oil, meat, decoction etc.

•      Shalishashti pinda sweda, Upanaha sweda, Nadi sweda, Bashpa sweda are the types of snigdha sweda.

Ruksha sweda ( Dry Fomentation) 

•      Fomentation done without oil application and Oleation therapy.

•      This type of fomentation is used in conditions like increased levels of ama, kapha, blockage of minute cavities due to impure doshas or in Amavata

•      It is done with sand pack, infra red lamp or electric heating pads.

4.  According to the intensity of fomentation

•      Mrudu sweda ( Gentle Fomentation)

Mild fomentation is applied to very young child, weak patient, fomentation of eyes,Testis & Heart ( These 3 organs are in fact contraindicated for Fomentation .But mild swedan ,under supervision & advice of Vaidya  can be done)

•      Madhyam sweda ( Moderate Fomentation )

Moderate fomentation is applied when patient is not so weak but not so strong also.

•      Maha sweda ( Strong Fomentation )

Strong fomentation is applied when patient is strong enough to bare the fomentation.Also in Kapha predominant problems like Obesity with stiff joints .It is done on following sites-Hands, legs & back. 

Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande --- 9226810630

Dr.Sachin Sarpotdar -------- 9822795363

Dr,Mayura Shinde ---------- 7276866831

Swedana (Fomentation or Sudation )

Swedana  (Fomentation or Sudation ) –

Part 1 on 5 Nov 15

Introduction -- Therapeutic sweating, fomentation & Sudation are the synonyms for Swedana .The process which relieves stiffness, heaviness, coldness of the body and produces sweat is called ‘Swedana’. Sweat is the waste product (mala) in the process of metabolism of ‘Med dhatu’ (fat) in the body. Sweats carry the water soluble waste products from the body and it is useful to cool down the body. That is why in Grishma rutu or summer ,we sweat more.

In Ayurveda Snehan & Swedana are important Purva Karma procedures ,before Panchakarma or Detox process. But of course Swedana can be used as a separate Therapeutic Procedure. By means of swedana therapy, toxins are excreted out of the body. This process is used in treatment of Musculoskeletal diseases like Arthritis, Metabolic disorders like Obesity etc. and as a pretherapeutic procedure in Pacha Karma

After Snehana, deeply embedded doshas become softer, swedana, liquefies those doshas and bring them to their main sites. It increases sweating and removes toxins from skin. Hence skin becomes glowing, soft. This help to increase skin elasticity.

Swedana  is recommended in Early and Late Winter after oil massage to maintain the skin soft and moist. It increases digestive power. It is beneficial in removing toxins from the body. It removes stiffness, heaviness, coldness of the body. It removes strotorodha i.e blockage of strotas (Macro & Microcirculation) and it maintain the normal direction of Vata ( Anulomana gati)

Qualities' of Swedana Dravyas

•      Ushna (Hotness) -- Because of this quality perspiration occurs. This is useful to reduce the stiffness and spasm of the muscles in Arthritis.

•      Tikshnam --- Penetrating  -- Because of this quality, deeply embedded impure doshas are separated from peripheral tissues.It is the property which can reach to the deep tissues of the body like Bones and hence can target the deep pathological sites or lesions.

•      Saram  -- This means ability to spread.Because of this quality, liquified doshas are moved out of the minute cavities to their main sites.Hence we can utilized this property in pre Panchakarma Procedure to bring Kapha In Amashaya in Bronchial Asthma patients

•      Sukshma – Minute -- Because of this quality, swedan material can reach up to the minute cavities to perform their function.

Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande --- 9226810630

Dr.Sachin Sarpotdar -------- 9822795363

Dr,Mayura Shinde ---------- 7276866831

Medicated oils & Ghees -- Formulation & Indications

Snehana (Oleation) – Part 7

For 4 November  15 (Wednesday)

Medicated oils & Ghees -- Formulation & Indications:

Dear Students some oils or Ghrutas are specially prepared by South Indian Ayurved Pharmaceutical companies like CNN,CVN,Arya vaidya shala Kottakal .My personal experience about oils & Ghees from these companies is very nice .Even in Europe oils from South India is mostly imported .So specially Maharashtra guys ,you  may note these different oils & Ghee .

1) Irimedadi tailam --- Neuralgia, Tooth-ache, Stomatitis, Mouth and Throat Diseases

2) Asanamanjishtadi oil --- Diseases of the Eyes and Ears

3) Asanavilwadi oil -- Diseases of the head, eye, ear and Catarrhal affections.

4) Anutailam --- Sinusitis, Headache and Premature Graying of Hair and   Nasal-Allergic Disorders

5)Balaguduchyadi coconut oil ---- Rheumatoid Arthritis and Burning Sensation of the Body.

6)Bala tailam ---  .Bala is Nutritive.So useful in degenerative problems.Rheumatic Disorders like Paraplegia, Sciatica, Lumbago, Gout, Neuralgia (for external and internal use)

7)Cheriya Balaguluchyadi oil---- Catarrhal affections, Headache and burning sensation of the limbs

8) Baladhathryadi oil ----  Diseases of Head especially Head-ache

9) Balashwagandhadi oil--- Bala & Ashwadandha ,both are Nutritive .So use in Dhatu Kshayajanya Vata Prakop. General massage oil

10) Bhringamalakadi oil --- Headache, Insomnia

11)Chandanadi oil ---- Chandan or Sandlewood  is very costly but very cooling .So in Pitta Prakop problems.Sleeplessness, Memory loss

12)Chemparthydi oil --- Skin diseases, especially of children like scabies, contact dermatitis etc.

13)Dinesavalyadi tailam --- Scabies, Psoriasis and other Dermatological infections

14)Dhanwantaram  kuzhumbu – Very Nutritive.Kuzambu means which contain Yamal sneha i.e Oil & Ghee both .Well known for Paralytic Disorders and also for  women in Pregnancy, as well as in post Traumatic cases

15)Dhurdhoorapathradi oil--- Dandruff

16)Eladi oil--- Eczema, Catarrhal infections and Skin Allergy

17)Gandharvahastadi oil --- Rheumatic diseases, as a  laxative

18)Hinguthrigunam ---- Colic, Piles and constipation as laxative

19) Kottamchukkadi oil ---- Acute Rheumatic Disorder

20) Ksheerabala tailam --- .In Europe it is also labeled as Baby oil .Very nutritive for children & delicate personality like Vata Pitta people or problems .Can be used for Matra Basti .Rheumatic Disorders, Nervous Debility hypertension, insomnia and rheumatoid arthritis

21)Mahamasha tailam --- Paralytic and Nervous Disorders

22) Murivenna oil --- Very effective in cuts, wounds, fractures & dislocation

23)Narayana tailam --- Paraplegia, Sciatica

24)Valiya Narayana tailam --- Paraplegia and Sciatica

25)Neelibhrungyadi Kera tailam --- Hair oil known for prevention of hair fall &  Dandruff and growth of hair.

26) Pinda Tailam --- Rheumatoid Arthritis

27) Sahacharadi oil --- Rheumatic Diseases especially of the lower extremities, Lumbago, Varicose Veins etc. 

28) Dadimadi ghrutham --- Anaemia, indigestion, piles, promotes fertility.(Internal use)

29)Gulguluthiktakam  Ghrutam--- Arthritis, skin diseases, diabetes, fistula, tumor, specifically indicated in diseases of head.

30)Indukantham Ghrutam -- Rheumatic diseases in general, chronic cough, fever, weakness of the body etc.

31)Jeevanthydi yamakam ---  Skin diseases especially for cracking of the feet and hand. (for external use only)

32) Kalyanakam --- Mania, epilepsy, anemia, toxemia, menstrual disorders.

33) Mahathikthakam Ghrutam ---- Tikta or Bitter taste is useful as a blood purifier & as a Bone Tonic .All types of dermatological disorders like eczema, psoriasis  & also in Osteoarthritis ,Osteoporosis,etc

34) Patoladi Ghrutham --- Diseases of eyes, nose and ears.

35) Shatadhautha  Grutam  ---  Burning sensation of extremities and other types of dermatological disorders caused by the derangement of pitta. (for external use) e.g. Herpes Zoster, Sun burn etc.Also useful to reduce dryness of Vata imbalance .So apply for fissure on Palm or Feet

36) Saraswatham Ghrutham ---  It contains Brahmi ,Brain Tonic .Develops intelligence and memory.

37)Thikthakam Ghrutam --- Dermatological diseases caused by the Pitta like Herpes zoster.

•      Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande --- 9226810630

•      Dr.Sachin Sarpotdar -------- 9822795363

•      Dr,Mayura Shinde ---------- 7276866831

Rules to be followed after panchakarma treatment

Snehana (Oleation) – Part 6

For 3 November  15 (Tuesday)

Rules to be followed after panchakarma treatment :

•      Time duration for the after treatment (Samsarjan krama) is same as that of the oleation. It means, if 5 days for oleation then 5 days for the after treatment.

•      Always take lukewarm water for bath and drinking.

•      Avoid coitus, suppression of natural urges, exercise, and heavy work.

•      Avoid  sleeping during day time or keeping awake till late at night

•      Try to control the extreme emotional behavior like anger, loud talk or anxiety

•      Freshly cooked, Non Spicy, light, easily digestible food is advisable

What is Snehaviram i.e. breaking day ?

•      After completion of internal oleation, next day external oleation and sudation is given. On the next day Vaman is given with prior external oleation and sudation. It means for vaman there is only one day break.The dinner on the day before of Vaman ,Kapha vardhak or Kapha increasing diet is advised like Udid or black gram vada with curd or Rice & curd  ,Banana Sadha Rawa dosa without curry etc

•      The above procedure is repeated for virechana with two days break.

•      Within these breaking days one must consume light, easily digestible food.

•      Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande --- 9226810630

•      Dr.Sachin Sarpotdar -------- 9822795363

•      Dr,Mayura Shinde ---------- 7276866831

Snehana-Procedure-Steps

Snehana (Oleation) – Part 5

For  2 November  15

Snehana-Procedure-Steps

•      Observed the indications.Firstly decide whether patient is indicated for Snehana or not.Decide the Quantity, duration and the type of oily substance used in the treatment. Examine the digestive power of the patient.The quantity of the oily substance depends on digestive power of the patient.Proper quantity of oily substance is of great importance, improper quantity may produce many adverse effects like drowsiness, stiffness, itching, fever, pain, vertigo, flatulence etc.

•      Examination of digestive power can be done by giving the testing dose of oily substances to the patient. This testing dose is termed as ‘Rhasiyasi matra’ of Snehana. Time taken by the patient to digest this dose decides the proper dose. This testing dose is generally of 25gm.

•      So mathematical Equation will be as follows

•      If Patient is takes 3 hours for Digestion of 25 Grams ,then How much will be quantity to Digest in 6 hours ? Answer will be 50  Grams ! This will be Rhaswa or Small dose.

•      100 Gm will be digested in 12 hours .This is Madyam or Moderate dose .

•      200 Gm will be digested in 24 hours .This will be Uttam or High Dose.

Dose Determination

•      Small quantity (rhaswa matra):-- This quantity of oily substance is digested in 6 hours. It is given to the patient who has low digestive power i.e. patient has no feeling of hunger until 6 hours.

•      Moderate quantity (madhyam matra):-- This quantity of oily substance is digested in 12 hours. It is given to the patient who has moderate digestive power.

•      High / large quantity (uttam matra): -- This quantity of oily substance is digested in 24 hours. It is given to the patient with very high digestive power.

Duration of the Therapy -- It depends on Agni (digestive function) and Koshtha (bowel movement)

Approximate time:- i) Mrudu koshtha- Even with milk can cause soft & watery stool.These kind of people required approximate 3 days for complete oleation. ii) Madhyam koshtha- Mild laxative is enough for the bowel movement.These kind of people required approximate 4 or 5 or 6 days for complete oleation. iii) Krur koshtha- Need strong purgation and have a tendency of Constipation.These kind of people required approximate 7 days for complete oleation.

How to take sneha? --- i) Oily substances should be taken on empty stomach, early in the morning. It should be taken with lukewarm water with added salt. Fasting should be done until the oily substance is fully digested. ii) Symptoms during digestion of oily substance – headache, vertigo, increased salvation, increased thirst, burning sensation in the body etc.iii) Symptoms indicating full digestion of oily substance – relief from above symptom to great extent, feeling of lightness in the body. Feeling of hunger, easy passage of gases. iv) If one is doubtful about the digestion of oily substance, then have some lukewarm water. If fresh belching occurs, digestion is complete. If oleated belching occurs, then it is the indication of incomplete digestion

•      After digestion -- Take bath with lukewarm water. Have easily digestible, light, liquid diet.Next day again have oily substance till symptoms of fully oleation appear on the body.

 Symptoms suggesting proper oleation :

•      Easy passing of gases

•      Nausea / intolerance for oily substances (lack of desire for them).It is called as Sneha Vidwesha in Ayurveda .Kindly note the difference for Nausea on First day & Nausea on Last Day .First day Nausea in patient may be due to  he or she  is not accustom to take Ghee or Oil ,in such stomach on Empty stomach .But Last day Nausea indication saturation stage of oil or Ghee in the body.

•      Soft and oily stools( In Sanskrit – Adhastat Sneha Darshanam)

•      Lightness of the body

•      Oily skin

•      Feeling of tiredness

Symptoms suggesting excessive oleation:

•      It appears due to more oleation even after symptoms of proper oleation appear. They are as follow- Drowsiness, Nausea, Increased salivation, Increased nasal secretions, Anorexia

•      Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande --- 9226810630

•      Dr.Sachin Sarpotdar -------- 9822795363

•      Dr,Mayura Shinde ---------- 7276866831