Changes

The word ‘snehana’ means providing unction, oleation, lubrication, rubbing or smearing with oil or unguents, being or becoming oily etc. It also shows a psychological ‘feeling of affection’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Snehana, Page 1267</ref>  The process of unction or unction therapy is an important preparatory procedure (purvakarma) performed before purification therapies (panchakarma). It includes internal and external administration of unctuous substances like ghee, oil etc. (sneha dravya). Besides this unction therapy (snehana) is also applied as principle treatment in various disease conditions due to vitiated vata and pitta dosha. It is one among the major six treatment modalities in Ayurveda. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 22/04]

The word ‘snehana’ means providing unction, oleation, lubrication, rubbing or smearing with oil or unguents, being or becoming oily etc. It also shows a psychological ‘feeling of affection’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Snehana, Page 1267</ref>  The process of unction or unction therapy is an important preparatory procedure (purvakarma) performed before purification therapies ([[Panchakarma]]). It includes internal and external administration of unctuous substances like ghee, oil etc. (sneha dravya). Besides this unction therapy (snehana) is also applied as principle treatment in various disease conditions due to vitiated [[vata]] and [[pitta]] [[dosha]]. It is one among the major six treatment modalities in Ayurveda. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 22/04]

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

*Oral administration of unctuous substance (snehapana)

*Oral administration of unctuous substance (snehapana)

*Per rectal administration (snehabasti)

*Per rectal administration (snehabasti)

*Intra nasal administration (nasya)

*Intra nasal administration ([[nasya]])

==Properties of unctuous substances==

==Properties of unctuous substances==

Based on age of person: Unction therapy can be administered from age of one year to old age.[A.H.Sutra Sthana 16/5] <ref name=Hridaya>Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref> The growth and development is more during the early stages of life. Unction therapy supports this process in childhood. In the old age, there is degeneration of body tissues. Unction therapy prevents this degeneration and helps to maintain quality of body tissues.  

Based on age of person: Unction therapy can be administered from age of one year to old age.[A.H.Sutra Sthana 16/5] <ref name=Hridaya>Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref> The growth and development is more during the early stages of life. Unction therapy supports this process in childhood. In the old age, there is degeneration of body tissues. Unction therapy prevents this degeneration and helps to maintain quality of body tissues.  

Based on daily activities: Unction therapy is indicated for those who indulge in daily physical and mental activities like exercises, sexual intercourse, intellectual activities etc. It is also indicated in alcoholics to prevent its adverse effects. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/52] Unction therapy helps to reduce vatadosha aggravated due to these activities.

Based on daily activities: Unction therapy is indicated for those who indulge in daily physical and mental activities like exercises, sexual intercourse, intellectual activities etc. It is also indicated in alcoholics to prevent its adverse effects. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/52] Unction therapy helps to reduce [[vata]][[dosha]] aggravated due to these activities.

Based on the body constitution:Unction therapy is indicated for individuals with vata dominant body constitution and those who are weak, possess lean body frame, dry skin etc. [A.H. Sutra Sthana 16/5]<ref name=Hridaya/> Unction therapy increases strength of body, removes dryness and nourishes the body tissues.  

Based on the body constitution:Unction therapy is indicated for individuals with [[vata]] dominant body constitution and those who are weak, possess lean body frame, dry skin etc. [A.H. Sutra Sthana 16/5]<ref name=Hridaya/> Unction therapy increases strength of body, removes dryness and nourishes the body tissues.  

As a preparatory procedure: Unction therapy is indicated as prerequisite to all the purification therapies. It aids free movement of dosha through body channels. Unction therapy followed by sudation therapy liquefies morbid dosha and brings them to gut from the peripheral parts of body. Then, these morbidities can be easily evacuated by following purification therapies like therapeutic emesis, purgation etc.  

As a preparatory procedure: Unction therapy is indicated as prerequisite to all the purification therapies. It aids free movement of [[dosha]] through body channels. Unction therapy followed by sudation therapy liquefies morbid [[dosha]] and brings them to gut from the peripheral parts of body. Then, these morbidities can be easily evacuated by following purification therapies like therapeutic emesis, purgation etc.  

As the principle treatment:In diseases caused by vatadosha, unction therapy itself acts as principle treatment.

As the principle treatment:In diseases caused by [[vata]][[dosha]], unction therapy itself acts as principle treatment.

==Contraindication of unction therapy==

==Contraindication of unction therapy==

#After purification therapy:Unction therapy is contraindicated immediately after the purification therapies, owing to transient reduction in digestive capacity. [A.H. Sutra Sthana 16/7]<ref name=Hridaya/>  

#After purification therapy:Unction therapy is contraindicated immediately after the purification therapies, owing to transient reduction in digestive capacity. [A.H. Sutra Sthana 16/7]<ref name=Hridaya/>  

#In specific disease conditions:Unction therapy is contraindicated in specific diseases like diseases of thigh (urustambha), diarrhea (atisara), diseases of throat (galaroga), ascitis (udara).  [A.H. Sutra Sthana 16/6]<ref name=Hridaya/>   

#In specific disease conditions:Unction therapy is contraindicated in specific diseases like diseases of thigh (urustambha), diarrhea (atisara), diseases of throat (galaroga), ascitis (udara).  [A.H. Sutra Sthana 16/6]<ref name=Hridaya/>   

#Unction therapy is contraindicated in case of excess increase of kaphadosha and adipose tissue ([[meda dhatu]]). Unction leads to further increase and complications. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/53]

#Unction therapy is contraindicated in case of excess increase of [[kapha]][[dosha]] and adipose tissue ([[meda dhatu]]). Unction leads to further increase and complications. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/53]

==Dosage of unction therapy==

==Dosage of unction therapy==

This dosage form is used in the treatment of inflammation in digestive tract, snakebite, erysipelas, insanity, dysuria and constipation.

This dosage form is used in the treatment of inflammation in digestive tract, snakebite, erysipelas, insanity, dysuria and constipation.

Benefits: It can cure the diseases quickly, removes the vitiated dosha from body, spreads all over body, improves strength and rejuvenates body, mind and sense organs.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/31-34]

Benefits: It can cure the diseases quickly, removes the vitiated [[dosha]] from body, spreads all over body, improves strength and rejuvenates body, mind and sense organs.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/31-34]

=== Medium dose===

=== Medium dose===

The quantity of unctuous substance that can be digested in 12 hours is considered as the medium dosage.  

The quantity of unctuous substance that can be digested in 12 hours is considered as the medium dosage.  

Indications: Skin disorders, vesicles, itching, eruptions in scalp, obstinate urinary disorders, gout etc.are treated with moderate dose. It is indicated for persons having medium strength, who are used to consume food in medium quantity and who have soft bowel habits.

Indications: Skin disorders, vesicles, itching, eruptions in scalp, obstinate urinary disorders, gout etc.are treated with moderate dose. It is indicated for persons having medium strength, who are used to consume food in medium quantity and who have soft bowel habits.

Benefits: Administration of unction therapy in medium dosage helps to attain unctuousness easily and helps in purification procedures.  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/35-37]

Benefits: Administration of unction therapy in medium dosage helps to attain unctuousness easily and helps in purification procedures.  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/35-37]

Indications: This dosage is indicated for individuals with less strength, old age, children, and those with tender constitution, who can’t tolerate hunger, who have less digestive capacity. In chronic conditions of diseases like fever, diarrhea and cough, unctuousness in less dosage is indicated.  

Indications: This dosage is indicated for individuals with less strength, old age, children, and those with tender constitution, who can’t tolerate hunger, who have less digestive capacity. In chronic conditions of diseases like fever, diarrhea and cough, unctuousness in less dosage is indicated.  

Benefits: Unction therapy in this dose produces oleation and stoutness of the body. It acts as aphrodisiac and increases strength of the body. This can be continued for longer duration as it won’t cause any complications.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/38-40] It can be administered in case of moderate vitiation of dosha. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 31/26]<ref name=Susruta>Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005</ref>

Benefits: Unction therapy in this dose produces oleation and stoutness of the body. It acts as aphrodisiac and increases strength of the body. This can be continued for longer duration as it won’t cause any complications.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/38-40] It can be administered in case of moderate vitiation of [[dosha]]. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 31/26]<ref name=Susruta>Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005</ref>

=== Lowest dose or test dose (hrasiyasimatra)===

=== Lowest dose or test dose (hrasiyasimatra)===

Apart from above mentioned three dosage forms,a fourth dosage is also in practice, which is the smallest dosage among all the dosage forms. [A.H Sutra Sthana 16/17]<ref name=Hridaya/>  This can also be termed as the ‘test dose’ for an individual.  

Apart from above mentioned three dosage forms, a fourth dosage is also in practice, which is the smallest dosage among all the dosage forms. [A.H Sutra Sthana 16/17]<ref name=Hridaya/>  This can also be termed as the ‘test dose’ for an individual.  

The safety and efficacy of unction therapy depends mainly on digestive capacity (agni) and nature of gut (koshta) of the individual. In order to assess this, administration of a test dosage is always preferable. The amount of unctuous substance that can be digested in 3 hours is considered as the test dose. [A.H Sutra Sthana 16/17]<ref name=Hridaya/> By assessing the response for this initial dose, the further dosages can be decided. This dosage improves the digestion and can be given to persons affected with less severity of dosha.[Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 31/25]<ref name=Susruta/>

The safety and efficacy of unction therapy depends mainly on digestive capacity (agni) and nature of gut (koshta) of the individual. In order to assess this, administration of a test dosage is always preferable. The amount of unctuous substance that can be digested in 3 hours is considered as the test dose. [A.H Sutra Sthana 16/17]<ref name=Hridaya/> By assessing the response for this initial dose, the further dosages can be decided. This dosage improves the digestion and can be given to persons affected with less severity of [[dosha]].[Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 31/25]<ref name=Susruta/>

==Objective of unction therapy==

==Objective of unction therapy==

Based on the objective of internal administration of unctuous substance, this therapy can be divided into three broad practices.  

Based on the objective of internal administration of unctuous substance, this therapy can be divided into three broad practices.  

#Purification (shodhana)

#Purification ([[shodhana]])

#Pacification (shamana)

#Pacification ([[shamana]])

#Nourishing (brimhana)

#Nourishing ([[brimhana]])

=== Unction therapy for purification(shodhana snehapana)===

=== Unction therapy for purification([[shodhana]] snehapana)===

This includes administration of unctuous substances prior to the purification procedures like therapeutic emesis, purgation etc. The main objective is to enhance the movement of dosha towards gut from affected site for easing purification (doshautkleshana).  

This includes administration of unctuous substances prior to the purification procedures like therapeutic emesis, purgation etc. The main objective is to enhance the movement of [[dosha]] towards gut from affected site for easing purification (doshautkleshana).  

Time of administration: The unctuous substance is administered at early morning in empty stomach after complete digestion of the previous meals and when the person is not feeling hungry.

Time of administration: The unctuous substance is administered at early morning in empty stomach after complete digestion of the previous meals and when the person is not feeling hungry.

Duration:This can be given for three days to a maximum of seven days. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/51] After seven days, the body of individual gets accustomed with unctuous substance and may lead to poor response to purification therapy and complications.  

Duration:This can be given for three days to a maximum of seven days. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/51] After seven days, the body of individual gets accustomed with unctuous substance and may lead to poor response to purification therapy and complications.  

=== Unction therapy for pacification (shamanasneha)===

=== Unction therapy for pacification ([[shamana]]sneha)===

It includes internal oleation therapy performed to pacify a particular disease or symptom.

It includes internal oleation therapy performed to pacify a particular disease or symptom.

Duration: This therapy can be continued till the subsidence of disease or symptom.

Duration: This therapy can be continued till the subsidence of disease or symptom.

=== Nourishing unction therapy (brimhanasneha)===

=== Nourishing unction therapy ([[brimhana]]sneha)===

Unctuous substances are administered in low dose with food for nourishment purpose. This can be continued for a longer duration till proper nourishment is attained. [A.H. Sutra Sthana 16/20]<ref name=Hridaya/>

Unctuous substances are administered in low dose with food for nourishment purpose. This can be continued for a longer duration till proper nourishment is attained. [A.H. Sutra Sthana 16/20]<ref name=Hridaya/>

#Bone marrow (majja)

#Bone marrow (majja)

1. Ghee: It is generally indicated for individuals of vata-pitta dominant constitution and diseases, old age, children, who have less strength. It is beneficial for promoting good eyesight, healthy progeny, nourishment, good memory and intelligence etc.  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/41-43] Cow ghee and buffalo ghee are used widely for regular consumption and therapeutic purpose.  

1. Ghee: It is generally indicated for individuals of [[vata]]-[[pitta]] dominant constitution and diseases, old age, children, who have less strength. It is beneficial for promoting good eyesight, healthy progeny, nourishment, good memory and intelligence etc.  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/41-43] Cow ghee and buffalo ghee are used widely for regular consumption and therapeutic purpose.  

2. Edible oil: It is generally indicated in vata dominant diseases and constitution, aggravated conditions of kapha and adipose tissue (meda) and obese individuals. It is beneficial to promote strength, slim and lean physique, lightness, stability, unctuous, soft and smooth skin. It is used to treat worm infestation, hard bowels and sinus disorders.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/44-46] Sesame oil is used for therapeutic purpose. Groundnut oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, safflower oil are generally used for dietary purpose. Castor oil is used for purgation purpose.  

2. Edible oil: It is generally indicated in [[vata]] dominant diseases and constitution, aggravated conditions of [[kapha]] and adipose tissue ([[meda]]) and obese individuals. It is beneficial to promote strength, slim and lean physique, lightness, stability, unctuous, soft and smooth skin. It is used to treat worm infestation, hard bowels and sinus disorders.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/44-46] Sesame oil is used for therapeutic purpose. Groundnut oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, safflower oil are generally used for dietary purpose. Castor oil is used for purgation purpose.  

3. Muscle fat: This is generally indicated for those who are exposed to wind and sunlight such as open field workers, frequent travelers etc.; those emaciated due to excessive weightlifting and walking. It is used in the conditions with depleted kapha and adipose tissue, pain in bones, joints, vital points. It is useful in treating excessively aggravated vata dosha causing obstruction in channels. Muscle fat is generally administered in individuals with strong digestive power and habituated to its consumption (non-vegetarians).  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/47-49]

3. Muscle fat: This is generally indicated for those who are exposed to wind and sunlight such as open field workers, frequent travelers etc.; those emaciated due to excessive weightlifting and walking. It is used in the conditions with depleted kapha and adipose tissue, pain in bones, joints, vital points. It is useful in treating excessively aggravated [[vata]][[dosha]] causing obstruction in channels. Muscle fat is generally administered in individuals with strong digestive power and habituated to its consumption (non-vegetarians).  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/47-49]

4.Bone marrow: It is generally indicated in individuals with strong digestive power, who are habituated to excessive physical exertion and consume food in large quantity. It is used to treat vata dosha disorders and hard bowels. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/50-51]

4.Bone marrow: It is generally indicated in individuals with strong digestive power, who are habituated to excessive physical exertion and consume food in large quantity. It is used to treat [[vata]][[dosha]] disorders and hard bowels. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/50-51]

==Dietary articles used in unction therapy==

==Dietary articles used in unction therapy==

==Therapeutic procedures==

==Therapeutic procedures==

   

   

Oil massage (abhyanjana), unctuous enema (basti), urethral and vaginal enema (uttarabasti), gargles (gandusha),  filling ear with oil (karnataila),  nasal administration (nastakarma), ophthalmic procedures like filling eye with unctuous substance (akshitarpana) are other therapeutic procedures for unction therapy. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/23-24]

Oil massage (abhyanjana), unctuous enema ([[basti]]), urethral and vaginal enema (uttara[[basti]]), gargles (gandusha),  filling ear with oil (karnataila),  nasal administration (nastakarma), ophthalmic procedures like filling eye with unctuous substance (akshitarpana) are other therapeutic procedures for unction therapy. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/23-24]

==Medicinal substances==

==Medicinal substances==

Medicated ghee or oils are administered both internally and externally to attain oleation and treat specific indicated conditions.  For e.g.: Mahatiktakaghrita in management of skin disease, Ksheerabalataila in management of vata diseases etc.

Medicated ghee or oils are administered both internally and externally to attain oleation and treat specific indicated conditions.  For e.g.: Mahatiktakaghrita in management of skin disease, Ksheerabalataila in management of [[vata]] diseases etc.

==Action of unction therapy in body constituents==

==Action of unction therapy in body constituents==

   

   

Unction therapy improves the quality of body constituents. Unction with ghee and bone marrow is beneficial to nutrient fluid (rasa dhatu) and reproductive tissues (shukra dhatu). Bone marrow helps to increase the bone marrow itself and adipose tissue. It is especially beneficial to strengthen the bones. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/14-17] Muscle fat, if used for oleation increases the semen and blood. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/47]

Unction therapy improves the quality of body constituents. Unction with ghee and bone marrow is beneficial to nutrient fluid ([[rasa dhatu]]) and reproductive tissues ([[shukra dhatu]]). Bone marrow helps to increase the bone marrow itself and adipose tissue. It is especially beneficial to strengthen the bones. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/14-17] Muscle fat, if used for oleation increases the semen and blood. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/47]

==Importance of unction in preservation and promotion of health==

==Importance of unction in preservation and promotion of health==

Unctuous therapies are utilized as part of daily regimens to preserve and protect health. The herbal cigar prepared out of animal fat, ghee.etc [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/25] helps to increase strength of scalp hair roots, sense organs and voice. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/32)

Unctuous therapies are utilized as part of daily regimens to preserve and protect health. The herbal cigar prepared out of animal fat, ghee.etc [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/25] helps to increase strength of scalp hair roots, sense organs and voice. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/32)

Nasal administration of Anu taila (a medicated oil) provides nourishment and prevents many diseases related to head and supraclavicular region. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/56-63] A person accustomed with therapeutic massage is not afflicted by injury due to external trauma or strenuous physical exertion. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/86-89]

Nasal administration of Anutaila (a medicated oil) provides nourishment and prevents many diseases related to head and supraclavicular region. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/56-63] A person accustomed with therapeutic massage is not afflicted by injury due to external trauma or strenuous physical exertion. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/86-89]

==Importance in management of disease==

==Importance in management of disease==

Unction therapy is extensively used for moving deep seated dormant dosha towards gut. After the vitiated doshas are in a state of getting expelled out, the purification therapies are applied. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 33/47]<ref name=Susruta/> Therefore unction therapy is an important prerequisite before applying purification therapies in the management of diseases. Not following this protocol results in iatrogenic complications. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 33/46]<ref name=Susruta/>

Unction therapy is extensively used for moving deep seated dormant [[dosha]] towards gut. After the vitiated doshas are in a state of getting expelled out, the purification therapies are applied. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 33/47]<ref name=Susruta/> Therefore unction therapy is an important prerequisite before applying purification therapies in the management of diseases. Not following this protocol results in iatrogenic complications. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 33/46]<ref name=Susruta/>

Unction therapy is the first principle for treatment of disorders caused exclusively by vata dosha. [Cha.Sa.[[ChikitsaSthana]] 28/75]

Unction therapy is the first principle for treatment of disorders caused exclusively by [[vata]] [[dosha]]. [Cha.Sa.[[ChikitsaSthana]] 28/75]

Unction therapy is also administered after completing purification treatments to restore normal strength and equilibrium. [A.H.Sutra Sthana 18/57]<ref name=Hridaya/>

Unction therapy is also administered after completing purification treatments to restore normal strength and equilibrium. [A.H.Sutra Sthana 18/57]<ref name=Hridaya/>

| | Digestive capacity (agnibala) || 20

| | Digestive capacity (agnibala) || 20

|-

|-

| | Endurance (vyayama shakti)  || 10  

| | Endurance ([[vyayama]] shakti)  || 10  

|-

|-

| | Habit (satmya)  || 10

| | Habit ([[satmya]])  || 10

|-

|-

| | Nature of gut/bowels (Hard or dry/medium/soft) || 30/20/10

| | Nature of gut/bowels (Hard or dry/medium/soft) || 30/20/10