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<big>'''Abstract'''</big>

<big>'''Abstract'''</big>

<div style="text-align:justify;">Kalpana chatushka (tetrad on applications of medicine) starts with the chapter on oleation therapy. This chapter describes details of oleation therapy including the sources of lipids, types, properties, administration method, time, dose, alternative methods of administration in the form of recipe (vicharana), indications, contraindications, symptoms of proper, inadequate and excess oleation. Adipose tissue in the form of fat is essential components of body it provides lubrication to all viscera and other interstitial spaces due to its unctuous property. Lipids are integral part of cell membrane that allows entry of lipid soluble substances/drugs into the cells. The selection of lipids for oleation therapy depends upon the specific integrity of gut, severity of the disease, and specific indications of lipids. Lipids processed with medicines can be prescribed in diabetes or skin diseases where natural fact is contra-indicated. Apt oleation therapy results in normal functions of vata, increase in digestive power, softening of (hard) faeces, and making the body supple and soft.  Improper implementation of methods or violation of guidelines results in complications such as skin diseases, itching, haemorrhoids, ascitis, fainting, indigestion etc. Oleation and sudation are pre-requisites or pre-treatment procedures for purification (shodhana) therapies to aid in moving vitiated dosha to gut (for an eventual expelling out of the body and achieve purification). The present chapter can be considered as a first step in purification therapies described. </div>

<div style="text-align:justify;">Kalpana chatushka (tetrad on applications of medicine) starts with the chapter on oleation therapy. This chapter describes details of oleation therapy including the sources of lipids, types, properties, administration method, time, dose, alternative methods of administration in the form of recipe (vicharana), indications, contraindications, symptoms of proper, inadequate and excess oleation. Adipose tissue in the form of fat is essential components of body it provides lubrication to all viscera and other interstitial spaces due to its unctuous property. Lipids are integral part of cell membrane that allows entry of lipid soluble substances/drugs into the cells. The selection of lipids for oleation therapy depends upon the specific integrity of gut, severity of the disease, and specific indications of lipids. Lipids processed with medicines can be prescribed in diabetes or skin diseases where natural fat is contra-indicated. Apt oleation therapy results in normal functions of vata, increase in digestive power, softening of (hard) feces, and making the body supple and soft.  Improper implementation of methods or violation of guidelines results in complications such as skin diseases, itching, hemorrhoids, ascites, fainting, indigestion etc. Oleation and sudation are pre-requisites or pre-treatment procedures for purification (shodhana) therapies to aid in moving vitiated dosha to gut (for an eventual expelling out of the body and achieve purification). The present chapter can be considered as a first step in purification therapies described. </div>

'''Keywords''': ''Sneha''(lipids), ''snehana'' (oleation therapy), fat and lipid metabolism, ''abhyanga'' (therapeutic massage), ghee, oil, marrow, fat, alternative options for oleation therapy.

'''Keywords''': ''Sneha''(lipids), ''snehana'' (oleation therapy), fat and lipid metabolism, ''abhyanga'' (therapeutic massage), ghee, oil, marrow, fat, alternative options for oleation therapy.

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

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The chapter [[Snehadhyaya]] is the first chapter of ''Kalpana Chatushka'' (tetrad describing planning of purification therapies). It follows the [[Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya]], the last chapter of ''Nirdesha Chatushka'' (tetrad describing guidelines for clinical practice). This sequencial order of the tetrads suggests the logical progression in the clinical training of [[Ayurveda]] learners – from a foundational course in therapeutics to more specialized procedures (including purification therapies). ''Snehana'' (oleation) is the first step before purification therapies, like ''vamana'' [therapeutic emesis] and ''virechana'' [therapeutic purgation], and also the best medicine suggested for vitiated vata - the key pathological factor responsible for many diseases.  

The chapter [[Snehadhyaya]] is the first chapter of ''Kalpana Chatushka'' (tetrad describing planning of purification therapies). It follows the [[Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya]], the last chapter of ''Nirdesha Chatushka'' (tetrad describing guidelines for clinical practice). This sequential order of the tetrad suggests the logical progression in the clinical training of [[Ayurveda]] learners – from a foundational course in therapeutics to more specialized procedures (including purification therapies). ''Snehana'' (oleation) is the first step before purification therapies, like ''vamana'' [therapeutic emesis] and ''virechana'' [therapeutic purgation], and also the best medicine suggested for vitiated vata - the key pathological factor responsible for many diseases.  

=== History and broad outline of chapter ===

=== History and broad outline of chapter ===

The earliest reference to ''snehana'' is found in the ancient text ''Markandeya Purana'' where ''ghrita'' (clarified butter), ''taila'' (oil), ''vasa'' (muscle fat) and ''majja'' (bone marrow) were quoted as ''sneha'' drugs (Mar. 165, 166, 244-245). However, a detailed description of ''snehana- swedana'' (sudation) with complications and their treatments is only found in [[Charak Samhita]] and related  [[Ayurveda]] texts. The [[Snehadhyaya]] provides comprehensive information about ''sneha'' (lipids) and ''snehana'' (its therapeutic administration/oleation).

The earliest reference to ''snehana'' is found in the ancient text ''Markandeya Purana'' where ''ghrita'' (clarified butter), ''taila'' (oil), ''vasa'' (muscle fat) and ''majja'' (bone marrow) were quoted as ''sneha'' drugs (Mar. 165, 166, 244-245). However, a detailed description of ''snehana- swedana'' (sudation) with complications and their treatments is only found in [[Charak Samhita]] and related  [[Ayurveda]] texts. The [[Snehadhyaya]] provides comprehensive information about ''sneha'' (lipids) and ''snehana'' (its therapeutic administration/oleation).

   

   

''Sneha'' (lipids): ''Sneha'' is any substance that produces unctousness, softness, moisture, increased secretions etc. in the body. (Cha. Su. 22/11). ''Sneha'' is predominantly composed of basic elements - ''prithvi'' (earth) and ''jala'' (water) (Su.su. 41/11). Hence it is responsible for moisture (Hemadri on AH. Su. 1/18), providing softness to the body while also playing a major role in producing strength (Su.su. 46/516). ''Sneha'' qualities can be described using adjectives such as ''guru'' (heavy), ''sheeta'' (cold), ''sara'' (agility), ''snigdha'' (unctuous), ''manda'' (slow), ''sukshma'' (penetrating), ''mridu'' (soft), ''drava'' (fluid), and ''pichchila'' (slimy) (Cha.Su.22/15 and A.H. Su. 16/1).  These qualities make oleation therapy a prerequisite for most of the [[Panchakarma]] (five purification) procedures since they help in ejecting impurities out through the gut. All ''dhatu'' (body tissues) require ''sneha'' for growth and maintenance. ''Sneha'' adds unctuousness to food preparations, necessary in the process of digestion (Cha. Chi. 15/6). ''Kapha'' and ''pitta'' are two basic ''doshas'' that have ''snigdha'' i.e. unctuousness (A.H. Su. 1/11-12). ''Sneha'' therapy is mainly indicated for alleviation of ''vata dosha'', which is the main etiological factor responsible for most diseases. Modern science also gives importance to fats. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble<ref> Weber F, Absorption mechanisms for fat-soluble vitamins and the effect of other food constituents, Progress in Clinical and Biological Reseaarch, 1981;77:119-35. </ref> , meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported using fats. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement. Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell function.<ref> Mengistie, Alemayehu Belay; Reddy, R. C.; Babu, M. Syam, the effects of workout- based combination of aerobic and resistance exercise training in obese adults of northwest Ethiopia, International Journal of Sports Sciences & Fitness . 2013, Vol. 3 Issue 1, p96-116. 21p. </ref>  

''Sneha'' (lipids): ''Sneha'' is any substance that produces unctousness, softness, moisture, increased secretions etc. in the body. (Cha. Su. 22/11). ''Sneha'' is predominantly composed of basic elements - ''prithvi'' (earth) and ''jala'' (water) (Su.su. 41/11). Hence it is responsible for moisture (Hemadri on AH. Su. 1/18), providing softness to the body while also playing a major role in producing strength (Su.su. 46/516). ''Sneha'' qualities can be described using adjectives such as ''guru'' (heavy), ''sheeta'' (cold), ''sara'' (agility), ''snigdha'' (unctuous), ''manda'' (slow), ''sukshma'' (penetrating), ''mridu'' (soft), ''drava'' (fluid), and ''pichchila'' (slimy) (Cha.Su.22/15 and A.H. Su. 16/1).  These qualities make oleation therapy a prerequisite for most of the [[Panchakarma]] (five purification) procedures since they help in ejecting impurities out through the gut. All ''dhatu'' (body tissues) require ''sneha'' for growth and maintenance. ''Sneha'' adds unctuousness to food preparations, necessary in the process of digestion (Cha. Chi. 15/6). ''Kapha'' and ''pitta'' are two basic ''doshas'' that have ''snigdha'' i.e. unctuousness (A.H. Su. 1/11-12). ''Sneha'' therapy is mainly indicated for alleviation of ''vata dosha'', which is the main etiological factor responsible for most diseases. Modern science also gives importance to fats. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble<ref> Weber F, Absorption mechanisms for fat-soluble vitamins and the effect of other food constituents, Progress in clinical and biological research, 1981;77:119-35. </ref> , meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported using fats. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement. Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell function.<ref> Mengistie, Alemayehu Belay; Reddy, R. C.; Babu, M. Syam, the effects of workout- based combination of aerobic and resistance exercise training in obese adults of northwest Ethiopia, International Journal of Sports Sciences & Fitness . 2013, Vol. 3 Issue 1, p96-116. 21p. </ref>  

The glycerol formed from catabolism of fats can be converted to glucose by the liver and thus used as a source of energy.<ref> O. E. Owen, A. P. Morgan, H. G. Kemp, J. M. Sullivan, M. G. Herrera et al, Brain metabolism during fasting Journal of Clinical Investigation. 1967 October; 46(10): 1589–1595. </ref> Fat also serves as a useful buffer against a host of diseases. When a particular substance - chemical or biotic—reaches unsafe levels in the bloodstream, the body can effectively dilute, or at least maintain, an equilibrium of the offending substances by storing them in a new fat tissue. This helps in protecting vital organs, until such time as the offending substances could be metabolized and/or removed from the body by such means as excretion, urination, accidental or intentional bloodletting, sebum excretion, and  hair growth.<ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat cited on  4-01-2014 </ref>  

The glycerol formed from catabolism of fats can be converted to glucose by the liver and thus used as a source of energy.<ref> O. E. Owen, A. P. Morgan, H. G. Kemp, J. M. Sullivan, M. G. Herrera et al, Brain metabolism during fasting Journal of Clinical Investigation. 1967 October; 46(10): 1589–1595. </ref> Fat also serves as a useful buffer against a host of diseases. When a particular substance - chemical or biotic—reaches unsafe levels in the bloodstream, the body can effectively dilute, or at least maintain, an equilibrium of the offending substances by storing them in a new fat tissue. This helps in protecting vital organs, until such time as the offending substances could be metabolized and/or removed from the body by such means as excretion, urination, accidental or intentional bloodletting, sebum excretion, and  hair growth.<ref> Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat cited on  4-01-2014 </ref>  

Beside pacifying vitiated ''dosha'', enhancing nutritional value and aiding in metabolic functions, ''sneha'' can be utilized for body purification, as described earlier. ''Sneha'' i.e. fats like ''ghrita'', oils etc. are used for [[Panchakarma]] and related purification processes since fats are an essential component of cell membrane<ref> Hulbert AJ.Metabolism and longevity: is there a role for membrane fatty acids? Integrative and Comparative Biology. 2010 Nov;50(5):808-17 </ref> and thus, have easy access to all parts of the body. Fats have multidimensional properties that can be utilized for therapeutic purpose. Thus, this chapter on ''sneha'' is important from the standpoint of therapeutics.

Beside pacifying vitiated ''dosha'', enhancing nutritional value and aiding in metabolic functions, ''sneha'' can be utilized for body purification, as described earlier. ''Sneha'' i.e. fats like ''ghrita'', oils etc. are used for [[Panchakarma]] and related purification processes since fats are essential component of cell membrane<ref> Hulbert AJ.Metabolism and longevity: is there a role for membrane fatty acids? Integrative and Comparative Biology. 2010 Nov;50(5):808-17 </ref> and thus, have easy access to all parts of the body. Fats have multidimensional properties that can be utilized for therapeutic purpose. Thus, this chapter on ''sneha'' is important from the standpoint of therapeutics.

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Among all varieties of oils, sesame oil is considered the best and is ideal for giving strength and unctuousness. Castor oil is the best for ''virechana'' (purgation). It is pungent, ''ushna virya'' (hot potency), alleviates vitiated ''vata'' and ''kapha'', ''guru'' (dense, viscous or heavy) in nature and when used with astringent, sweet, bitter drugs it also helps mitigate aggrevated ''pitta''. [12]

Among all varieties of oils, sesame oil is considered the best and is ideal for giving strength and unctuousness. Castor oil is the best for ''virechana'' (purgation). It is pungent, ''ushna virya'' (hot potency), alleviates vitiated ''vata'' and ''kapha'', ''guru'' (dense, viscous or heavy) in nature and when used with astringent, sweet, bitter drugs it also helps mitigate aggravated ''pitta''. [12]

=== Four major lipids ===

=== Four major lipids ===

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''Acchapeya''(drinking ''sneha'' alone) is not to considered as ''vicharana'' (alternate form or recipe of administration of ''sneha''), since physicians recommend it as the first preferred method of ''snehana'' therapy. [26]

''Acchapeya''(drinking ''sneha'' alone) is not considered as ''vicharana'' (alternate form or recipe of administration of ''sneha''), since physicians recommend it as the first preferred method of ''snehana'' therapy. [26]

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=== Persons suitable for maximum dose and its benefits ===

=== Persons suitable for maximum dose and its benefits ===

Those persons who consumes large quantity of ''sneha'' daily, those who can tolerate hunger and thirst, whose digestive and bodily strength is strong, who suffers from ''gulma'' (inflammation in digestive tract), snakebite cases, patients of ''visarpa'' (erysipelas), ''unmada'' (insanity), ''mutrakrichchra'' (dysuria) and constipation are advised to consume maximum doses of ''sneha''.

Those persons who consumes large quantity of ''sneha'' daily, those who can tolerate hunger and thirst, whose digestive and bodily strength is strong, who suffer from ''gulma'' (inflammation in digestive tract), snakebite cases, patients of ''visarpa'' (erysipelas), ''unmada'' (insanity), ''mutrakrichchra'' (dysuria) and constipation are advised to consume maximum doses of ''sneha''.

Maximum dose when used correctly quickly cures diseases. It removes excess of vitiated ''dosha'' out of the body, reaches all body channels, improves strength and rejuvenates the body, sense organs, and the mind. [31-34]

Maximum dose when used correctly quickly cures diseases. It removes excess of vitiated ''dosha'' out of the body, reaches all body channels, improves strength and rejuvenates the body, sense organs, and the mind. [31-34]

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On the day before administration of ''sneha'', one should take warm, liquid diet in proper quantity. The food should not increase secretions, possess unctousness or material with opposing properties.

On the day before administration of ''sneha'', one should take warm, liquid diet in proper quantity. The food should not increase secretions, possess unctuousness or material with opposing properties.

If ''sneha'' is for the purpose of ''samshamana'' (pacification of ''dosha'' internally), it should be taken at the time of meals and if meant for ''shuddhi'' (purification) it should be given when food consumed in the previous night has been digested. [60-61]

If ''sneha'' is for the purpose of ''samshamana'' (pacification of ''dosha'' internally), it should be taken at the time of meals and if meant for ''shuddhi'' (purification) it should be given when food consumed in the previous night has been digested. [60-61]

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Just as a piece of cloth only absorbs water as much as it can and leaves off the excess, similarly ''agni'' (digestive power) digests fat as much as it can and expels the excess from the body. Just as a mud ball expels excess water without gettng over-moistened when water is poured over it quickly, similarly the body expels fat that has been consumed very quickly. [96-97]

Just as a piece of cloth only absorbs water as much as it can and leaves off the excess, similarly ''agni'' (digestive power) digests fat as much as it can and expels the excess from the body. Just as a mud ball expels excess water without getting over-moistened when water is poured over it quickly, similarly the body expels fat that has been consumed very quickly. [96-97]

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*The ideal season for administration of ''ghee'' is ''sharada'' (autumn), that for muscle fat and bone marrow is ''vaishakha'' (mid April to mid May), and the time for oil administration is ''pravrit'' (early rains). [18]

*The ideal season for administration of ''ghee'' is ''sharada'' (autumn), that for muscle fat and bone marrow is ''vaishakha'' (mid April to mid May), and the time for oil administration is ''pravrit'' (early rains). [18]

*Lipid shall be administered according to its indication, at specific time, with correct vehicle, and for a specific duration. Otherwise improper administration may lead to severe disorders. [19-22]

*Lipid shall be administered according to its indication, at specific time, with correct vehicle, and for a specific duration. Otherwise improper administration may lead to severe disorders. [19-22]

*The dose of lipids intended for purification treatment should be decided as per the digestive capacity of the recipient. The time taken for complete digestion of consumed lipid shall be considered. Thus, the dose is essentially personlized. [29]

*The dose of lipids intended for purification treatment should be decided as per the digestive capacity of the recipient. The time taken for complete digestion of consumed lipid shall be considered. Thus, the dose is essentially personalized. [29]

*The effects of lipids are dose dependent. The larger dose, medium dose and small dose have different pharmaco-dynamic effects and different indications. [30-40]

*The effects of lipids are dose dependent. The larger dose, medium dose and small dose have different pharmaco-dynamic effects and different indications. [30-40]

*''Ghee'', oil, muscle fat and bone marrow have specific receptors that decide their indications, systemic effects and end results. [41-50]

*''Ghee'', oil, muscle fat and bone marrow have specific receptors that decide their indications, systemic effects and end results. [41-50]

==== ''Sneha'' in excessive sex ====

==== ''Sneha'' in excessive sex ====

Those who are involved in excessive sexual activity lose their ''oja'' (vitality) leading to ''dhatukshaya'' (depletion of ''dhatu''), ''vata'' aggravation and loss of unctuousness as mentioned in the pathology of ''rajayakshma''. (Cha. Chi. 8/ 24-25). Hence oleation is required in such debiliated persons.

Those who are involved in excessive sexual activity lose their ''oja'' (vitality) leading to ''dhatukshaya'' (depletion of ''dhatu''), ''vata'' aggravation and loss of unctuousness as mentioned in the pathology of ''rajayakshma''. (Cha. Chi. 8/ 24-25). Hence oleation is required in such debilitated persons.

==== Contraindications of ''Sneha'' ====

==== Contraindications of ''Sneha'' ====

=== Signs of inadequate, proper and excess ''Sneha''  ===

=== Signs of inadequate, proper and excess ''Sneha''  ===

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Inadequate oleation does not pacify ''vata'' and disturbs ''agni'' leading to poor digestion. Proper oleation due to proper ''sneha'' improves digestion. The skin acts as a water resisting barrier to prevent flow of essential nutrients out of the body. The nutrients and oils that help hydrate the skin are covered by the outer layer of skin, the epidermis.<ref> McCracken, Thomas (2000). New Atlas of Human Anatomy. China: Metro Books. pp. 1–240. ISBN 1-58663-097-0 </ref> Softness or tenderness of skin is a result of proper oleation since ''snehana'' adds to the functional improvement of fat deposits of the body. Excess oleation causes improperly formed faeces, which may be due to increase in colorectal transit time as a result of excess unctousness in gastrointestinal lumen. Stools are formed in the colon in the last phase of digestion. Through peristalsis, the muscles of the colon and the abdomen advance the liquid feces through the colon and compress the fecal matter into stool. During this process the colon extracts water from liquid feces as it passes down. The water is absorbed by the lumen, leaving the larger waste particles to be further tumbled along and formed into stools.<ref> Retrived from http://web.pdx.edu/~sujata/FruitEze/education/colon/stool.html cited on 2-01-2014 </ref>  Due to excess oleation, blockage of microchnnels and villi occurs and absorptive function may become hampered leading to improperly formed stool. All other symptoms of excess oleation are due to increase in ''kleda'' (moisture) in body leading to heaviness, loss of digestive strength etc.[verse 57-59]

Inadequate oleation does not pacify ''vata'' and disturbs ''agni'' leading to poor digestion. Proper oleation due to proper ''sneha'' improves digestion. The skin acts as a water resisting barrier to prevent flow of essential nutrients out of the body. The nutrients and oils that help hydrate the skin are covered by the outer layer of skin, the epidermis.<ref> McCracken, Thomas (2000). New Atlas of Human Anatomy. China: Metro Books. pp. 1–240. ISBN 1-58663-097-0 </ref> Softness or tenderness of skin is a result of proper oleation since ''snehana'' adds to the functional improvement of fat deposits of the body. Excess oleation causes improperly formed faeces, which may be due to increase in colorectal transit time as a result of excess unctuousness in gastrointestinal lumen. Stools are formed in the colon in the last phase of digestion. Through peristalsis, the muscles of the colon and the abdomen advance the liquid feces through the colon and compress the fecal matter into stool. During this process the colon extracts water from liquid feces as it passes down. The water is absorbed by the lumen, leaving the larger waste particles to be further tumbled along and formed into stools.<ref> Retrieved from http://web.pdx.edu/~sujata/FruitEze/education/colon/stool.html cited on 2-01-2014 </ref>  Due to excess oleation, blockage of microchnnels and villi occurs and absorptive function may become hampered leading to improperly formed stool. All other symptoms of excess oleation are due to increase in ''kleda'' (moisture) in body leading to heaviness, loss of digestive strength etc.[verse 57-59]

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Digestion and physical activities are associated with large and sometimes opposite changes in several physiological parameters. Gastric acid secretion during digestion causes increased levels of plasma bicarbonate ([HCO-3] (pl)), whereas activity leads to a metabolic acidosis with increased lactate and decrease in plasma bicarbonate.<ref> Andersen JB, Wang T, Cardiorespiratory effects of forced activity and digestion in toads.Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 2003 Jul-Aug;76(4):459-70. </ref> Thus naturally to keep digestion of ''sneha'' at optimum, person needs to avoid excess physical exertion.  

Digestion and physical activities are associated with large and sometimes opposite changes in several physiological parameters. Gastric acid secretion during digestion causes increased levels of plasma bicarbonate ([HCO-3] (pl)), whereas activity leads to a metabolic acidosis with increased lactate and decrease in plasma bicarbonate.<ref> Andersen JB, Wang T, Cardiorespiratory effects of forced activity and digestion in toads.Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 2003 Jul-Aug;76(4):459-70. </ref> Thus naturally to keep digestion of ''sneha'' at optimum, person needs to avoid excess physical exertion.  

Emotions affect physiological processes and actions which are responsible for nutrient malabsorption and digestive health. Saliva becomes more acidic under stress, depression and negative emotions due to alteration in salivary digestive enzyme, ptyaline. The negative emotions also affect the production of pepsin in the stomach, enzyme release from the pancreas and also liver bile flow.<ref> Retrived from http://www.humphreybacchus.com/blog/how-do-our-emotions-affect-digestion cited on 3-01-2014 </ref> Anxiety, is responsible for "fight or flight" response, that takes up a lot of brain's resources, so to compensate it slows down parts of brain that are not as necessary, such as the muscles involved in digestion.<ref> Addolorato, Giovanni, et al. Anxiety and depression: a common feature of health care seeking patients with irritable bowel syndrome and food allergy.Hepato-gastroenterology 45.23 (1998): 1559. </ref> Anxiety can also cause low serotonin, and that means that some of the messengers that are normally travelling into body are possibly being created at a lower rate, leading to digestive disorders. During the fight or flight response, body creates massive amounts of adrenaline to give extra energy. In order to create that energy, adrenaline needs to take it from "sugar storage" - While adrenaline does this, body starts processing nutrients at rates that aren't ideal. It changes how body processes nutrients as well and could conceivably affect digestive health.<ref> Retrived from http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/digestive-problems cited on 3-01-2014 </ref>  All these factors collectively may cause adverse effects of ''sneha'' due to impaired digestive power. Therefore, avoiding negative emotions is important in oleation therapy. Avoiding breeze, snow, sunlight etc. are a must in order to avoid any environmental infections or altered immune responses.[verses 62-64]

Emotions affect physiological processes and actions which are responsible for nutrient malabsorption and digestive health. Saliva becomes more acidic under stress, depression and negative emotions due to alteration in salivary digestive enzyme, ptyaline. The negative emotions also affect the production of pepsin in the stomach, enzyme release from the pancreas and also liver bile flow.<ref> Retrieved from http://www.humphreybacchus.com/blog/how-do-our-emotions-affect-digestion cited on 3-01-2014 </ref> Anxiety, is responsible for "fight or flight" response, that takes up a lot of brain's resources, so to compensate it slows down parts of brain that are not as necessary, such as the muscles involved in digestion.<ref> Addolorato, Giovanni, et al. Anxiety and depression: a common feature of health care seeking patients with irritable bowel syndrome and food allergy. Hepato-gastroenterology 45.23 (1998): 1559. </ref> Anxiety can also cause low serotonin, and that means that some of the messengers that are normally traveling into body are possibly being created at a lower rate, leading to digestive disorders. During the fight or flight response, body creates massive amounts of adrenaline to give extra energy. In order to create that energy, adrenaline needs to take it from "sugar storage" - While adrenaline does this, body starts processing nutrients at rates that aren't ideal. It changes how body processes nutrients as well and could conceivably affect digestive health.<ref> Retrieved from http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/digestive-problems cited on 3-01-2014 </ref>  All these factors collectively may cause adverse effects of ''sneha'' due to impaired digestive power. Therefore, avoiding negative emotions is important in oleation therapy. Avoiding breeze, snow, sunlight etc. are a must in order to avoid any environmental infections or altered immune responses.[verses 62-64]

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