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The word Sweda literally means “steam” or Sweat/perspiration. Sweda is the “[[Malas (मलाः)|mala]]” just like Mutra(Urine) and Purisha(stool). In Ayurveda, Sweda thus refers to the sweat as a waste byproduct as well as a a therapeutic process through which sweating is induced. The therapeutic process under Panchakarma, that induces sweating is known as Swedana. It has widespread applications however, it is chiefly utilized to reduces aggravated levels of cold of [[Vata dosha (वातः वातदोषः वा)|Vata]] and [[Kapha dosha (कफः कफदोषः वा)|Kapha]] doshas in the body.  

The word Sweda (स्वेदः) literally means “steam” or Sweat/perspiration. Sweda is the “[[Malas (मलाः)|mala (मलः)]]” just like [[Mutra (मूत्रम्)|Mutra (मूत्रम्]]। Urine) and Purisha ( पुरीषः। stool). In Ayurveda, Sweda thus refers to the sweat as a waste byproduct as well as a a therapeutic process through which sweating is induced. The therapeutic process under Panchakarma, that induces sweating is known as Swedana (स्वेदनम्). It has widespread applications however, it is chiefly utilized to reduces aggravated levels of cold of [[Vata dosha (वातः वातदोषः वा)|Vata (वातः)]] and [[Kapha dosha (कफः कफदोषः वा)|Kapha (कफः)]] [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]] in the body.  

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Sweda or sweat is generated in the process of Sukshma pachana (tissue level metabolism) as an excretory byproduct of the [[Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)|Meda dhatu]] (Fatty tissue). Sweda or sweat is formed as a liquid component through the metabolism of meda dhatu along with other products. (Char.Chik.15.18,19) This sweda is then excreted through lomakupa or the hair follicles on the skin of the entire body. (asht.Hrud.Shar.3.36)

Sweda or sweat is generated in the process of Sukshma pachana (सूक्ष्मपचनम्। tissue level metabolism) as an excretory byproduct of the [[Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)|Meda dhatu (मेद धातु]] । Fatty tissue). Sweda or sweat is formed as a liquid component through the metabolism of meda dhatu along with other products.<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 18-19)</ref>  This sweda is then excreted through lomakupa (लोमकूपाः) or the hair follicles on the skin of the entire body. <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 36)</ref>

It is regulated by body heat or ushma. Since heat is the inherent quality of Sweda, its production and  

It is regulated by body heat or ushma. Since heat is the inherent quality of Sweda, its production and ciculation and excretion is under the influence of Pitta dosha representing the heat element in the body. 

== Nirukti ==

== Nirukti ==

The word “Sweda” is derived from “Svid” meaning to perspire or sweat.

The word “Sweda” is derived from “Svid” meaning to perspire or sweat.

Thus, the perspiration from shareera due to “gharma” or heat is termed as Sweda.

Thus, the perspiration from [[sharira (शरीरम्)]]  due to “gharma (घर्म)” or heat is termed as Sweda.

(Vachaspatyam.pg.5392)

(Vachaspatyam.pg.5392)

== Panchamahabhuta composition ==

== Panchamahabhuta composition ==

Sweda being the watery constituent of the body is Jala(water element) and Teja(fire element) Mahabhuta dominant.  

Sweda being the watery constituent of the body, it is Jala(water element) and Teja(fire element) Mahabhuta dominant.<ref name=":1">Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 7,17)</ref> <ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 15-16)</ref>

 

(Sush.Sutr.15.7)(Char.Shar.7.16)

It can be understood from the facts that, the body temperature gets reduced in the fever only when the sweating happens. Thus, sweda acts as a medium that transports the excess heat content in the body and removes it through the skin in a watery form.  

It can be understood from the facts that, the body temperature gets reduced in the fever only when the sweating happens. Thus, sweda acts as a medium that transports the excess heat content in the body and removes it through the skin in a watery form.  

== Physiology ==

== Physiology ==

Sweda is a body component that is geenrated, transported and excreted in a systematic manner at specific sites in the body. This is known as the physiology of Sweda described as follows.<ref name=":0" />

 

Sweda is the mala or the byproduct of the Medas or the [[Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)|meda dhatu]] (one of the seven dhatu which can be correlated with the fatty/adipose tissue)

 

Sweda is carried through its specific channels known as Swedavaha [[Strotas (स्रोतसम्)|strotas]]. According to Acharya Sushruta, sweda is carried and excreted through tiryakdhamani which are eight body vessels spread obliquely.  (Sush.Shar.9.8)

 

Vyana Vata (a type of [[Vata dosha (वातः वातदोषः वा)|Vata dosha]]) is responsible for the transport or movement of sweat through the hair follicles, the opening of the pores, and the excretion of the sweat. (Asht.sang.Sutr.20.6)

The amount of Sweda in the body is 10 Anjali pramana()(Char. Shar.7.15). However, this is variable according to each individual. (Sush.sutr.15.17)

* The amount of Sweda in the body is 10 Anjali pramana.<ref name=":2" /> However, this is variable according to each individual.<ref name=":1" />

=== '''Swedavaha Strotas''' ===

=== '''Swedavaha Strotas''' ===