In Sanskrit, 'sweda' means to sweat or perspire; It has a broad meaning and wide application in Ayurveda. It is the procedure of inducing sweat by applying steam produced by medicated concoctions or preparation in any form. Swedanam is one of the primary treatments for vata and kapha dosha imbalances. It is helpful in detoxification, improving blood circulation, and reducing pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. There are diverse methods of swedanam employed for various bodily conditions.

Pinda in sanskrit means Bolus. All types of Pinda swedanam consists of different types of herbs in various forms , chosen according to the condition of the patient and tied into a Poultice by using a cotton cloth, which is then heated by various modalities . The heated poultice is then dabbed with a rhythmic movement over a specific body part or all through the body to induse perspiration.

Patra pinda swedanam / Elakizhi therapy induces perspiration by massaging the body with a bundle of herbs packed in a muslin cloth and soaked in warm oil. Ayurvedic treatments may seem out of the ordinary, but they bring out exemplary outcomes, one such remarkable procedure is the Patra potli swedanam. The treatment helps relieve stress, sore muscles, and body aches. 

Churna pinda swedanam / Podi kizhi is where medicinal powders are roasted and made into a bolus for application. The poultice is heated frequently by rubbing it over an iron tava which is consatntly placed over a minimal fire. The therapists rhythmically work in sequence to induce perspiration by applying the right amount of heat and pressure throughout the procedure.It is an unparalled treatment in treatemnt of Vata Kapha morbidity and in any conditions of pain, stiffness in joints and muscles.

Kukutanda Pinda swedanam / Mutta Kizhi -  Kukutanda is egg . The swedana , or sudation, is administered by means of a bolus made with fried eggs in medicated oil along with herbalpowders. .It is a very effective procedure in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, muscular disorders, facial paralysis, vata dominant conditions and other spine and joint related conditions. It also nourishes the tissues and relaxes the muscles.

Valuka Pinda swedanam / Manal Kizhi - Valuka means sand, Valuka pinda swedanam is where clear sand is used to make a poultice. This is used to reduce pain, inflammation and muscle stiffness in the affected areas and is mainly given for rheumatoid arthritis and obesity.

Jambira pinda Swedanam / Naranga Kizhi -  Naranga in general refers to lemon. It is also called jambeera pinda swedanam. It’s a treatment given to painful areas. This hot fomentation made as bolus using lemon along with other medicinal herbs. It is indicated in pain, swelling and stiffness associated with sore joints, spine, nerves and soft tissues.

Shastika shali pinda swedanam / Navara Kizhi - Shastika shali is a kind of rice that is grown for 60 days and has special medicinal values. The rice is boiled with milk and kashayas of herbal powders to obtain a thick semi soilid consistency. The cooked rice is then made into a bolus and is used for the sudation process. The main purpose is to improve circulation to the body tissues mainy to reduce pain and stiffness, nourish the body and improve the strength of tissues, muscles and bones.

Mamsa shastika pinda Swedanam -  Shastika shali is a kind of rice that is grown for 60 days and has special medicinal values. The rice along with Minced goat meat is boiled with milk and kashayas of herbal powders to obtain a thick semi solid consistency. The cooked mixture is then made into a bolus and is used for the sudation process. The main purpose is to improve circulation to the body tissues mainy to reduce pain and stiffness, nourish the body and improve the strength of tissues, muscles and bones.

Masha Pinda swedanam / Ulundhu Kizhi : Masha means 'Black gram'. The swedanam procedure is done using bolus made out of cooked black gram.