Snehana Karma
Snehan, an integral component of Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy, holds significant importance in the holistic healing approach of Ayurveda. This therapy, also known as Oleation therapy, involves the application of medicated oils or ghee to the entire body. Before embarking on the main Panchakarma treatment, Snehan prepares the body by lubricating the tissues and channels, facilitating the smooth movement of toxins (ama) and doshas.
During Snehan, patients are typically advised to consume a substantial amount of medicated ghee or oil, followed by specific dietary instructions. It’s common for patients to be instructed to drink lukewarm water throughout the day, eat only when hungry, and avoid daytime sleep. This dietary regimen aims to support the lubrication process and optimize the effects of Snehan.
The application of medicated oils or ghee during Snehan not only lubricates the body but also nourishes the tissues, enhances circulation, and promotes relaxation. It prepares the body for the subsequent detoxification therapies by loosening accumulated toxins and facilitating their elimination from the body.
Snehan is recommended for a wide range of conditions, including dry skin, Vata disorders characterized by dryness and stiffness, excessive thirst, joint pain, physical weakness, infertility, anemia, burns, mental imbalances, and insomnia. Additionally, Snehan serves as a preparatory step before undergoing detoxification therapies to ensure maximum efficacy and safety.
Overall, Snehan plays a crucial role in the Panchakarma process, setting the stage for deeper detoxification and rejuvenation while promoting overall health and well-being in line with the principles of Ayurveda.
Types of Snehapana
“Internal Snehana” (Abhyantara): Involves different methods like
- “Achasnehapanam” (direct consumption of oils)
- “Pravicharana snehapanam” (ingesting oils mixed with food or applying externally)
- “Sadhyasneha” (quick consumption of a salty, oily drink).
“External Snehana” (Bahya): Includes practices like massage (abhyanga) and specific oil treatments for the head, such as siroabhyanga, siro pichu, sirovasthi, and sirodhara.
Internal Snehana Categories:
- Hruswa Matra (Minimal Dosage): Sneha digests in six hours.
- Madhyama Matra (Medium Dosage): Digests in twelve hours.
- Uttama Matra (Maximum Dosage): Takes twenty-four hours to digest.
Bahya Snehana (External Application):
- Includes methods like oil massage, oil bath, and specific pouring techniques.
Purpose of Snehana
- Body Lubrication: Aims to make the body more lubricated and smooth.
- Preparatory Steps: Part of the preparatory steps (purvakarma) for other Ayurvedic treatments.
Signs of Proper Oleation
- Improved Digestion.
- Softness of the Body.
- Proper Movement of Vata Dosha .
Importance in Ayurvedic Treatment
- Prepares the doshas for elimination during subsequent detoxification treatments.
- Analogous to how water separates from a pot coated with oil.
Snehapana Procedure:
Preparation and Examination:
Before initiating snehapana, thorough examination of the patient’s Agni (digestive capacity), matra (quantity), vaydi (disease), and bala (strength) is essential. Additionally, a pre-procedure called rukshana, or proper drying, is carried out.
Gradual Introduction of Sneha:
Once it’s confirmed that the food from the previous day has been fully digested, uttama matra sneha (maximum dose) is administered for shodhana. Initially, sneha is given in small quantities, gradually increasing the dose based on the patient’s digestive capacity.
Observation of Signs of Effectiveness:
After three days of sneha intake, signs of smoothness, known as snigda lakshanas, start appearing on the body. Depending on individual constitution, some patients may require 4 to 6 days of sneha pana.
Samyak snigda lakshanas typically manifest in three days for individuals with smooth bowel motion (mrudu Kostas) and seven days for those with acute constipation (krura Kostas).
Duration and Monitoring:
The duration of snehapana should not exceed seven days. Smoothness in the body is achieved when sneha administration is progressively increased each day from the start of treatment.
Patients are advised to drink hot water to clear residual sneha from the mouth after intake. They should then lie down, covering their body to avoid exposure to cold air. Medicated hot water can be consumed to quench thirst.
Assessment of Digestion and Progression:
Belching without the smell of sneha indicates complete digestion. Patients can then bathe in hot water and consume light, easily digestible food. The time taken for sneha digestion on the first day is noted.
On subsequent days, the quantity of sneha is increased, following the same procedure.
Indications for Effectiveness and Compliance:
Effective snehapana results in the passage of stool containing sneha, smooth skin, the lingering odor of sneha, aversion to sneha, and feelings of tiredness. Non-compliance with dietary rules (Pathya) during snehapana may lead to the onset of diseases, emphasizing the need for expert supervision.
Who is allowed to undergo snehana (oleation), and who is not?
Indication for Snehana procedure :
- One who is indicated to undergo a purificatory procedure(shamshodhya) or Panchakarma Treatment.
- One who indulges more in exercise, sex and consumes alcohol regularly.(madyastrivayvayamasakta).
- One who thinks too much(Chinta).
- Old aged persons (vruddha).
- Children (Baala).
- One who is weak (Krusha).
- One who is debilitated (Abala).
- Who has dryness in the body (ruksha).
- One who has less blood (Ksheenaasra).
- One who has less semen (Ksheenaretas).
- Who are suffering from the diseases of Vata.
- One who has eye problems (Timira).
- Blindness (Andha).
- One who has a quick awakening(Pratibhodina) etc……
- Contra indication for Snehana procedure :
- One who has a very weak digestive capacity (mandagni).
- One who has a very strong digestive capacity (thikshnagni).
- Who are Obese(Sthoola).
- One who is debilitated(Durbala).
- One who is suffering from the Urusthambha.
- In diarrhea (Atisara).
- In Amavastha.
- In diseases of the throat (Gala roga).
- In the state of poison(Gara).
- Diseases of the abdomen (Udara).
- In fainting (Murcha).
- In Vomiting (Chardi).
- In tasteless condition(Aruchi).
- In increased shleshma.
- In thirst (Trishna).
- One who has consumed Alcohol(Madhya).
- Who had abnormal delivery (Apaprasuta).
- Who are indicated for nasal medication (Nasya), Basti (enema) and virechana (purgative therapy).
Snehana should be done under the strict supervision of a an Ayurvedic physician.
