Definition –It is a Procedure generally preceded by Panchkarma (Purificatory
methods). Medicinal lipids are to be given orally. There are 4 types of medicinal
lipids – Ghritam, Tailam (oil), Vasa, and Majja. Practically Medicated ghritam and
Tailam are used in maximum patients.
The Procedure of Snehapanam is generally done in morning empty stomach and
in ascending order. The Duration should be 3-7 days depending upon the nature
of disease and patient.
Method – The Procedure is explained to patient. He has passed the motions and
had good sleep earlier night, we have to ensure this. He is asked to sit
comfortably on a chair heighted up to knee. He is asked to pray a while and
Physician should also pray for patient.
The Melted Ghritam in a dose prescribed by the Physician, should be given to
patient to drink slowly followed by drinking some hot water also. Then he is asked
to relax and roaming slowly in the home itself and should divert his mind doing
other activities like listening some interesting music etc. when patient feels
hunger, he should be given fresh,semisolid,some unctuous food.
Snehapanam should be for 3-7 days depending upon nature of disease and
digestion of patient.
After completion of Snehapanam, 3 days rest should be given before Virechanam
and 1 day rest should be given before Vamanam.
Instructions during Snehapanam – Patient should follow some instructions
double the days of Snehapanam.
-During days of Snehapanam, patient should drink Hot water regularly.
-Day sleep should be avoided and good sleep should be in night.
-Shouldn’t stop urges.
-Shouldn’t do excessive Exercise, Anger, and sadness, excessive cold and
hot environment.
-Should avoid direct exposure of strong wind, excessive travel, excessive
walking, talking, excessive standing works, exposure to smoke and dust.
Indications – This procedure is a pre-requisite for the Shodhna (5 types of
Purificatory measures).
Contraindications – The patient having very weak Digestion, very sharp digestive
fire, very obese, very weak, having Diarrhea, throat diseases, ascites, unconscious,
vomiting, high thirst, and drunk shouldn’t be given Snehapanam.