E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Oleation Therapy

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 09 Number 06 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Conceptual study of Snehana Karma (Oleation Therapy)

Suman Lata1*, Vikas Mishra2, Akhilesh Prasad Singh3, Satyendra Kumar Tiwari4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.6.26

1* Suman Lata, Md Scholar, Department of Panchkarma, Gach Patna, Patna, Bihar, India.

2 Vikas Mishra, 2Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Rachana Sharir, Govt Ayurveda College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India.

3 Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Associate Professor Head, Department of Panchkarma, Govt Ayurveda College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India.

4 Satyendra Kumar Tiwari, Professor, Department of Panchkarma, Govt Ayurveda College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India.

Shodhana (purification) karma is preceded by Snehana Karma (oleation therapy). Sneha is often given gradually over the course of three to seven days, or until the right oleation features show. Oleation participates in all aspects of the processes to bring the dosha to Koshtha and the Dosha to Utklesha. The primary step that must be taken before purification is oleation therapy. A great deal of information regarding Snehana Karma has been presented by Acharya Charaka.

Keywords: Snehana Karma, Abhyanga Karma, oleation therapy, Shodhana, Panchakarma

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Suman Lata, Md Scholar, Department of Panchkarma, Gach Patna, Patna, Bihar, India.
Email: 		Suman Lata, Vikas Mishra, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Satyendra Kumar Tiwari, Conceptual study of Snehana Karma (Oleation Therapy). J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;09(06):175-179.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3278

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-04-13 2024-04-23 2024-05-03 2024-05-13 2024-05-22
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Authors state no conflict of interest. Non Funded. The conducted research is not related to either human or animals use. 12.15 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2024by Suman Lata, Vikas Mishra, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Satyendra Kumar Tiwariand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Suman Lata et al. Conceptual study of Snehana Karma (Oleation Therapy)

Introduction

Snehana is the technique that gives the body suppleness and eliminates dryness. This is where detoxification starts. Ancient sages advised using animal fats, bone marrow, Ghrita, and medicated oils for Snehana. Snehana Karma takes into account the application of Sneha, whether it be internal or external.

This process, which causes the body to oleate and becomes delicate, is regarded as Shada Upakrama. A Purva Karma technique called Snehana is necessary prior to Shodhana Karma.

Snehana is a method that gives the body strength and unctuousness while reducing vitiated Dosha, especially Vata, as part of the Shodhana preparatory therapy.

Snehana therapy indications: Those who are recommended for Snehana therapy are

1. For whom Shodhana and Swedana therapies are required.
2. Those who partake in more women, wine, and physical activity.
3. Individuals with Shukrashaya and Raktakshaya.
4. Individuals with Vata problems and ocular conditions such as Timira and Abhishyanda
5. Children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Snehana treatment contraindications include

1. Individuals with elevated Kapha and Meda levels
2. Right away following the completion of Nasya, Basti, Virechana, etc.
3. Those who are extremely Krisha or Sthula
4. Who has issues such as Murchha, Talushosha, Aruchi, Chhardi, Ajirna, Atisara, Urustambha, Jalodara, or Trishna.

Definition

Snehana, according to Acharya Charaka, is the process that gives the body Kleda (fluid), Vishyanda (softness), Mardava (softness), and Sneha (unctuousness). In this instance, Chakrapani makes an effort to clarify what is meant by Vishyanda as Vileyana (solubility).

Six According to Acharya Charaka, Sneha gives the body characteristics like life, complexion, strength, sustenance, energy, etc. and eliminates Tridosha, which was in a morbid state.

It carries out the subsequent tasks:

Generate Snehatva, Mardava, Vishyandata, and Kledata effects.Assist in pacifying the Vata Dosha. Make the bodily tissues smooth. Aids in clearing the body of the Mala obstruction. Generates Varna and bala.Since Bala depends on Sneha in the body and Sneha is the Sara of the human body, Sneha Dravya aids in life preservation, according to Acharya Sushruta.

The outcome of Snehana

Snehana Karma should be administered in accordance with the individual's Agni; once properly administered, it performs a number of tasks as it develops. Diptagni (enhancement of the digestive system), Parishudha Koshtha, or digestive tract purification, Pratayagra Dhatu (body tissue renovation), Bala (increased muscular mass), Varna (textural enhancement), Mandajara (aging process delayed), Shatayu (longevity)

Features of the Sneha Dravya

Every Sneha Dravya has Jala Mahabhuta and Prithivi, as well as the qualities of Sneha that are visible to the sight. Physically, Sneha Dravya should possess the qualities of Drava, Sukshma, Sara, Snigdha, Pichchhila, Guru, Sheetala, Manda, and Mridu. The two most frequently mentioned Tailas are Eranda and Tila of the Snehadravya, Tilataila is the most beneficial for Snehana and strengthening the body, while Shamkhini Taila and Eranda Taila are best employed for Rasayana Karma, or rejuvenation therapy.

Pravicharana Sneha

Application of Snehana Dravya is regarded as in "Pravicharna" (meal, Leha, Abhyanjana). Aoudana, Vilepi, Rasa, Mamsa, payo, Dadhi, Yavagu, soup, Shaka, Yusha, Kambalika, Khada, Sattu, Tila Pishta, Madya, Leha, Bhakshaya, Abhyanjana, Basti, Uttarbasti, Gandusha, Karna Taila, Nasya, and Akshi Tarpana are among the twenty-four categories, according to Acharya Charaka.

A variety of formulations can be used in accordance with oak, Ritu, Roga, and Purusha Satmya; these can result in sixty-three different types based on the blending of six flavors; however, one form - known as Achha Sneha (pure Sneha) - cannot have any combination of any Dravya, so all Pravicharna can be accounted for as sixty-four types.


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Those who have Satmya to Sneha (appropriate) and are able to withstand Klesha (affliction/distress) should be administered Achha Peya Sneha. Achha Peya Sneha, or pure Ghrita or oil, is the primary method of immediate oleation.

Sneha Pravicharna's indication

Balaka, Trishnalu, Uushna Kala, Sukumar, Krish, Vriddha, Madya Nityam, Mridu Koshtha, Tneha Dweshi, and Tneha Nityam. The Snehana process ought to be followed on bright days and during Sadharana Kala, or the regular season. However, if oil needs to be delivered in an emergency during the summer, it should be done so at night. This also applies to Vata Pitta diseases. Applying Snehana throughout the day is recommended for Kaphaja problems, which are typically found in the winter, as doing so could be harmful to one's health.

Sneha's Prakarsh Kala (During Oleation)

Three to seven days should be the maximum duration for a single try; after that point, the oil may become Satmya, or appropriate, to the human tissues and cease to function. The detachable mala Doshas from the body might be activated by an Asatamya (inappropriate) Sneha. The length of Snehana is determined by the individual's Koshtha type, or mode of digestion. 1. Mild Mridu Koshtha - 3 days 2. The seven-day Krura Koshtha (sharp/strong) When oleation therapy is administered for longer than the prescribed duration, it can lead to Atiyoga problems (overdose), which destroy the Agni and worsen health by causing diarrhea, much way water can harm a sand bridge.

Types of Sneha

1. Based on the mechanism or action of Karma:

2. Shamana Sneha - Since it passes through bodily channels instantaneously, it should be utilized - In Uttam Matra (maximum amount). Following the last day's meal's digestion. An empty stomach from skipping meals. When a patient experiences hunger.

3. Shodhana Sneha, also known as Mandavibhransha, is a purifier. The Madhyam Matra of Sneha is presented in order to achieve this.

4. Brimhana Sneha - It is recommended to administer the Rasva Matra of Sneha. Vrushya Karma could result from it. The amount of Sneha Dravya that could be finished in a half-day.

2. Origination point (Utpatti, Thana): Sthavara Sneha (origin: vegetables). b. Jangama Sneha; derived from animals. 3. Division based on digestion: Acharya Charaka separated "Achha" (pure Sneha) according to how they accumulated (digestion), and each Purusha's (person's) qualities should be taken into consideration. a. Pradhana Matra, also known as Mahan, is the Uttam Matra (best) and should be digested in a whole day and night, or 24 hours (8 yama).

5. Madhyama Matra: digest in 12 hours, or a full day (4 yama). c. Hrasva Matra: digest for six hours, or half a day (2yama)

Safety measures for Snehana Karma (Ahara & Vihara)

1. The individual should eat a healthy meal both before and after the oral administration of Sneha pan; this meal should be in the right amount, consistency (not more liquid), heated (Ushna), not Abhishyandi, free of excessive Sneha, and not Asankirna (impure meal) Bhojana.
2. Using lukewarm water for all purposes both before and after Sneha Pana
3. Brahmcharya (participating in sexual acts that are controlled or restrained)
4. Go to bed at night
5. Resist your instincts.
6. Excessive work.
7. Stay awake during the day.
8. Steer clear of dust, Pravata (direct wind), Shita (cold atmosphere), and Dhupa (direct sunlight).
9. Manage your Krodha (anger) and Shoka (sadness). A few medications that are Mridu in nature (gentle) and that can Pradipta the Jatharagni (raise the digestive strength) and make the Koshtha Laghu (lighten the abdomen) should be given prior to the Sneha Pana.

Sneha Properties

Taila is mostly associated with Vata Hara Dravya and is regarded as the best among them. Taila, when added to and prepared properly (using Sanskrit and Yoga), can heal all ailments. Different oil formulations are employed in Basti, as internal oil taken orally, to fill ears and eyes, and to pacify the Vata in food and beverages.

External Abyanga or Snehana

According to 'Prakriti' (body constitution), Satmya (suitability), Ritu (season), Desha (habitat), and Dosha,


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Ghrita and oil should be utilized for Abhyanga. Phaja Vyadhies, Sama Dosha (raw), Taruna Jwara (acute fever), Ajirna, and after Sanshodhana procedure (purification procedures) as well as Santarpanotha Vyadhi (disease due to excessive satisfied) should not be applied.

Period of staying of oil on different sites

Table 1: Showing the staying time of Sneha in Dhatu

SNPeriod of Stay
1.Ramakupa (Hair Follicles)300 Matra
2.Twacha (Skin)400 Matra
3.Rakta (Blood)500 Matra
4.Mansa (Muscles)600 Matra
5.Medo (Fat)700 Matra
6.Asthi (Bone)800 Matra
7.Majja (Bone Marrow)900 Matra

Advantages

Abhyanga serves to strengthen and improve the texture of the skin, increase the number of body tissues, calm Vata diseases, and enable the body to withstand the effects of physical activity and Klesha (distress). According to the Panchamahabhuta doctrine, the skin is the origin of Vayu, and as Taila is the best dosha to balance, it helps lessen skin issues. Taila is the only substance that the skin can experience tactile sensations on. It strengthens the body, promotes restful sleep, and aids in the development of Bruhata, or the well-formed, bulky physique.

Conclusion

One of the most fascinating natural wonders is the human body. It is a highly complex multicellular organism whose life and well-being rely on appropriate homeostasis, coordination, and harmony between the self and environment. One of the pillars of Panchakarma is Snehana, which improves tolerance and acceptance of the consequences of the primary treatment by using preparatory techniques. It modifies vitiated dosha to make them easily mobilizable and, hence, readily extricated from bodily tissues without causing harm to the body. Purvakarma facilitates the optimal outcome of the primary Panchakarma procedure. As a result, the body becomes more sensitive, enabling it to maintain equilibrium during the Pradhanakarma process.

Ignoring the pre-procedure leads to trouble since mature fruit holds more juice and is easier to extract than unripe fruit, which crushes throughout the process.

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