Snehapanam- An Effective Pre-purification Therapy in Ayurveda

Snehapanam is a therapeutic measure in Ayurveda, characterized by the oral intake of ghee made from cow’s milk for internal purification before doing the Panchakarma therapy. It is recommended to the patients with conditions like gastroenterological illness, arthritis, chronic constipation, psoriasis and others.

Things to be considered for Snehapanam

While giving this treatment, we consider the following aspects

  • Plain ghee is selected for Sodhana Snehapana
  • Analysis of lipid profile pre and post-completion of therapy
  • No appetite before this pre-purification therapy
  • Process is continued till Samyakalashana is reached
  • First two days dose (Matra) may not be counted

How Snehapanam is performed?

Snehapanam is an oral medication in which sneha (oil) or ghee is given to the patient internally with proportionally increasing doses on regular basis for about 8 to 12 days. To ensure best results, medicated ghee is given to a patient with an empty stomach. Overproduction of gastric juices in the digestive track is neutralized by the intake of medicinal ghee. Snehapanam dose is given on the basis of an individual’s ailments and his/her ability to digest the medicine.

Therapeutic Value of this Therapy

Snehapanam is beneficial in treating many conditions which include:

  • Skin diseases like psoriasis
  • Peptic ulcer
  • Urinary disorders
  • Gout
  • Chronic ailments like piles, constipation, etc.
  • Diabetes mellitus

During this treatment, we recommend fasting to our patients so that a good amount of energy is taken from sneha by their body. With an aim to nourish all the body parts, Snehapanam is given as a first therapy before performing other Ayurvedic treatments.