KSHEERA DHOOMA: A TRADITIONAL PRACTICE WITH MULTIFOLD APPLICATION

Ksheera Dhooma is an effective and popular Ayurvedic procedure in which decoction of herbal medicines and cow’s milk are mixed, heated and the emitted vapours are directed through a rubber tube. The steam coming out of the tube is applied to the whole body or the affected part of the patient’s body. It is used in the treatment of facial paralysis, lock jaw and disorders of head and neck, with Vata Dosha imbalance. Though Ksheera Dhooma is considered as a type of Sweda, it is termed as Dhooma because steam is inhaled with gaping mouth. Ksheera Dhooma has multi-fold benefits like facilitating proper blood circulation of the body and relaxation of the mind, lubrication of the joints, relief from pain, spasms and stiffness of the muscles and joints. This study was performed with an aim to review the procedure of Ksheera Dhooma or Palpuka Swedam, understand the standard operating procedure and its efficacy.