Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S
Acharya Vagbhata has defined three forms of Sneha i.e. Shodhana, Shamana and Brimhana Sneha relying on the aim of why these unctuous substances have been utilized in every of the circumstances. The identify of the Sneha itself will describe their function and motion.
Shodhana Sneha – is used for the aim of cleaning / purification of the physique and is run to expel severely aggravated doshas. It’s used as part of purvakarma i.e. preparatory process for Shodhana / Panchakarma therapies, primarily earlier than administration of vamana or virechana. It consists of administering loading doses of Sneha in arohana krama i.e. rising dose, every single day, for a time interval of three to seven days. The aim is to saturate the physique with medicated fats. The purpose of saturation shall be recognized by look of Samyak snigdha lakshanas i.e. indicators of correct oleation / lubrication. As soon as this level is achieved, swedana – sudation ought to be given to liquify the doshas within the tissues and allow their move in the direction of the kostha – intestine. As soon as the doshas attain the intestine, they shall be expelled from the physique by administering vamana or virechana, relying on the dosha being addressed.
Shamana Sneha – is used for the aim of pacifying / palliating the reasonably aggravated doshas. It’s most popular in circumstances the place shodhana shouldn’t be required. The dose of Sneha shall be in small amount. The drugs could be put into circulation whereby it could pacify the agitated doshas, wherever they’re hyperactive.
Brimhana Sneha – is used for the aim of enhancing bulk, primarily of the muscular tissues, to extend weight in a wholesome means and in addition to strengthen and fortify the physique. This dose being small in amount, may also pacify the mildly aggravated doshas. It may be administered to kids and outdated aged individuals too. It acts like a well being tonic. Additionally it is a meals, other than being a medication and will get digested together with meals earlier than being put into circulation, since it’s administered blended with meals.
After figuring out about every of those three forms of snehas in short, allow us to attempt to know the variations between these three sorts of Sneha.
Variations between Shodhana, Shamana and Brimhana Sneha
| Characteristic | Shodhana Sneha | Shamana Sneha | Brimhana Sneha |
| Function | Shodhana – purification | Shamana – palliation | Brimhana – bulk promotion, enhancing weight, strengthening |
| Time of administration | Early morning | Morning (generally at different a part of the day, as per want) | Any time – no specification |
| Relation to agni and meals | When beforehand taken (earlier evening) meals is digested correctly On empty abdomen When the individual shouldn’t be hungry i.e. when agni shouldn’t be activated | On empty abdomen Simply earlier than meals When the affected person is feeling hungry i.e. when agni is activated | Given blended with / together with meals |
| Period | 3-7 days To be stopped after indicators of correct oleation i.e. Samyak snigdha lakshanas are obtained | Used till the doshas are pacified | May be variably used, till the aim is met with |
| Arohana Krama – every day improve in dose | Sure – as a result of the intention is to saturate the physique | Not wanted | Not wanted |
| Relation to Panchakarma | Adopted by Swedana, Vamana and / or Virechana | Not important | Not important |
| Relation to Doshas | Given for severely aggravated doshas | Given for reasonably aggravated doshas | Needn’t have a doshic motion, however being a medication and meals, it could pacify mildly aggravated doshas |
| Relation to Vyadhi | For very sturdy illnesses | Ailments of average nature | Needn’t be associated to illnesses, however can pacify small disturbances or preliminary pathogenesis if any |
| Dose | Most (loading) dose – Uttama Matra – the amount which will get digested in 24 hours (8 yama) | Average dose – Madhyama Matra – the amount which will get digested in 12 hours (4 yamas) | Minimal dose – Hrsva Matra – the amount which will get digested in 6 hours (2 yamas) |
Different areas of use of Brimhana Sneha (advantages)
Aside from inflicting brimhana, Brimhana Sneha can also be used for the under talked about functions –
–    In these accustomed to fatty meals (eat every day)
–    Those that have fat-aversion
–    In those that are hooked on wine (drink every day)
–    Those that are indulged in intercourse, every single day
–    In these having delicate improve of doshas
–    In these having smooth bowel actions
–    In those that lead comfortable and cozy life
–    To these individuals afraid of troubles and hardships
–    In sizzling seasons
–    In these having low digestion capability (mandagni)
–    In these having extreme thirst
–    In emaciated individuals
