Review Article on Sarvang Abhyang and Swedan

Abstract

Ayurveda literally translates to "life science." According to Ayurveda, health does  not just refer to the absence of sickness; it also refers to a person's intellect, sense  organs, and spirit being in a perfect state of harmony to bestow happiness while the  body is free of disease. Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic therapy that entails massaging  the entire body with a Dosha-specific warm herb-infused oil from head to toe. For  specific illnesses, the oil is frequently pre-mixed with herbs. Swedana is a popular  technique in Ayurvedic Panchakarma centres. Sarvanga Swedana, or passive body  heat therapy, is known to generate systemic hemodynamic alterations. Swedana is  typically performed after Abhyanga and/or Snehana (the administration of  therapeutic oils and ghee in metered quantities for oral consumption as a pre treatment technique for cleansing therapies such as Vamana – Therapeutic  vomiting and Virechana – Therapeutic purgation). Swedana causes the body to  sweat, making us feel lighter and more energised. It also causes the cells to activate  and wash out pollutants. We feel lighter and more at peace when our cellular  metabolism improves. The paper explains the concepts of Sarvang Abhyang and  Swedan in broad terms.