svedana = to sweat

Ayurveda's version of sweat therapy has all the benefits of a sauna, without the (breathing) effort ~ a steam tent is placed over the massage table with a hole that allows the head and neck to remain outside.  This cozy treatment widens the subtle (and not-so-subtle) channels of the body, improving circulation to all tissues and facilitating both the removal of toxins and the penetration of nourishing herbs and herbal oils.  It is traditionally given immediately after abhyanga massage, to deepen and prolong abhyanga's considerable benefits.
 
This treatment helps all dis-ease conditions, but is especially useful for healing rheumatism/arthritis, lung and sinus congestion, nervous system & adrenal depletion, high blood pressure, ear/nose/throat issues, chronic skin conditions and re-balancing the body's natural detoxification system.
 
UDVARTHANAM:  Herbal masques and/or oils can be applied prior to svedana to create a detoxifying (ex. exfoliation, cellulite, acne, etc.) or rejuvenating beauty treatment that penetrates more deeply into the body.