A Conceptual Study of Snehapana Administration and its Types Based on Karma

Abstract

Panchakarma is backbone of ayurvedic treatment, in which Snehana is one of the  important procedures. In Ayurveda it is mentioned under the heading of  Shadhvidhupkrama, which shows how Snehana is not only limited to Purvakarma of  Shodhana therapy but also as a main treatment in different types of disease. Snehana therapy is administrated to a patient in two different ways, Bahya (external oleation)  such as Abhyanga (therapeutic massage), Unmardana(manual massage in ascending  direction), Parisheka (therapeutic streaming), Janu Basti (therapeutic retention of oil  over knee region), Kati Basti therapeutic retention of oil over lumbosacral region) etc. and second one is Abhyantara, it is also called as Snehapana (internal oleation),  which is divided into three varieties on the basis of their effect that is, Brimhana,  Shamana and Shodhana (detoxification therapy). If Snehapana is done effectively it  will give fruitful effect of Shodhana therapy, but Snehapana if not done properly, it  affects Shodhana therapy and also leads to various complications. There is a hesitancy  in patients for oral intake of Snehana Dravya as The present article is an attempt to  highlight the effects of Snehapana with the help of classical references and mode  action according to modern science.