Snehapanam

The literal meaning of the Snehapanam is drinking of Snehas or fats. That may be oils, ghee etc. The procedure comes under Snehanam type of treatment. Snehanam types of treatments are generally categorised into two:-

• Abhyantharam: Internal Administration
• Bahyam: External Administration/Application

The Snehapanam comes under Abhyanthara Snehapanam. When studied in detail, there are many classifications under the topic Snehapanam. Here we are going to discuss about Acchapanam.

ACCHAPANAM

In this type the Sneha is given to the person directly as it is.

Again in Acchapanam there are 2 types, Shodhana (Purificatory) and Samana (Curative). In Acchapana, the Sneha is given in the early morning in empty stomach. When the Sneha gets digested, food is given to the person. The food should be easily digestible. The food and its quantity are decided by the physician.

Before the administration of the therapy a detailed examination and analysis of the person is done by the physician. After that only the dosage of the Sneha is determined. The digestion of the ingested Sneha is determined by the signs that are clearly visible. The dose of the Sneha is increased every day according to the time taken by the person to digest the Sneha on the first day.

The person should only drink warm water till the digestion of the Sneha is complete.

The duration of the treatment and the medicine used are determined by the physician. In case of nausea, the person can smell lemon.

SADYA SNEHA

This type of Snehapanam is administered for short duration and is usually administered in combination with dietary preparations.

These type of treatments are very important that they should be done only under the supervision of the Physician. It is also important that the person should follow the directions of the physician.