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=== 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 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 [[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 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>  

==== Deciding suitable dose  ====

==== Deciding suitable dose  ====

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Ayurveda ''acharyas'' have advised three dosage forms -  high, medium and low doses. The following points need to be considered to determine the applicable dose for an individual:

[[Ayurveda]] ''acharyas'' have advised three dosage forms -  high, medium and low doses. The following points need to be considered to determine the applicable dose for an individual:

#Severity of disease

#Severity of disease

*Gauri Vaidya (2009): an observer blind clinical study on standardization of Shodhanartha Snehapana w.s.r. to Sneha PraVicharana, Department of Panchakarma, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Jamnagar.

*Gauri Vaidya (2009): an observer blind clinical study on standardization of Shodhanartha Snehapana w.s.r. to Sneha PraVicharana, Department of Panchakarma, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Jamnagar.

*Raval K. R. (1987): The study of Virechana Poorvaka Snehana in Pandu Roga. Department of Kayachikitsa. Govt. Akhandanand Ayurvedic college, GAU, Ahmedabad.

*Raval K. R. (1987): The study of Virechana Poorvaka Snehana in Pandu Roga. Department of Kayachikitsa. Govt. Akhandanand Ayurvedic college, GAU, Ahmedabad.

*Ashvini Kumar M (2002): A Study on Shodhananga Arohana and Sadyo Snehana, Department of Panchakarma, SDM College of Ayurveda, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Hassan.

*Ashvini Kumar M (2002): A Study on Shodhananga Arohana and Sadyo Snehana, Department of Panchakarma, SDM College of [[Ayurveda]], Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Hassan.

*Alva Gauthama (2002): A clinical study to evaluate the role of Plain ghee and Panchatikta ghee as Poorva Karma of Virechana w.s.r. to Ekakushtha. Department of Panchakarma, SDM College of Ayurveda, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Hassan.

*Alva Gauthama (2002): A clinical study to evaluate the role of Plain ghee and Panchatikta ghee as Poorva Karma of Virechana w.s.r. to Ekakushtha. Department of Panchakarma, SDM College of [[Ayurveda]], Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Hassan.

*Mangalagi S.G. (1979): A Study on Abhyantara Sneha w.s.r to Virechana, Govt. Ayurvedic Medical College, Mysore.

*Mangalagi S.G. (1979): A Study on Abhyantara Sneha w.s.r to Virechana, Govt. Ayurvedic Medical College, Mysore.

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