Upanaha Sweda is a Panchakarma therapy, in which warm medicated paste is applied over the specific part of the body where treatment is required and is then bandaged. Upanaha means bandage, and Sweda is the term used for an Ayurvedic treatment which involves inducing sweat to cleanse the body.
The speciality of Upanaha Sweda is that where the medicated paste is applied, it is bandaged, either for a short duration or it is kept for 10-12 hours. This therapy is used for reducing localised pain and swelling. There are many types of Upanaha Sweda, classified into different categories based on separate criteria.
Saagni Upanaha - In this type of Upanaha, the herbs are heated then applied on the affected area.
Niraagni Upanaha - In this type of Upanaha, herbs are mixed with a liquid and applied on the affected area without heating them.
Snigdha Upanaha - Oily or moist formulations are used to treat pain and stiffness in this type of Upanaha.
Ruksha Upanaha - Dry formulations are used in this type of Upanaha.
Ekanga Upanaha - In this type of Upanaha, a specific area is bandaged.
Sarvanga Upanaha - In this type of Upanaha, the whole body is covered by bandages.
Upanaha Sweda is used to treat conditions such as pain and inflammation, muscle spasms, flexibility, vata disease and kapha & pitta conditions. It is an effective Panchakarma therapy because it stays on the skin for a longer time compared to other Sweda treatments. It also covers a larger area of the affected area.
Upanaha Sweda is beneficial for people who suffer from pain, stiffness, joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis and lower back issues. The fomentation process used in this therapy can help alleviate the pain and stiffness, providing relief and relaxation.
The procedure of Upanaha Sweda is divided into three steps: Purva Karma, Pradhana Karma and Paschat Karma.
The preparation of Upanaha is done by mixing the Ayurvedic herbs with the recommended liquid and this mixture is then made into a paste. For the preparation of the patient, the affected area is inspected and approved. Then the patient is asked to sit or lie down in a comfortable position where the affected area of the body can be accessed.
Once the patient has lied down, the affected area is checked for allergy and reaction to the temperature of the poultice. Massage (Abhyanga) is done to the affected area, then the lukewarm paste is applied against the direction of hair growth. Then it is tied with the bandage. This bandage is kept for twelve hours, and it is usually recommended that Upanaha Sweda is applied in the night and removed in the morning to avoid burns.
After twelve hours have passed, the medicated paste is removed. The area is cleaned with lukewarm water and the patient is asked to move slowly.
At Jiva Ayurveda, Upanaha Sweda is performed by skilled Ayurvedic therapists with specialised training in traditional techniques. Each session begins with a comprehensive assessment by an Ayurvedic doctor to understand the patient’s prakriti, dosha imbalances and medical history. Based on this assessment, the herbs to be used in Upanaha Sweda are carefully selected and prepared with precision.
During the session, the patient is required to either sit or lie down, with the affected area being easy to access. The medicated mixture is then applied after massage and tied with a bandage for twelve hours. Our Upanaha Sweda treatment is tailored to your individual needs and preferences. We will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns.
Upanaha Sweda, a Panchakarma therapy has many benefits for a variety of ailments and conditions. Some of the many benefits of this therapy are:
Pain and inflammation: Upanaha Sweda helps relieve pain and swelling, reduces joint inflammation and improves blood circulation.
Muscle spasms: It acts as a topical analgesic and reduces muscle spasms.
Flexibility: It can increase flexibility and reduce joint stiffness.
Vata Disease: It can help cure diseases caused by vitiated Vata.
Kapha & Pitta Conditions: It can be used to treat conditions associated with Kapha and Pitta.
Upanaha acts as a topical analgesic apart from reducing muscle spasms. It cures vitiated Vata and can also be used for conditions associated with Kapha and Pitta. Upanaha is more effective than other Swedas as it is kept for a longer time and a larger area is covered.
The bandaged medicated paste is kept for twelve hours, and then washed away with lukewarm water.
Upanaha is derived from the Sanskrit word Upanahana meaning Bandage.
Upanaha is basically tying or bandaging; and Lepa is application.
People who have ripe swelling (swelling due to build-up of fluid in the tissues), varicose veins and any allergic conditions.
