Sweda (स्वेदः)

This article needs editing. Add and improvise the content from reliable sources.

The word Sweda literally means “steam” or Sweat/perspiration. Sweda is the “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 and Kapha doshas in the body.

Introduction

Sweda or sweat is generated in the process of Sukshma pachana (tissue level metabolism) as an excretory byproduct of the 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)

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

Nirukti

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.

(Vachaspatyam.pg.5392)

वाचस्पत्यम्/स्फाति - विकिस्रोतः

Panchamahabhuta composition

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

(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.

Physiology

(Char.chik.15.18) ()

Sweda is the mala or the byproduct of the Medas or the 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. 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) 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)

Swedavaha Strotas

The chief sites of Swedavaha strotas are situated in Medas dhatu(adipose tissue), and Romakupa (hair follicle). That means, the entire dynamics of sweda is related to and regulated by meda dhatu and romakupas. Any afflictions of Meda or hair follicles are bound to cause resultant changes in quality and quantity of sweda along with its funcitons.

Causes of Vitiation of Swedavaha strotasa

(Char.Vim.5.22)

1. Excessive exercise
2. Excess heat exposure
3. Inappropriate usage of heat and cold substances
4. Excess Anger, fear, grief

Signs and symptoms of changes in normal levels of Sweda

Sweda Vriddhi Lakshana

(Sush.Sutr.15.15) (Asht.Hrud.Sutr.11.14)

1. Daurgandhya - foul odor from the body
2. Kandu  - itching
3. Atisweda - excessive sweating

Sweda Kshaya Lakshana

(Sush.sutr.15.15) (Asht.Hrud.Sutr.11.22) (Asht.sang.19.11)

स्वेदे रोमच्युतिः स्तब्धरोमता स्फुटनं त्वचः||

1. Romachyuti - body hair fall.
2. Stabdharomata - obstruction in the hair follicle with stiffness.
3. Sphutana Tvacha - dryness and cracking of the skin.
4. Sparshavaigunya - altered tactile sensation
5. Swedanasha - the absence of sweat

Kriya/Functions 

(Asht.Hrud.Sutr.11.4-sarvangasundari teeka)

1. The maintenance of skin moisture is the primary function of the Sweda.
2. Appropriate function of the hair follicles
3. Makes skin soft
4. Holds together the skin hair.

Sweda and Pitta dosha

Excessive sweating is one of the characteristics of Pitta dosha, here Pitta dosha takes abode of the Sweda in Ashraya- Ashrayi sambandha (interdependency) which is a unique concept of Ayurveda. Both pitta dosha and sweda have a component of “Ushma” or heat in common. Alongside there are similarities between them in the context of symptoms, related disorders, and even certain approaches to management. (Asht.Hrud.Sutr.11.26)

Sweda as Therapy

“Swedana” which is therapeutic sweating or fomentation or Steam therapy is one of the important panchakarma therapy procedures indicated in various disorders and primarily indicated in Vata dosha and Kapha dosha disorders. (Char.Sutr.14.3)

Swedana is classified as

1. Sagni Sweda (which includes fire)
2. Niragni Sweda (which does not include fire)

Saagni Sweda is the type that includes steam therapy using the heat of various kinds mentioned below. And Niragni Sweda includes steam therapy without using any kind of artificially generated heat or fire. (Char.Sutr.14.39,40) (Sush.Chik.32.15)

Sagni Sweda	Niragni Sweda
Sankara Sweda (Using medicinal bolus)	Physical exercise
Prastara(using medicinal mattress)	Staying in a warm room
Naadi sweda (Using a tube)	Covering with a thick blanket
Parisheka (using medicinal decoction)	Fasting
Avagahana (Tub fomentation)	Alcohol intake
Jentaka sweda (includes a chamber)	fear
Asmaghana sweda (using heated stone slab)	Anger
Karshu Sweda (using a heated trench )	Application of a medicated bandage
Kuti sweda (using a specific room)	wrestling
Bhu sweda (using a heated floor)	Sun therapy/exposure
Kumbhika sweda (using a pot)	Weight lifting
Kupa Sweda (using a pit)	walking
Holaka Sweda (vapor bath)

Sweda in context with diseases

1. In Sthaulya (obesity) - Atiswedana or excessive perspiration is a symptom
2. In Jwara (fever) - lack of sweating is a symptom. (Char.chik.3.132)
3. In Udara Roga () - as an aspect of pathogenesis, obstruction of channels carrying Sweda is present. (Char.Chik.13.20)
4. In Kustha (a certain skin disorder) - excessive seating is a symptom. (Char.Chik.7.11)
5. In Eka Kustha (a certain skin disorder) - lack of sweating is a symptom. (Char.Chik7.21)