Snehana (स्नेहन)

Snehana is the process of oleation, or administering fatty substances (Sneha) either internally (Abhyantara Snehapana) o.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

स्नेहनं स्नेहविष्यन्दमार्दवक्लेदकारकम्।

— (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 22/11)

Explanation

Snehana is the process of oleation, or administering fatty substances (Sneha) either internally (Abhyantara Snehapana) or externally (Bahya Snehana, like Abhyanga massage). Its primary qualities are to induce viscidity, softness, and moistness in the body tissues. It is a crucial preparatory procedure (Purva Karma) for Panchakarma.

Clinical Importance

Snehana therapy loosens the deep-seated, aggravated doshas from the tissues (Shakha) and brings them to the gastrointestinal tract (Koshtha), making them easy to expel through the main Panchakarma procedures. It is also a primary treatment (Shamana) for Vata dosha disorders.