Excessive perspiration can be a medical concern, leaving you feeling helpless and eager to manage your sweating. Curious to know how?
Sweating, or perspiration, is a natural bodily function. All mammals, including humans, have sweat glands in their skin that release a fluid called sweat, primarily composed of water with small amounts of electrolytes and minerals such as sodium and potassium. While excessive sweating can have various causes, Ayurveda offers remedies for this condition.
In humans, sweating is primarily intended for regulating body temperature. However, some individuals may experience excessive sweating.
Excessive sweating can be triggered by a variety of factors. It is considered excessive when it surpasses the body’s need for physiological temperature regulation. This condition, known as hyperhidrosis, can also interfere with daily activities.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Sweating (Sweda)
Sweda (Sweat) is the waste product of medho dhatu (adipose/fat tissue) and the seat of Pitta dosha. Naturally, an excess accumulation of fat in the body can lead to increased sweating. When Pitta is aggravated, body heat rises, resulting in excessive sweating. Vyana Vata, one of the five subtypes of Vata dosha governing circulation, is responsible for carrying sweat to the skin’s surface.
- Hot climates can stimulate the sweat glands, leading to excessive sweating.
- During exercise, depletion of medho dhatu (adipose/fat tissue) generates heat, causing sweating.
- Imbalance and aggravation of Vata dosha can lead to sweating in moments of fright.
- Atisweda is the Ayurvedic term for excessive sweating.
Common Causes of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can be a physiological response to hot climates or physical exertion. It occurs during fever reduction, active tuberculosis, and acute rheumatism. Hyperhidrosis is common in diabetes, menopause, obesity, hyperthyroidism, alcoholism, stroke, psychiatric medications, hypertension medications, and other serious conditions.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
Primary Hyperhidrosis:
When excessive sweating occurs without a known medical cause, it is termed primary hyperhidrosis, also known as idiopathic primary hyperhidrosis. This type is usually linked to genetic or hereditary causes.
In primary hyperhidrosis, overactive nerves trigger the sweat glands, leading to excessive sweating even when thermoregulation isn’t necessary. This type of hyperhidrosis is localized to body parts like palms, soles of feet, and underarms.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis:
Excessive sweating caused by an underlying health condition is termed secondary hyperhidrosis, also known as diaphoresis when associated with serious health conditions. It can affect all age groups, and excessive sweating at night, or nocturnal hyperhidrosis, is a common type of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Here are some possible causes of secondary hyperhidrosis:
- Pineal or thyroid gland disorders
- Diabetes mellitus
- Menopause
- Certain medications or drugs
- Fever, anxiety, tuberculosis, tumours, cardiac ailments, and other serious conditions such as AIDS
Ayurvedic Remedies for Excessive Sweating
The Ayurvedic system of medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of diseases rather than providing symptomatic treatments. This approach, known as nidan parivarjanam, emphasizes identifying the root cause of a condition. Therefore, managing excessive sweating in Ayurveda depends on addressing its underlying cause.
When excessive sweating is due to being overweight or obese, weight management is the preferred treatment. If it is caused by an aggravated Pitta dosha, pacifying the aggravated Pitta is the treatment. Similarly, excessive sweating caused by issues with the sweda vaha srotas is addressed by treating those specific channels.
Sweating Associated with Aggravated Pitta Dosha
The classical Ayurvedic text Charak Samhita mentions the following ways to pacify an aggravated Pitta Dosha:
- Internal oleation therapy by consuming ghee (clarified butter)
- Virechana (purgation therapy) to be performed only under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner
- Consuming food items and Ayurvedic formulations and herbs with sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes
- Using scents and perfumes with a mild and sweet fragrance
- Wearing cooling necklaces or garlands made of pearls or other jewels, kept in ice or cold water before wearing
- Applying Ayurvedic pastes made from cooling herbs topically
- Sprinkling lotus water on the body
- Surrounding oneself with cooling flowers
- Other activities and diets that pacify an aggravated Pitta dosha
Preventing Excessive Sweating
Follow these daily suggestions and remedies to prevent excessive sweating:
- Shower at least twice a day
- Wear comfortable and loose-fitted clothes made from natural fibres
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
- Avoid consuming hot, spicy, and fermented foods
- Avoid excessive consumption of tea, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks
- Use armpit shields to protect clothes from sweat stains
- Use herbal foot powder to absorb excessive foot sweat
- Stay cool and hydrated throughout the day
- Consume a Pitta-pacifying diet
The remedies and measures for excessive sweating mentioned in this article are suggestions only. Please consult your general physician or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying them.
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Blog Author: Dr Ashwini Borate
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.