A CRITICAL REVIEW OF SHODHANA SNEHAPANA

Abstract

Shodhanartha Snehapana is very significant procedure among the Panchakarma. The Snehapana therapy aims to prepare the body for Shodhanakarma and helps to bring the Doshas situated in peripheral tissues to the Koshtha a (bowel) so that they can be easily expelled out. This is achieved by Vriddhi (increase) and Vishyandana (dissolution or diffusion) karma of Snehapana therapy. Snehana decides the whole outcome of Shodhana therapy. If Snehana is not done properly, it affects the Shodhanakarma performed afterward. Without the proper digestion and absorption of Sneha in Koshtha, it cannot produce samyak Snigdha Lakshana (the symptoms appear in proper oleation) in the body. Hence the mode of action of Sneha in Koshtha during Snehapana should be thoroughly studied for the success of Snehapana therapy.