Ayurveda Insights on Physiology of Sweating and Thermoregulation

Sangeeta Gehlot,Sonam Agrawal,Vandana Verma

doi:10.18311/jnr/2019/23761

Sangeeta Gehlot, Sonam Agrawal + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.18311/jnr/2019/23761

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Abstract

Physiology of sweating and thermoregulation was well conceived by Ancient Ayurveda scholars. The detailed description of Svedavaha Srotas (channels carrying sweat), Sveda (sweat) as Mala (waste), its mechanism of formation on exposure to heat, therapeutic application of heat for inducing sweating under the concept of Svedan Karma (sudation) for purification and balancing the Dosha for management of disorders reflects the deep understanding of Ayurveda scholars about the physiology of sweating and temperature regulation. Keeping these facts in mind a detailed review has been done as an attempt to understand the physiology of sweating and temperature regulation mechanism described in Ayurveda in view of contemporary sciences and recent researches.

Highlights

The fundamental concept of human physiology in Ayurveda revolves around the concept of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala
Dosha are the biological entity governing and regulating all the physiological functions of the body, Dhatu are the major tissues of the body while Mala refers to the excretory products of the digestion and metabolism
It includes aggravated Dosha i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, Dhatu, or Mala[2]

Summary

Introduction

The fundamental concept of human physiology in Ayurveda revolves around the concept of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. Acharya Charak has given more comprehensive understanding about Mala i.e. any factor which produces hindrance in the normal physiological functions or causes deterioration or pain in the body is considered as Mala. It includes aggravated Dosha i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, Dhatu (tissues), or Mala (the waste products of metabolism, which get stuck to the orifices of the body, of various forms and are in process of being removed from the body)[2]. Sveda is carried away via Svedavaha Srotas, plays an important role in excretion of waste metabolites produced during digestion and metabolism and temperature regulation along with Pitta

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Discussion

Conclusion