There are many methods prescribed by the texts to increase heat in the body, though most are seldom used as a part of Panchakarma therapy. Nevertheless, they have a definite benefit and have been employed as effective swedana or heat treatments since ancient times. They all involve applying heat directly to the body, generally or locally, and can use heated substances which are liquid or solid, wet or dry, oily or watery, hard or soft.
The Ayurvedic texts describe four main classes of agni swedana, each with its own specific purpose:
Tapa swedana, also called ruksha swedana, involves the application of dry heat, such as sauna or hot sand fomentation. It is prescribed to reduce inflammation and congestion in the joints.
Upanaha swedana uses hot, herbal poultices prepared with water or oil and may be applied in varying degrees of wetness. The poult’ces consist of a combination of black gram (urad dal) flour cooked with herbs. Upanaha swedana is particularly effective in conditions such as gout and arthritis, where the joints are inflamed and painful. The combination of heat, herbs and oil in the poultices reduces pain and restores mobility to the joints.
Drava swedana applies herbal decoctions in hot water, either in the form of a shower or a hot bath. In general, the herbs possess hot, penetrating qualities which enhance the overall heating effect of the treatment.
Ushma swedana uses steam applied either generally to the whole body or locally to the joints and marma points. Nadi and bashpa swedanas described above are the two primary examples of this type of swedana. In addition to the benefits already listed, this type of swedana has a very beneficial effect on the circulatory system.