UPANAHA SWEDA: AYURVEDIC HEALING THERAPY FOR PAIN AND INFLAMMATION

The term ‘Upanaha’ is derived from Upanahana, which means bandage in Sanskrit. It is the process of applying a warm herbal paste to the affected body parts, which is followed by bandaging. The word ‘Sweda’ means sweat; the therapy to induce perspiration is called Swedana. By inducing sweating, the procedure helps to alleviate pain and inflammation from the body.

The Upanaha Sweda Therapy

It is the mode of treatment used for suppurating anti-inflammatory swelling. Upanaha Sweda preparation mainly depends on:

• Materials used for the application
• The thickness of the applied paste
• Duration for which the paste will remain on the skin’s surface

Pre-Procedure

The Upanhana Sweda preparation involves making the medicinal paste with or without heating, according to the disease to be treated. Taila, Choorna, Dravya, and Saindhava are a few things that can be used for the same. In the case of Sagni Upanaha, it must be heated at 39-41 degrees Celsius. However, for Niragni Upanaha, it can be applied as such.

Procedure

The individual is asked to lie down in a comfortable position, exposing the body part or joint that needs to be tied with Upanaha dravya. The affected part is cleaned, and upon indication, abhyanga is done with lukewarm oil. The prepared Upanaha dravyas, having a uniform thickness of 1-2 cm, are applied to the affected areas and covered with the Vatahara patras after slight warming. After that, it is tied with a cloth bandage.

Appropriate bandaging techniques must be adapted according to the region. The procedure is usually carried out at night so that the paste remains on the body for at least 12 hours. The bandhana is not mandatory and is generally performed in Ekanga Upanaha. In Sarvanga Upanaha, the bandhana is done as Sankara Sweda. It means that the bandage is applied in a position that is comfortable to the patient.

Post Procedure

After the procedure, Upanaha dravya is removed from the body part and washed well with lukewarm water. The process is repeated on consecutive days for a specific period.

Treatment Duration: How Long It Takes

Each Upanaha Swedam session may last for 35-45 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition that is being treated. The entire therapy may be given for 7, 14, or even 21 days.

Indications: What It Can Help You With

• Abscess
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Varicosity
• Inflammation
• Frozen shoulder
• Muscle stiffness

Contraindications: When it Should Be Avoided

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Acute illness
• Extreme fatigue
• Infectious diseases
• Certain skin conditions
• Hemorrhagic disorders
• Certain forms of cancer

Upanaha Swedam Benefits

Upanaha Swedam offers several benefits to the human body. Some of the important ones are:

• Increases flexibility, i.e., Gatravinama
• Relaxes the muscles and relieves joint stiffness
• Reduces crepitus of joint
• Nourishes the body tissues
• Alleviates swelling and pain
• Improves blood circulation
• Reducing joint inflammation
• Reduces the inflammation of the joints

Want to learn more about Upanaha Swedam? Get in touch with us today. Govardhan Ecovillage is one of the most preferred wellness retreats in India. We offer a wide range of Ayurvedic treatments and therapies. Contact us to know more.