PATRA PINDA SWEDANA (A Unique Method of Massage with Fomentation) : A Review

Abstract

Swedana or Fomentation is a treatment practice which induces sweating by means of heat either in the form of steam (Bashpa) or by direct contact of the body with heated medicament (Tapa).Sankara Sweda, commonly known asPinda Swedais a fomentation method in which the materials are tied in a cloth and massaged over the part to be sudated.In PatraPindaSweda, a type of Pinda Sweda, different medicinal leaves along with other drugs are roasted in suitable medicated oil, made intoPinda(bolus) form by tying them in a suitable cloth and used for Swedanaafterperforming Abhyanga (mild massage). Swedana, in generally relieves pain, stiffness, heaviness, and coldness in the body. This treatment procedure eliminates the bodily toxins through sweating.It provides better therapeutic efficacy in orthopedic disorders especially in diseases like Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cervical spondylosis, Lumbar spondylosis,Ankylosing Spondylitis, musculoskeletal pain as well as in neuro-muscular diseases. Present article deals with literary as well as contemporary review of the Patra Pinda Swedana.