Upanäha is a type of localised fomentation (Swedana).
The word Upanaha means to tie or bandage. Upanaha is derived from two syllables “Upa” and “Nah.” “Upa” meaning near and “Nah” meaning Bandhana (tie/bind).
Upanaha Sweda involves applying medicinal mixtures on the disease-affected body part of the patient and leaving it undisturbed for an extended period of time. Although, it is mostly indicated for disease conditions due to vitiated Vatha, Upanaha can be used for vitiated Pitha and Kapha conditions as well. It is counted both among Agni and Niragni sweda, which means it can be done with or without the direct use of fire. To simplify, it can be done with or without heating the medicine.
Procedure for Upanaha:
Preparatory Procedure:
Medicine for Upanaha can be made with or without heating according to disease. A medicated paste is prepared using medicinal powders, Rock salt, medicated oil and medicated sour liquid. Then it must be heated in, if condition demands heating, by warming up to 39°C – 41°C or applied as such if heating is unnecessary.
Skin sensitivity should be tested before bandaging.
Procedure of Bandaging:
The patient should be allowed to be in a comfortable position, exposing the joint or body part to be tied with Upanaha Dravya (medicine for Upanaha). The part is cleaned and massage should be done locally with luke warm oil, if indicated. The prepared Upanaha Dravyas should be pasted on the affected part thickly and uniformly according to the physician’s advice and is covered with available Vatha reducing herbal leaves, after slight warming. Then it should be bandaged according to region in accordance with the comfort of the patient.
Time period of Bandaging:
Usually the bandage is kept for a time period of 12 hours. According to ancient scholars, bandage applied during night should be removed during day and that tied during day should be removed during night.
Post Application Procedure:
After removing bandage from the body, the part should be washed well with lukewarm water. The process should be done on consecutive days for prescribed period
Benefits of Upanaha:
Relieves pain and swelling. Reduces the inflammation of the joints. Helps to relax muscles, relieves joint stiffness and increases blood circulation thereby increasing nutrition supply and metabolism of the tissues.
Indications:
Usually Upanaha is done for conditions like Osteoarthritis, joint inflammations, Rheumatoid arthritis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome etc.
