Abstract

CONTEMPORARY UNDERSTANDING OF THE AYAS PINDA SWEDA MENTIONED IN CHARAKA SAMHITA

Dr. Prathamesh Umakant Pandey*, Dr. Gayatri Gandhe and Dr. Vipinsha Rajasadanam Samsakumar

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Abstract

Swedana (Fomentation Therapy) is a therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda that involves inducing sweating through various techniques, including exercise, covering the body with a thick cloth, or applying heat using different modalities of heat conductors. Various Swedana techniques are outlined in Ayurveda, tailored to address specific Dosha conditions through different methods of heat transfer. Based on their properties (gunas), Swedana is classified into Snigdha Sweda (unctuous heat) and Ruksha Sweda (dry heat). Ayas Sweda, a type of Ruksha Sweda, utilises a bolus (Pottali) containing heated iron balls. The thermal properties of iron enhance the efficient transfer of heat energy. When heated, iron emits far infrared radiation, which penetrates the skin, causing capillary expansion and facilitating the elimination of toxins and metabolic waste. Modern research highlights the therapeutic benefits of far infrared radiation, aligning closely with the benefits attributed to Swedana Karma in Ayurveda practice.

Keywords: Ayas Pinda Sweda, Panchakarma, Far-Infrared Radiation, Iron Balls.