Sweda or Swedana (sweating or sudation) is performed as a pre-requisite for Panchakarma in India This treatment helps to dilate the body’s srotas (channels) to ease the removal of toxins which are then transported to the bowels. From there they can be eliminated through Vamana or Virechana.

Sweda is performed independently, too, to treat the ailments of asthma, catarrh and loss of voice. Avagaha Sweda is one variation of sweda. In this, the patient is made to sweat while sitting in a tub filled with a medicinal decoction. 

In some cases, a blanket is draped as a hood over the patient and tub to increase sweating. This kind of sweda is good for rheumatism, painful urination, hernia and other allied conditions.