Impact of Sarvanga Ruksha Svedana on physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters in young healthy subjects: An exploratory study

Abstract

Introduction: Svedana Karma (Sudation) is a therapeutic procedure used to pacify Vata, Kapha Dosha and also helps in detoxification of the body. Various methods have been described to induce sweating as per the disorder and the type of Dosha involved in pathogenesis. Sarvanga Ruksha svedana used in the present study is a type of Sagni Sveda (Kuti Sveda) in which heat is applied without prior Abhyanga (massage with oil). Objectives: To analyze certain physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters in blood and sweat and also to understand the mechanism of effects produced by Sarvanga Ruksha Svedan. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted on 30 clinically healthy subjects in the age group of 20-30 years. They were registered for the study after their written consent for Svedan procedure. The impact of Svedan was observed in terms of subject’s pulse rate (PR), blood pressure (BP), Temperature and biochemical parameters like complete blood count (CBC), and renal function test (RFT), lipid profile, sweat biochemical analysis. Assessment of Prakriti was done as per the predominance of Dosha. Results: The changes observed in the BP, PR, temperature, hemoglobin (Hb), CBC, biochemical parameters such as serum and sweat electrolytes, blood lipid levels, serum urea, creatinine have shown significant effect of Sarvanga Ruksh Svedan. The difference in responses has been found to vary as per Prakriti also. Conclusion: Present study has shown several interesting findings leading to scientific interpretation of Svedan Karma and physiology of Svedavaha Srotas and also has provided a lead for future research in this area.