CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF PATRA PINDA SWEDANA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Swedana (sudation) is one of the most common treatment modality in Ayurveda. Swedana Karma helps in liquefying the sticky and adherent Doshas lodged in the peripheral tissues. It helps in softening the toxins, opens up the pores of the skin and help in expelling them from the body. It is practiced either as a preparatory component to Panchakarma (five detoxification procedures) or as an independent intervention basically for Vata Vyadhis. Swedana pacifies stiffness, heaviness and coolness of the body. Formally Swedana therapy is just understood as the steam bath, but Swedana in Ayurveda is more as a treatment & as a part of daily grind. Patra Pinda Swedana is the modified form of Sankara Sweda as explained by Acharya Charaka. It refers to the Swedana Karma performed by specially prepared bolus of medicinal leaves along with other conventional drugs. Objectives: An attempt has been made to critically review the effect of Patra Pinda Swedana procedure in different conditions; how it helps in relieving pain, stiffness, swelling, healing, increasing range of motion of the joint etc. Methodology: The present work is primarily based on theoretical research using related research articles, previous work done, modern literature and classical treatises of Ayurveda. Discussion: Patra Pinda Swedana relieves stiffness, heaviness and coolness from the body. It increases metabolism leading to vasodilation and induction of sweating that helps in removal of waste metabolites. It relieves pain, stiffness, swelling, healing; increases range of motion of the joint and is of great benefit in degenerative diseases. Conclusion: It can be used as an adjuvant therapy with oral medications or internal Panchakarma therapy to further accentuate its effect.