Shodhana Snehapana: A Review

Snehapana is internal administration of Sneha (medicated or non-medicated lipid substance) with definite therapeutic aim. Apart from nutritive value, it gains importance even in therapeutic application especially in Ayurveda. Panchakarma, the unique treatment modality of Ayurveda, is basically designed to purify the body of human being by detoxification of all systems. Snehana therapy is administered to a person in two different ways, external such as Abhyanga, Unmardana, Parisheka, Janu Basti, Kati Basti etc. Internal application has been divided into three varieties on the basis of their effect viz., Brihana, Shamana and Shodhana (detoxification therapy). Present study is critical analysis of role of Snehapana as a prerequisite to Shodhana karma only and it shall be further postulated the mechanism of Snehapana in augmentation of Shodhana karma without disturbing the body functions