Snehana is an important poorvakarma which is administered prior to samsodhana (bio-purification) procedure. Sneha denotes an oily substance. The therapy in which oily substances are used to oleate the body is known as snehana therapy. It prepares the body and mind to receive the specialized procedures in panchakarma.
Snehana is done in two ways, internally and externally. For this purpose, mainly ghee, oil animal fat, and bone marrow are used. These are obtained from plant and animal sources.
Snehana means a substance that brings oiliness or unctuousness. It brings liquefaction, softness, and moistness to the body.
Types of Snehana
1. Bahya snehana – application of snehana externally (External Oleation)
2. Abhyanthara snehana – Oral administration of sneha(Internal Oleation)
Snehana involves the application of medicated oils, ghee, and herbs to the body internally and externally for three to seven days. It is an important poorvakarma as it helps to remove the ama(toxins) and doshas in the body, thereby facilitating their expulsion during pradhanakarma stage. This panchakarma therapy is aimed at channelizing and collecting the toxins within the body prior to pradhanakarma.
