External Therapy Protocol
Bashpa Sweda (Herbal Steam Bath)
in Bengaluru
Bashpa Sweda is the traditional Ayurvedic whole-body herbal steam bath. The patient is seated inside a specialized wooden steam chamber that keeps the head and neck outside, exposing only the body to highly therapeutic medicated steam.
Clinical Benefits
- Dilates micro-channels (Srotas) and induces profuse sweating to eliminate toxins
- Relieves generalized stiffness, heaviness, and coldness in the body
- Improves peripheral blood circulation and skin tone
- Crucial preparatory step to liquefy toxins before Vamana or Virechana
Clinical Procedure
1. Preparation (Purvakarma)
- • The body is thoroughly massaged with oil (Abhyanga).
- • A cool, wet towel is placed on the head to protect the brain and eyes from heat.
2. Main Action (Pradhana Karma)
The patient sits in the steam chamber. Steam generated from a boiling decoction of specific herbs (like Dashamoola) fills the chamber, inducing uniform sweating.
3. Post-Therapy (Paschatkarma)
- • Patient exits the chamber once sweating is observed on the forehead (which is outside the box).
- • Sweat is wiped off, and the patient rests until body temperature normalizes.
Patient FAQs
Why is the head kept out of the steam box?
Ayurveda strictly forbids exposing the head, eyes, and heart to excessive heat, as they are considered vital organs (Marmas) that can be easily damaged by extreme temperature.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Abhiram SSBAMS (Reg No: 36991)
Chief Consultant, Ayurvedic Rheumatology & Dermatology • Updated: 2026-07-24
Protocol Details
Duration
10 to 20 minutes, strictly monitored based on the patient's tolerance.Frequency
Usually done daily for 3-7 days during Panchakarma preparation.Primary Indications
condition-osteoarthritiscondition-rheumatoid-arthritiscondition-obesitycondition-bronchial-asthma
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Bleeding disorders, acute inflammation, or high Pitta conditions
- Heart disease or severe hypertension
- Extreme physical weakness or dehydration