Changes

[[Sutra Sthana]] Chapter 13:

==([[Sutra Sthana]] Chapter 12, Chapter on Oleation therapies)==

 

(Chapter on Oleation Therapy)

Thirteenth chapter of Charaka samhita describes oleation therapy. It describes 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.  Lipids are essential components of body as the meda dhatu [lipids] provides lubrication to all viscera and other interstetial spaces due to its snigdha (unctuous) qualities. Meda dhatu (lipids) is an 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. Those contra-indicated for use of natural fat as in diabetes or skin diseases, can consume medicated lipids. Properly done oleation results in proper downward movement 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, haemorrhoids, ascitis, fainting, indigestion etc. Oleation and sudation are pre-requisites or pre-treatment procedures for shodhana (purification) 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.  

Thirteenth chapter of Charaka samhita describes oleation therapy. It describes 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.  Lipids are essential components of body as the meda dhatu [lipids] provides lubrication to all viscera and other interstetial spaces due to its snigdha (unctuous) qualities. Meda dhatu (lipids) is an 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. Those contra-indicated for use of natural fat as in diabetes or skin diseases, can consume medicated lipids. Properly done oleation results in proper downward movement 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, haemorrhoids, ascitis, fainting, indigestion etc. Oleation and sudation are pre-requisites or pre-treatment procedures for shodhana (purification) 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.  

Keywords: Sneha(lipids), snehana (oleation therapy), fat and lipid metabolism, abhyanga (therapeutic massage).   

Keywords: Sneha(lipids), snehana (oleation therapy), fat and lipid metabolism, abhyanga (therapeutic massage).  

Introduction:

   

=== Introduction ===

 

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 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.  

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 Charaka 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 Charaka Samhita and related Ayurveda texts. The Snehadhyaya provides comprehensive information about sneha [lipids] and snehana [its therapeutic administration/oleation].  

The glycerol formed from catabolism of fats can be converted to glucose by the liver and thus used as a source of energy.  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.  

The glycerol formed from catabolism of fats can be converted to glucose by the liver and thus used as a source of energy.  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.  

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  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 an essential component of cell membrane  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.  

 

 

अथातः स्नेहाध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

अथातः स्नेहाध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

  athātaḥ snēhādhyāyaṁ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ||1||  

  athātaḥ snēhādhyāyaṁ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ||1||