Ayurvedic Procedures - Snehana

1. Snehana
This therapy is usually performed as a pre procedure before starting the detox
therapy.
Snehana is the process of oleation of the body by using medicated oils and
ghee externally and their consumption as well.
Sneha refers to something that is soft, oily and lubricating like ghee, oil etc. and
the process that is carried out using such sneha is called as snehana.

2. When to go for snehan
 As a pre procedure before detox therapy
 Vata disorders
 Dryness of skin
 Excessive thirst
 Urticaria
 Joint pain
 Generalized weakness
 Infertility and other such
 Worms
 Loss of sleep
 Mental disturbances
 Burns
 Anemia

3. Types of snehana
Bahya Abhyantara
( external application of oils ( internal consumption of
In the form of massage) medicated oils and ghee)
Acchapana Vicharana
consumption of medicated consuming it mixed with
oil or ghee as it is some foodstuff.

4. Procedure
A day before snehana light to digest and liquid food like soups, juice etc. should be
taken.
The next day medicated ghee is advised to be taken early morning empty stomach.
It is usually given mixed with some medicines as per dosha.
Dosha Ghee mixed with
Vata Saindhava
Pitta Plain
Kapha Sunthi , Maricha, Pippali
One can have sips of warm water or lemon juice in between while doing this.
After consumption of the desired amount of medicine one must wait for it’s digestion
After the digestion of medicine one must have rice or green gram soup or clear meat
soup.

5. Duration of therapy as per dosha
Dosha Days of snehan
Vata 7 days
Pitta 5 days
Kapha 3 days
After completion of the therapy patient is assessed for signs of adequate
snehana and then swedana therapy (induction of sweating) is started which
is then followed by the proposed detox therapy

6. External oleation in the form of massage is given after the completion of
the internal oleation course alongwith swedana therapy
Bahya snehan (external oleation)

7. Need of snehana
 Snehan helps in loosening the toxins from their sites.
 It provides a good lubrication to the body
 It detoxifies the body and improves the functioning of vital organs
 It makes the body capable to undertake various detox therapies.
 It is indicated for most of the vata disorders

8. Medicines in snehan
Ashwagandha ghrita – indicated for internal oleation in all vata disorders like
generalized weakness, impotency etc.
Dadimadi ghrita – useful for oral intake in anemic conditions.
Panchatikta ghrita – used routinely as an internal oleation for all disorders.
Bala taila – used for external oleation in massage therapy in paralysis, stiffness.
Tila taila – useful in pacification of vata and kapha disorders like dryness, itching ,
debility etc.