STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

AVAGAHA SWEDA

INTRODUCTION

Avagaha sweda is the procedure of immersion of the affected part of the body in a warm medicated liquid to induce perspiration.

MATERIALS REQUIRED
  • Ref General Requirements SOP
  • Drava dravya such as taila, dhanyamla or Kashaya – 40-60 L (Sarvanga), 10-15 L (Adha kaya)
  • Thalam
  • Taila for abhyanga – 100 ml
  • Avagaha tub – 1
  • Dhara table – 1
  • Bowl – 1
  • Vessel – 2
  • Towel – 1
  • Hot water bath

Manpower

  • Therapist – 2
  • Physician – 1
PREPARATION

Preparation of Thalam

  • Prescribed drugs taken and thalam prepared.
  • Refer video and SOP of Thalam

Preparation of tray

  • Take a clean tray.
  • Put dravadravya in a vessel, langotti, towel, thalam, oil in a bowl

Preparation of patient

  • Check vitals.
  • Jeernahara lakshana assessed.
  • Vegotsarga
  • Make patient wear langotti.
PURVA KARMA
  • The patient is asked to sit comfortably over the droni.
  • Rasnadi talam is placed over the vertex.
  • Then the patient is asked to lie in supine position.
  • The taila for abhyanga is made lukewarm using a hot water bath.
  • Temperature of the taila is checked by pouring it over the dorsum of hand.
  • The lukewarm taila is then massaged around the umbilicus up to the toes or all over the body according to the condition.
PRADHANA KARMA
  • Patient is asked to sit comfortably in the tub.
  • Drava dravya for the avagaha sweda is made lukewarm using a hot water bath.
  • The temperature of the drava darvya is checked by pouring it over the dorsum of hand.
  • The lukewarm drava dravya is then poured into the tub till the level of umbilicus. For sarvanga avagaha sweda, submerge the body up to neck.
  • The procedure is continued till the appearance of perspiration.
PASCHAT KARMA
  • Patient is asked to come out of the tub.
  • The patient’s body is cleaned with a towel.
  • Then, the patient is asked to take hot shower after resting for a while.
  • Rasnadi churna is applied over vertex after bath.
DURATION
  • 30 minutes
INDICATIONS
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Prolapsed rectum
  • Prolapsed uterus
  • Low back ache
  • Colic due to urolithiasis
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • Pregnancy
  • Weak persons
  • Cardiac Problem
  • Hypertension
  • Open wounds
  • Active bleeding
PRECAUTIONS
  • Should closely observe the general condition of the patient during the procedure.
  • It must be ensured that the temperature of drava dravya is maintained throughout the procedure.
  • The patient should be well supported while seated on the tub.
  • Samyak lakshana of swedana should be assessed properly to avoid dehydration due to increased perspiration.
COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
  • Fainting: may occur due to increased body temperature or low heat threshold of patient. In such condition, stop the therapy immediately and sprinkle cold water over the face. Patient is advised to drink water or drakshadi Kashaya.
  • Burns: may occur if temperature is not maintained. In this condition sathadoutha ghrita can be applied.