Sweat Channels

Mula (root): the sweat glands. Marga (passage): the sweat ducts. Mukha (opening): the pores of the skin and the opening of the sweat glands under the skin. This channel is closely related to meda dhatu (fatty tissue), the sebaceous glands, and the skin. The dosha subtypes present are kledaka kapha, pachaka pitta, ranjaka pitta, bhrajaka pitta, and vyana vayu.

Near the root of each hair on the skin, there is a small hole connected to a sweat gland. Sweat is a byproduct of meda dhatu and helps remove impurities from the plasma. Bhrajaka pitta under the skin maintains proper temperature by producing sweat — when the body is too hot, sweating cools it down; when too cold, the sweat glands constrict to maintain temperature. Sweat is a liquid, oily substance that keeps the skin soft and moist and strengthens the hair roots.

There is an inverse relationship between sweat and urine: excessive urination reduces sweating and vice versa. People sweat more in summer with less urination, and sweat less in winter with more urination. Sweat indirectly regulates water electrolyte balance and blood pressure — too much sweating reduces blood pressure, while no sweating increases it.

Sveda vaha srotas is affected by sun exposure, working in hot temperatures, and eating excess sugar and salt. Alcohol and hot, spicy food also affect it. Emotionally, repressed anger, hate, and envy affect sveda through pitta, creating hot sweat. Deep-seated fear, anxiety, and insecurity affect it through vata, causing constriction and cold sweat or dry skin. Daily oil application all over the body keeps sveda vaha srotas balanced and relieves anger, fear, and anxiety.