The Sushruta Samhita — trans. Bhishagratna
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This is what is called the Upanaiha-Sveda. 8.
Drava-Svcda vDiaphoresis with fluids) :— A jar or a cauldron should be filled with a lukewarm decoction of any of the Vdyu-subduing drugs and the patient should be immersed therein. In the same way, the patient might hi immersed inatubfulof warm milk, meat-soup, soup (of Mudga or Mdsha pulse), oil, Dhdnyamla (fermented or sour gruel), clarified butter, lard, cow's urine, etc.f The patient may also be sprinkled over or washed with a tepid decoction (of the above-mentioned drugs).]: This is what is called the Drava-Sveda. 9.
Of the four forms of Sveda described above those known as the Tdpa-Sveda and Ushma-Sveda pre-eminently destroy the deranged Kapha, while the Upandha- Sveda subdues the deranged Vatya of the body ;
• Drugs of the Kdkolyadi group should be used in cases of the diminant d^ran^ei Piita acting in cancert with the deranged Vayu ; those of Eladi group in cases of the dominant deranged Kapha acting in concert with the deranegd Vayu and the S'alvana, or sesamum, linseed, etc., in cases of a simple or complicated deranged Vayu, t This is called the Avagsbha-Sveda. X This is called thj "Parislieka-Sveda."
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562 THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA. [Chap. XXXII.
the Drava-Sveda, however, is beneficial in cases due to the concerted action of the deranged Pitta with either of the other two Doshas {viz,, Vaiyu and Kapha). lo-A. The patient should be diaphorised by making him put on warm clothing or exposing himself to the sun or by becoming fatigued after a long walk, or by wrestling, or some other physical exercise, load-carrying, etc., or by arousing his anger in a case where the deranged Va(yu would be found to be subcharged with the deranged fat or Kapha. lo.
Memorable Verses :— The four forms of lo.
Memorable Verses :— The four forms of
Sveda mentioned above may be employed in two ways, viz. : — either to the whole body or to any particular part of it. Sveda should be first employed in cases of patients fit to be treated with errhines (Nasya\ purgatives, emetics or with Vasti-measures. It should b3 applied to the enciente in cases of obstructed foetus (Mudha-garbha) unattended with any other supervening distresses {ie., excessive discharge of blood, etc.) after the extraction of the S'alya (the obstructed foetus) from the womb, and after parturition, and in cases where pregnancy runs to its full and natural term. Sveda should similarly be applied both before and after the surgical operation in cases 'of fistula-in-ano and stones, gravel, etc., (in the bladder) and of hsemorrhoids. Specific modes of applying Sveda in other diseases should be duly described under their respective heads, ii.
Men conversant with the rules of Sveda (fomentations, etc.^ should, under no circumstances, employ it before rubbing or softening the body or the limb with a Sneha (oil, etc.) inasmuch as a piece of wood is found to break or burst immediately under the application of heat if not previously rubbed with a Sneha. 12 — A.
Chap. XXX 1 1. J CHIKITSA STHANAM. 563
12 — A.
Chap. XXX 1 1. J CHIKITSA STHANAM. 563
Effects of Sveda : - Improved digestive capacity f Agni-dipti), softness of the limbs, smoothness and clearness of the skin, relish for food, clearness of the bodily ducts or channels, absence of somnolence and drowsiness and restored functions (free movements) of the numbed bone-joints are the benefits which result from an application of Sveda. The Doshas (morbific principles) having been moistened with a Sneha and lying inherent in the root principles (Dhdtus) of the body or imbedded in its ducts or channels or located in their specific seats within the system, become liquefied and carried down into the bowels ^Koshtha) by and after an application of Sveda and are eventually totally eliminated from the system (by means of correcting measures — D. R.). 12-B. A perfect or satisfactory application of Sveda is marked by a copious flow of perspiration, an abatement or amelioration of the disease, a lightness of the body and a desire for cool things and the softening of the patient's limbs, while the contrary effects result from an imperfect or unsatisfactory application of the same. An excessive application of Sveda would produce pain in the joints, and a burning sensation (in the body). It produces blisters, an aggravation of the Pitta, an excited condition of the blood, epileptic fits, vertigo^ thirst, and fatigue. In such a case the evils should be speedily remedied with cooling measures. 12.
Prohibited cases of Sveda :— Applications of Sveda should not be resorted to in cases of persons suffering from jaundice, urinary complaints, haemorrhage, pulmonary consumption (Kshaya), emaciation, indigestion, ascites (Udara),* thirst, vomit-
* Vrinda evidently quotes this verse from Sus'ruta Samhita but by a little change in the versification he excludes cases of vomiting and poisoning from the list and mentions only the cases of Dakodara
564 THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA. Chap. XXXII.
ing, dysentery, and from diseases due to the effects of poison. It is also prohibited in respect of pregnant women and intoxicated persons, inasmuch as an application of Sveda proves fatal in these cases or tends to impart an incurable character to the disease (inflicting an irreparable injury to the whole organism\ 13.
Mild Sveda may be applied (and that only in cases of emergency) to the aforesaid persons suffering from diseases amenable only to an application of Sveda, as well as to the regions of the eyes, the heart (Hridaya) and the scrotum. 14