E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Pravicharana Sneha

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 12 DECEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A critical review on Pravicharana Sneha

Deepika SN1*, Sudarshan A2, Vidyashree K3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.12.21

1* Deepika SN, Final Year Pg Scholar, Department of Post Graduate Studies in Panchakarma, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

2 Sudarshan A, Professor and Head, Department of Post Graduate Studies in Panchakarma, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

3 Vidyashree K, Assistant Professor, Department of Post Graduate Studies in Panchakarma, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Though Acchapana is superior, Pravicharana Sneha is a versatile and patient-centric method of administering Sneha in Ayurveda. Unlike the rigid protocols of Acchapana Sneha, it adapts to individual needs with multiple routes of administration, including oral, topical, nasal, rectal, and vaginal. This flexibility ensures better compliance, especially for patients with weak digestion or aversion to direct Sneha consumption. Pravicharana Sneha is classified based on purpose, timing, and preparation. It encompasses dietary integrations like Odana, Vilepi and Mamsarasa, as well as external therapies like Abhyanga (massage) and Basti (enema). These diverse applications serve therapeutic goals such as nourishment, rejuvenation, and preparation for purification. Compared to Acchapana Sneha, Pravicharana offers greater palatability, dosage flexibility, and suitability for a broader demographic. While primarily aligned with Shamana (palliative) therapies, its adaptability extends to Shodhana (purificatory) procedures. Research highlights its efficacy in achieving Samyak Snigdha Lakshana with reduced dosage and duration, enhancing patient outcomes and minimizing complications. Pravicharana Sneha exemplifies Ayurveda’s holistic principles, bridging therapeutic and nutritional approaches. Its adaptability and wide applicability make it valuable for clinical and research advancements.

Keywords: Pravicharana Sneha, Snehana, Shodhananga Sneha

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Deepika SN, Final Year Pg Scholar, Department of Post Graduate Studies in Panchakarma, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Deepika SN, Sudarshan A, Vidyashree K, A critical review on Pravicharana Sneha. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(12):174-178.
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Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-11-13 2024-11-23 2024-12-03 2024-12-13 2024-12-22
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© 2024by Deepika SN, Sudarshan A, Vidyashree Kand 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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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionMaterials and MethodsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Deepika SN et al. A critical review on Pravicharana Sneha

Introduction

In Ayurveda, Purusha is considered as Snehasara,[1] Sneha is essential for both physical and physiological functions. It refers to the role of lipids in the body, with every cell containing and relying on fats for its proper functioning. The process of Snehana, which involves the application or consumption of oils, is integral to Ayurvedic treatments, as it provides lubrication, nourishment, and rejuvenation to the body’s tissues.

This Snehana is one among the Shadupakramas[2] and can be administered either as a Poorvakarma, particularly before undergoing purification processes Shodhana or as a Pradhana Karma in various disease conditions.

Based on the route of administration, Snehana is categorized into two types: Abhyantara Snehana (internal administration) and Bahya Snehana (external application). Abhyantara Snehana can be further divided into Acchapana and Vicharana. It is also classified based on its purpose: Shodhananga Sneha, Shamananga Sneha, and Brumhananga Sneha.

Vicharana Sneha, a specialized form of administration by blending Sneha with various food articles and using it in external therapies. Is used for individuals who cannot tolerate large quantities of oil or have an aversion to it. In such cases, Sneha is administered in small, disguised doses, often mixed with food or medicines to make it more tolerable.

Materials and Methods

Definition

Pravicaharana is the application or administration (Avacharana) of Sneha along with different Kalpas.[3]
In Vicharaba “Vi” Shabdha refers to Ishad Matra (little quantity).[4]
Reason for calling Vicharana is because of use of Alpamatra Sneha and it is using with other food entities.

Synonyms[5]

Pravicharana (Caraka, Vagbhata)
Saannasneha (Shanrangadhara
Sabhakta Sneha (Sushruta)

Indications

Caraka - Sneha Dweshi, Snehanitya, Mrudukoshta, Kleshasaha, Madhyanitya.[6]
Ashtanga - Bala, Vrudda, Pipasarta, Snehadweshi, Madhyasheela, Strisevi, Nithyasehasevi, Mandagni, Bheeru, Mudu Koshta, Alpadosha and in Ushna Kala.[7]
Kashyapa - Sthula, Atidurbala, Pipasa, Ajyadweshi, Arochaka, Sudahadehi.[8]

Routes of Administration

Oral - Odana, Vilepi, Mamsarasa, Payas, Dadhi, Yavagu, Supashakha, Yusha, Kambalika, Khada, Saktu, Tilapishta, Madhya, Leha, Bhakshya.
Skin - Abhyanga
Eyes - Akshitarpana
Ears - Karnatarpana
Nose - Nasatarpana
Rectal - Basti
Vaginal/urethral/cervical - Uttarabasti
Time of administration (according to Dalhana)
Nityaga Kala and Avasthiga Kala

Types of Vicharana Sheha

Based on analysis it can be classified as
Prayoga Bheda: Abhyantara and Bahya
Kala Bheda: Achira Vicharana and Chira Vicharana 
Karma Bheda: Shodhana and Shamana
Vikalpa Bheda: 64 Rasa Pravicharana 
Kalpana Bheda: 24 Vicharana (Caraka), 20 (Kashyapa Samhita)

Table 1: Vicharana Sneha according to Acharya Caraka and Kashyapa.

Acharya Caraka[9]Abhyanatara - Odana, Vilepi, Mamsarasa, Payas, Dadi, Yavagu, Supashakha, Yusha, Kambhalika, Khada, Saktu, Tilapista, Madhya, Leha, BhakshyaBahya - Abhyanga, Basti, Uttarabasti, Gandusha, Karnataila, Nasatarpana, Akshi Tarpana, Karnatarpana
Acharya Kashyapa[10]Odana, Vilepi, Mamsarasa, Ksheera, Dadi, Yavagu, Kambalika, Supa, Yusha, Peya, Ashana, Bhakshya Vikruti, Urdhwa Karma, Adhah Karma, Khala, Abhyanga, Netra Tarpana, Vadana, Karnapoorana.

Rasa Pravicharana[11,12]

Based on the proportion of Dosha involved Sneha is mixed with all Rasa and separately will make sixty-three formulations (sixty-four according to Vagbhata).


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Deepika SN et al. A critical review on Pravicharana Sneha

Table 2: Rasapravicharana

CombinationNumber
With single Rasa06
With combination of 2 Rasas15
With combination of 3 Rasas20
With combination of 4 Rasas15
With combination of 5 Rasas06
With combination of 6 Rasas1
Kevala Sneha (According to Vagbhata)1
Total64

Difference between Acchapana and Vicharana Sneha.

Table 3: Table showing difference between Acchapana and Vicharana

SNFeaturesAcchapanaVicharana
1.  DosageMoreLess dosage
2.  TimeSpecific time mentionedNo specific time mentioned
3.  Mode of administrationOralMultiple routes
4.  Relationship with foodIn empty stomachAlong with food
5.  DurationMaximum of 7 daysNot mentioned
6.  Parihara VishayaTo be followedNot specified
7.  Samyak Snigdha LakshanaCan appreciateCan appreciate only few
8.  IndicationFor BalavanFor Alpabala
9.  PalatabilityLess palatableMore palatable
10. SuperiorityConsidered as superiorNot as that of Achhapana

Reasons for including Kevala Sneha in Vicharana[13]

Though Vicharana refers to mixing with other entities, Kevala Sneha is used in various external procedures like Abhyanga, Tarpana, and others. There is no specific reason for considering Kevala Sneha as Vicharana Sneha.

Kevala Sneha and Vicharana Sneha are differentiated based on the Sneha Upayoga (mode of administration), the quantity of Sneha, and whether the Sneha is combined with dietary substances. The differentiation can be explained as:

1. Sneha Upayoga (Mode of Administration)

A. Kevala Upayoga: Sneha administered orally, without mixing with food or drugs, is considered Accha Sneha or Kevala Upayoga.
B. Bahu Upayoga: Sneha administered through various routes (e.g., Basti, Nasya, Abhyanga) is referred to as Vicharana Sneha.

2. Alpatva (Quantity)

In procedures like Murdha Tarpana and Akshi Tarpana, only a small quantity of Sneha is used. This limited usage qualifies it as Vicharana Sneha.

Pravicharana is Shamana, Shodhana or Brumhana?

Table 4: Table showing difference between Shamananga, Brumhana and Vicharana Sneha

SNShamana SnehaVicharana SnehaBrumhana Sneha
1.  Given before foodAlong with foodAlong with the food
2.  Madhyama MatraAvara MatraAlpa Matra
3.  Administered internallyBoth internally and externallyAdministered internally

So Pravicharana does not satisfies rules of Shamana Sneha. So, it is an intellectual way of combining Sneha with food and as in Abhyantara Vicharana and through some other routes in Bahya Vicharana

Research works on Vicharana Sneha

Dr. Sathyajith Panduranga Kulakarni[14]

A study was conducted to evaluate the practical applicability of Vicharana Sneha, establish its standard operating procedure (SOP), observe Samyak Snehana Lakshana, and monitor the incidence of complications. A total of 44 subjects were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each subject was administered 60 ml of cow ghee along with 50 grams of gruel in the morning and evening. Of these, 22 subjects were prepared for Vamana and 22 for Virechana. It was observed that 95-97% of the subjects exhibited Snigdha Lakshana.

Dr. Manjusha S. More[15]

This single-case comparative study examines Acchapana with Mahatiktaka Ghrita (Method A) and Ksheera Vicharana Snehapana with Mahatiktaka Ghrita and Ksheera (Method B).


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In Method A, Acchapana was followed by Vamana, while in Method B, Ksheera Vicharana Snehapana was followed by Virechana. In Method A, Snehodvega Lakshana appeared from day 2 and progressively increased, whereas it was absent in Method B. Sneha-Pachana time was 4-10 hours in Method A and 3-6 hours in Method B, likely due to the easily digestible properties of Ksheera. Samyak Snigdha Lakshana was achieved in 6 days in Method A and 4 days in Method B. The total Sneha Matra consumed was 820 ml in Method A and 380 ml in Method B, with shorter Sneha-Kala in Method B attributed to the properties of Ksheera. These findings suggest that Ksheera Vicharana reduces both Sneha-Kala and Sneha Matra.

Dr. Priyadarshini Aravind Kadus[16]

This pilot study aimed to evaluate Anuvasana Basti with escalating doses as an alternative to Snehapana prior to Vamana and Virechana. Ten subjects were included, and after Amapachana, they were administered 120 ml of sesame oil with 50 mg of Saindhava Lavana on the first day. The oil dose was increased by 25 ml and Saindhava by 100 mg daily for 7 days. All subjects exhibited Samyak Snigdha Lakshana, though the intensity varied, and 4 subjects experienced Urdwaga Utklesha symptoms. The findings suggest that Anuvasana Basti effectively induces proper Snehana and can be a viable alternative to oral administration of medicated fats, particularly for patients with fat aversion. No adverse effects or symptoms of Atisnigdha (excessive oleation) or Asnigdha (incomplete oleation) were observed during the study.

Discussion

The concept of Pravicharana is a unique and versatile approach to the administration of Sneha in Ayurveda. Unlike the rigid protocols of Acchapana, Pravicharana allows the practitioner to adapt the administration of medicated fats based on individual patient needs, preferences, and conditions. This flexibility makes it particularly relevant in scenarios where direct consumption of Sneha is not feasible or acceptable.

A critical discussion point is the classification of Pravicharana based on Prayoga. This classification underscores its adaptability and integration into various therapeutic contexts.

Its incorporation into different Kalpas such as Odana (medicated rice), Mamsarasa (meat soup), or Yusha (medicated broth) highlights its role in dietary and therapeutic applications. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with weak digestion (Alpabala) or specific constitutions. From an Ayurvedic perspective, its broader range of routes oral, nasal, topical, rectal, and vaginal illustrates its wide therapeutic applicability. This includes its use in specialized therapies like Basti and Uttara Basti, which highlight its role in both systemic and localized treatment strategies.

The comparison with Acchapana Sneha provides valuable insights into differences in dosage, palatability, and suitability. While Acchapana is often preferred in cases requiring strong purificatory effects, Pravicharana is more inclusive, catering to individuals who cannot tolerate large doses or unmodified medicated fats. Administering Sneha along with food, as in Pravicharana, ensures better patient compliance and digestibility.

A notable aspect of Pravicharana is its potential to blur the lines between Shamana and Shodhana Sneha. While it aligns more closely with Shamana principles, it is not bound by the strict rules of Shamana Sneha, allowing greater versatility in its application.

As few studies gives the positive evidence towards of application of Vicharana Snehapana as Shodhananga Snehapana. This opens avenues for innovation in treatment, combining therapeutic and nutritional aspects to achieve desired outcomes.

Conclusion

Pravicharana Sneha is a unique and patient-centred, adaptable approach in Ayurveda, balancing therapeutic efficacy with palatability and practicality. Its wide application, diverse classification, and thoughtful integration into therapeutic regimens make it an essential subject for deeper exploration and application in both clinical and research contexts.

References

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2. Charaka Samhitha. Revised by Charaka and Dridabala with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya. Sutrasthana, 22nd Chapter/Sloka No 4. Reprint edition 2015. Varanasi: Chaukambha Prakashan; 2015. p. 120.

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6. Charaka Samhitha. Revised by Charaka and Dridabala with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya. Sutrasthana, 16th Chapter/Sloka No 82. Reprint edition 2015. Varanasi: Chaukambha Prakashana; 2015. p. 86.

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9. Charaka Samhitha. Revised by Charaka and Dridabala with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya. Sutrasthana, 16th Chapter/Sloka No 23-25. Reprint edition 2015. Varanasi: Chaukambha Prakashana; 2015. p. 86.

10. Hemaraja S, editor. Kashyapa Samhita, vruddha jeevaka tantra with vidhyotini Hindi commentary. Sutrasthana, 22nd Chapter, Shloka 15-16. Reprint edition 2010. Varanasi: Choukambha Sanskrit Sansthana; 2010. p. 18.

11. Charaka Samhitha. Revised by Charaka and Dridabala with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya. Sutrasthana, 16th Chapter/Sloka No 28. Reprint edition 2015. Varanasi: Chaukambha Prakashan; 2015. p. 86.

12. Ashtanga Hridaya with Commentary of Arunadatta and Hemadri. Edited by Bhisagaacharya Harisaastri Paraadakara Vaidya. Sutrasthana 16th Chapter, Shloka No. 15. Reprint edition 2017. Varanasi: Choukambha Orientalia; 2017. p. 246.

13. Ashtanga Hridaya with Commentary of Arunadatta and Hemadri. Edited by Bhisagaacharya Harisaastri Paraadakara Vaidya. Sutrasthana 16th Chapter, Shloka No. 16. Reprint edition 2017. Varanasi: Choukambha Orientalia; 2017. p. 246.

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15. Manjusha et al. Comparative Study Of Accha Snehapan And Kshir-Vicharana Snehapan- A Single Case Study. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal [online]. 2017 [cited March 2017].

16. Kadus PA, Vedpathak SM. Anuvasan Basti in escalating dose is an alternative for Snehapana before Vamana and Virechana: Trends from a pilot study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5:246-250.

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