Changes

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

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As per  [[Ayurveda]], the functioning of the universe depends upon ''agni'' and ''soma'' which symbolize sources of hot and cold energy. ''Uttarayana'' (northward sojourn of sun) and ''dakshinayana'' (southward sojourn of sun) are together responsible for maintaining homeostasis on this planet. This homeostasis is also mirrored in the individual through the concept of ''loka purusha samanya siddhantha'' (that the individual is a microcosm of the universe, the macrocosm). The ''purusha'' (individual human being) imbibes this energy and confines it in the ''sharira'' (body) as ''pitta''. This ''pitta'' controls, or rather regulates, the ''ushmanattva'' (core body temperature) of the body ([[Charak Samhita]] [[Sutra Sthana]] 12/11). It is responsible for all the metabolic processes at the cellular level and digestion at the level of the gut. ''Pitta'' is the contributor of ''ushna guna'' (warmth) to the body. The stimulator (''preraka'') of ''pitta'' is ''vata'' (the accelator-''sameerano agnehe'' ([[Charak Samhita]] [[Sutra Sthana]] 12). ''Vata'', in association with ''pitta'' and ''kapha'', maintains the normal core body temperature by controlling the heat regulating system and balancing the ''sheeta'' and ''ushna guna''.

As per  [[Ayurveda]], the functioning of the universe depends upon ''agni'' and ''soma'' which symbolize sources of hot and cold energy. ''Uttarayana'' (northward sojourn of sun) and ''dakshinayana'' (southward sojourn of sun) are together responsible for maintaining homeostasis on this planet. This homeostasis is also mirrored in the individual through the concept of ''loka purusha samanya siddhantha'' (that the individual is a microcosm of the universe, the macrocosm). The ''purusha'' (individual human being) imbibes this energy and confines it in the ''sharira'' (body) as ''pitta''. This ''pitta'' controls, or rather regulates, the ''ushmanattva'' (core body temperature) of the body. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 12/11] It is responsible for all the metabolic processes at the cellular level and digestion at the level of the gut. ''Pitta'' is the contributor of ''ushna guna'' (warmth) to the body. The stimulator (''preraka'') of ''pitta'' is ''vata'' (the accelator-''sameerano agnehe''. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 12] ''Vata'', in association with ''pitta'' and ''kapha'', maintains the normal core body temperature by controlling the heat regulating system and balancing the ''sheeta'' and ''ushna guna''.

''Swedana'' uses the ''agni'' principle in therapy. Practical applications of ''swedana'' procedures, along with indications, contraindications and complications associated with their management have been described in this chapter. It is recommended after proper ''snehana'' and is enlisted as one among six important therapies along with ''langhana'' (fasting or reducing therapy), ''brimhana'' (nourishing therapy), ''snehana'' (oleation), ''stambhana'' (styptic therapy) and ''rukshana'' (drying therapy).''Swedana'' has to be adopted based on the symptoms and conditions considering the ''samanya visesha sidhantha'' (theory of similarity and dissimilarity). ''Swedana'' procedures are indicated in ''vata, kapha'' and ''vata-kapha dosha'' dominant disorders, but are contraindicated in ''pittaja'' disorders. There are three types of twin procedures (with opposing actions to each other) used for various conditions:

''Swedana'' uses the ''agni'' principle in therapy. Practical applications of ''swedana'' procedures, along with indications, contraindications and complications associated with their management have been described in this chapter. It is recommended after proper ''snehana'' and is enlisted as one among six important therapies along with ''langhana'' (fasting or reducing therapy), ''brimhana'' (nourishing therapy), ''snehana'' (oleation), ''stambhana'' (styptic therapy) and ''rukshana'' (drying therapy).''Swedana'' has to be adopted based on the symptoms and conditions considering the ''samanya visesha sidhantha'' (theory of similarity and dissimilarity). ''Swedana'' procedures are indicated in ''vata, kapha'' and ''vata-kapha dosha'' dominant disorders, but are contraindicated in ''pittaja'' disorders. There are three types of twin procedures (with opposing actions to each other) used for various conditions:

Environmental and age related factors also need to be considered for sudation. In extremely warm regions or during the peak of summer, there is remarkable body dehydration. And in an intensely humid climate or in an ill ventilated room where there is peripheral heat production from the body surface (and yet minimal evaporation), sudation has to be strictly monitored and precautionary procedures have to be well thought-out. Cold seasons are ideal for ''swedana'' procedures because body homeostasis favors or demands heat (evident from the behavioral response mechanisms adopted by each one of us in cold seasons). Among specific fomentation techniques, ''sarvangasweda'' is contraindicated in individuals at the extremes of age (i.e., infants and very elderly people) where there is ineffective thermoregulation, although ''ekanga'' and ''mridu sweda'' could be prescribed. [verse 6]

Environmental and age related factors also need to be considered for sudation. In extremely warm regions or during the peak of summer, there is remarkable body dehydration. And in an intensely humid climate or in an ill ventilated room where there is peripheral heat production from the body surface (and yet minimal evaporation), sudation has to be strictly monitored and precautionary procedures have to be well thought-out. Cold seasons are ideal for ''swedana'' procedures because body homeostasis favors or demands heat (evident from the behavioral response mechanisms adopted by each one of us in cold seasons). Among specific fomentation techniques, ''sarvangasweda'' is contraindicated in individuals at the extremes of age (i.e., infants and very elderly people) where there is ineffective thermoregulation, although ''ekanga'' and ''mridu sweda'' could be prescribed. [verse 6]

Health indicators such as serum electrolytes, blood urea, creatinine, mean acid base balance, serum and urine osmolarity, hemoglobin, hematocrit and vital signs should also be assessed before and after ''swedana''. <ref>ibid</ref>

Health indicators such as serum electrolytes, blood urea, creatinine, mean acid base balance, serum and urine osmolarity, hemoglobin, hematocrit and vital signs should also be assessed before and after ''swedana''.  

''Bala'' (physical fitness) of the individual has to be assessed through ''vyayama shakti'' (exercise capacity), which corresponds to the time taken for spending one’s ''ardha shakti'' (half strength). Based on the outcome of this assessment, ''pravara'' (maximum), ''avara'' (minimum) and ''madhyama'' (medium) ''bala'' have to be assessed. Based upon the results of these ''bala'' assessments, ''maha sweda'' (whole body sudation for an extended duration) and various minor/major ''sweda'' measures could be prescribed.

''Bala'' (physical fitness) of the individual has to be assessed through ''vyayama shakti'' (exercise capacity), which corresponds to the time taken for spending one’s ''ardha shakti'' (half strength). Based on the outcome of this assessment, ''pravara'' (maximum), ''avara'' (minimum) and ''madhyama'' (medium) ''bala'' have to be assessed. Based upon the results of these ''bala'' assessments, ''maha sweda'' (whole body sudation for an extended duration) and various minor/major ''sweda'' measures could be prescribed.