🔘SNEHANA KARMA

Snehana

👉🏻 Introduction -

Snehana stands for lubrication of body systems by the administration of fatty substances internally and externally. Snehapana (internal administration of Sneha) is an important preparatory procedure for Panchakarma.

सर्पिस्तैलं वसा मज्जा सर्वस्नेहोत्तमा मता। 

एषु वैवोत्तमंसर्षिः संस्कारस्यानुवर्तनात् ॥ 

 - (च. सू. 13/ 13)

Four types of Snehana dravyas are mentioned in the classics viz. Ghrita (Ghee), Taila (Oil), Vasa (Fat) and Majja (bone marrow). Out of these Ghrita is considered as the best!

👉🏻 Types of snehana -

1. Abhyantara Snehana (Internal Oleation)

2. Bahya Snehana (External Oleation). 

Abhyantara Snehana is again classified into Achchha Pana and Vicharana. 

Achchha Pana is the oral intake of medicated or non medicated Sneha (Ghee/ oil) without mixing with food or other medicinal preparations and used for the purpose of softening and lubricating of body tissues prior to the Shodhana therapy.

👉🏻 Who can do the Snehana to the pt. ? 

1. Ayurvedic Physician 

2. Attendant/ Nurse

👉🏻 Procedure for Snehapana -

Agnibala (digestive power) may be assessed in the patient prior to Snehapana, so as to assess the dose of Sneha dravya (unctuous substance) (Hrisva/mild, Madhyamamedium, Utama/high). For the patient with unknown doshas, agni etc. 

one may start with Hrasiyasi matra (which is digested within two yamashours).

The patient who is intended to under go Snehapana is to take the Sneha in the early morning (within 15 minutes of sunrise) in the prescribed dose based on his Agnibala (digestive capacity), nature of disease, condition of body etc. The usual dosage is between 50 to 75ml for Ghrita and 30 to 50 ml for Taila on the first day. The dose for the next day should be fixed after assessing the time taken for digestion. Hot water boiled with a piece of Shunthi (dry ginger) + Dhanyaka (dry coriander seeds) is given in small doses to entrance the digestion (Deepana, Pachana).

Snehapana (internal adminisation of unctuous substance) may be continued till Samyaka Snigdha Lakshanas (symptoms of desired effect) are observed and usually it is obtained within 3 to 7 days. 

👉🏻 Usual practice of increasing order of Snehapana dosage:

First day - 50ml

Second day - 100ml

Third day - 150ml

Fourth day - 200ml

Up to 7 day - 350ml

👉🏻 Indications -

1. Swedya

2. Samshodhya (Persons eligible for sudation and biocleansing procedures)

3. Ruksha Sharira (Roughness in the body)

4. Nithyamadya (Alcoholic)

5. Krisha (Emaciated)

6. Timira (Premature cataract).

7. Vatarogas (Neuromuscular disorders)

8. Kasa (Cough)

9. Shwasa (Dyspnoea)

10. Hikka (Hiccough)

11. स्वरभेद (Hoarseness of voice), etc.

👉🏻 Contraindications -

1. Sthoola (Obese)

2. Kaphaja Vikaras (Kapha disorders)

3. Atisara (Diarrhoea)

4. Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders) etc.

👉🏻 Regimen during Snehapana -

1. Rest 

2. Avoid day sleep

3. Take Rice gruel after feeling hungry (when consumed Sneha is digested).

👉🏻 Complications and management -

1. Indigestion

2. Vomiting

3. Nausea

4. Anorexia 

5. Headache 

6. Constipation etc.

In such conditions, Snehapana should be discontinued and fasting, Deepana (Stomachic). Pachana (Digestive) drugs may be given based on the patient disease condition. 

👉🏻 Observation -

Oleation pacifies Vata; lubricates and softens the Doshas. It improves digestion, regularizes bowels, improves the strength and complexion and prevents premature ageing.