Mobilising toxins through Swedana (fomentation)
Swedana is a stream treatment explained in Ayurvedic medical science. The word Sweda comes from Sanskrit “Swid”, meaning ‘to sweat or to perspire’. So Swedana is the process of including sweat with the help of steam, generated from medicated herbal decoctions. It is the pre-operative procedure in numerous Ayurvedic detox therapies wherever the article is to dilate the channels of the body to detach the toxins from the tissues. Ayurvedic fomentation is usually given after an oil therapy.
Abhyanga is followed by Swedana heat treatment and this involves lying in a herbalised steam bath. The herbalised steam expands and opens your body channels, even the finest capillary channels that allow nutrient into your cells and toxins to be expelled. Your body's own purification process then takes over and the loosened toxins are gradually moved into your gastrointestinal tract.
Every part of your body has its own innate intelligence and it is the nature of every cell and tissue to eliminate any impurities. The combination of oils and heat through Abhyanga and Swedana gives your body the chance to purify toxins that may have become stuck in cells and tissues for a long time. These toxins, especially if they become lodged in your cell walls, can reduce a cells ability to absorb essential nutrients and hamper its elimination of metabolic waste. Some scientists blame such toxic built-up for numerous health conditions, including premature ageing.
