Panchkarma
Swedana
Herbal steam that opens the channels
Medicated herbal steam therapy that liquefies toxins, opens the body's channels and relieves stiffness and pain.
- Duration
- 10 to 20 minutes (after Abhyanga)
- Course
- Usually daily alongside a Panchkarma or pain-management course
About Swedana
Swedana is therapeutic sudation using steam generated from a decoction of herbs such as Dashamoola, Nirgundi and Eranda. It follows Snehana (oleation) and is an essential preparatory step of Panchkarma.
Heat softens and liquefies accumulated Ama and Doshas in the peripheral tissues so they can move back to the digestive tract and be eliminated by the main purification procedures. Used on its own, Swedana is remarkably effective for stiffness, heaviness and musculoskeletal pain.
We use a classical wooden steam chamber that keeps the head outside, so the body receives full steam while the head stays cool — an important safety detail that generic steam cabins ignore.
Procedure
- 01
Oleation first
Abhyanga is performed so the skin and tissues are protected and toxins are mobilised.
- 02
Herbal decoction
Herbs suited to your condition are boiled to produce medicated steam.
- 03
Steam chamber
You sit inside the chamber with the head outside; steam is regulated to a comfortable level.
- 04
Monitoring
The therapist monitors sweating, pulse and comfort and stops at the correct classical endpoint.
- 05
Cool-down
Sweat is wiped, you rest, and warm water is advised — never a cold shower immediately after.
Frequently asked questions
Other therapies
Abhyanga
Full-body synchronised massage with warm medicated oils to nourish tissues, calm the nervous system and balance Vata.
Shirodhara
A continuous stream of warm medicated oil poured over the forehead to quieten the nervous system and restore mental clarity.
Nasya
Administration of medicated oils or powders through the nostrils to treat disorders above the collarbone.
Begin with a consultation, not a guess
Every plan at Vishwaprabha starts with an unhurried assessment of your history, digestion, sleep and constitution. Call or message us and we will find a suitable time.