Abstract

MYTHS AND FACTS RELATED TO YONI SWEDANA- (VAGINAL STEAMING OR FOMENTATION) IN AYURVEDA

*Tak Anjna and Yerawar Prabodh

Abstract

Swedana (Fomentation and Sudation) is one the important Poorvakarma of Panchkarma procedures. In Ayurveda, in case of female reproductive health is of great importance as it is indicated in many Gynecological and Obstertrical cases. A lot of misleading information is prevalent regarding Swedana proving it ineffective and risky in western world. The vagina still remains a very underutilized and underrated route of drug delivery. This is due to lack of proven efficacy and standardization of the procedure. In Ayurveda, various Acharyas have described this procedure in detail. Besides its types, detailed method, requirements, signs and symptoms of completion of Swedana, indications and contra-indications etc. are mentioned. But in case of females, when done locally as vaginal steaming or fomentation; clearcut instructions are lacking. But by Yukti (logical reasoning), this procedure can be performed effectively and safely. The present article is an effort to prove its efficacy, probable mode of action and safety scientifically; quoting the authentic references from various Ayurvedic treatises.

Keywords: Swedana, Fomentation, Sudation, Ayurveda, Gynecological procedures.