Clinical Assessment and Therapeutic Implications of Snehana Therapy in Ayurveda: An Analysis of Carakasamhita and Its Commentaries

Introduction

Snehana, or oleation therapy, is a central practice in Ayurveda healing that involves using natural oils and fats—like clarified butter (ghrita), oils (taila), and even muscle fat and bone marrow [1]—to nourish, hydrate, and restore balance to the body. In simple terms, it’s about applying something rich and soothing to bring softness, moisture, and warmth to the tissues, helping the body function more smoothly and maintain overall health.

Primarily, Snehana is designed to balance Vata dosha, which is often the root cause of many health issues. The ingredients used in Snehana, such as ghrita and taila, are packed with essential fats and nutrients the body needs to thrive.

In Ayurveda, Snehana is often the first step in preparing the body for purification therapies like Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and Virechana (therapeutic purgation). These cleansing processes help remove toxins, and Snehana softens the body’s dhatu, making the elimination of impurities more effective and less disruptive. In essence, Snehana is not just a treatment; it’s a nurturing practice that promotes overall well-being, helping the body heal, rejuvenate, and stay in harmony.

Methods

In this article, a comprehensive review of Carakasamhita and several classical Ayurveda commentaries, including Ayurvedadeepika, Jalpakalpataru, Carakapradeepika, and Carakopaskara, was conducted to examine the clinical assessment criteria for Snehana (oleation therapy). The aim was to synthesize the teachings of these ancient texts and understand how Snehana is assessed in clinical practice, particularly in relation to balancing the Vata dosha and promoting overall health.

Literature Review:

The review involved carefully examining key sections from Carakasamhita, focusing on the Snehadhyaya [2], which outlines the role of Snehana in Ayurveda therapies. Special attention was paid to the descriptions of the effects of oleation on the body and how these effects are categorized into insufficient, proper, and excessive oleation.

In addition to Carakasamhita, Ayurvedadeepika and other commentaries were referenced to gain insights into the interpretations provided by Ayurveda scholars. These commentaries often offer more detailed perspectives on how Snehana affects the body, emphasizing the balance of the doshas and how its therapeutic application can be adjusted based on individual needs.

Data Synthesis:

The information gathered from Carakasamhita and the commentaries was organized into three primary categories based on the effects of Snehana therapy:

1. Insufficient Oleation
2. Proper Oleation
3. Excessive Oleation

By analyzing the clinical signs and symptoms described in Carakasamhita alongside the commentaries, this article provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the therapeutic role and clinical evaluation of Snehana in Ayurveda.

Results

The assessment of Snehana therapy is categorized into three distinct levels: insufficient, proper, and excessive oleation. These levels are characterized by specific physical signs and symptoms observed in the body, reflecting the therapeutic effect of oleation. Below, we break down the findings based on each category, integrating the perspectives from the commentaries to provide deeper insight.

1. Insufficient Oleation (Aśnigdhala kṣaṇa) [3]

When the body has been inadequately oleated, several symptoms are present:

• Hard and Dry Stools (Purīṣam grathitaṁ rūkṣam): The stools become hard, dry, and difficult to pass. This is a direct sign of insufficient lubrication in the digestive system, leading to constipation and discomfort.
  • Commentary Insight: According to Jalpakalpataru, dryness in the stools and the roughness of the body is a key indication of insufficient oleation, leading to digestive inefficiency [4].
• Improper Movement of Vata (Vāyuḥ apraguṇaḥ): The movement of Vata dosha is disturbed, with an improper flow, particularly the downward flow (Apana Vata). This can cause digestive disturbances and difficulty in elimination.
  • Commentary Insight: Carakapradeepika notes that when Vata moves improperly (especially Apana Vata), it causes discomfort and impedes the elimination of waste [5].
• Weak Digestive Fire (Mṛduḥ Paktā Jāṭharāgniḥ): The digestive fire (Agni) becomes weak, leading to poor digestion. This manifests as sluggish digestion, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
  • Commentary Insight: Ayurvedadeepika mentions that the digestive fire becomes weak and the body lacks the proper energy to digest food effectively, making it more difficult to process nutrients [6].
• Roughness and Dryness of the Skin (Gātrasyāśnigdhalakṣaṇam): The skin becomes rough, dry, and lacks the softness that comes with adequate oleation. This can lead to an overall feeling of dryness and discomfort in the body.
  • Commentary Insight: Carakopaskara highlights that roughness and dryness of the skin are common in cases of insufficient oleation, which is visible in both the skin and the overall body condition [7].

2. Proper Oleation (Samyak Snehana) [8]

When oleation is properly administered, the body responds positively with the following signs:

• Proper Movement of Vata (Vātānulomyaṁ): Vata dosha moves in the correct direction, particularly the downward flow of Apana Vata, which facilitates proper elimination and detoxification.
  • Commentary Insight: Jalpakalpataru emphasizes that when Vata moves properly, especially Apana Vata, it promotes proper elimination and a feeling of balance in the body [9].
• Increased Digestive Fire (Dīptāgnir Varcaḥ): The digestive fire is revitalized, leading to better digestion, stronger metabolism, and more efficient nutrient absorption.
  • Commentary Insight: Carakapradeepika mentions that the revitalization of digestive fire leads to a feeling of lightness and strength in the body, aiding in better digestion and absorption of nutrients [10].
• Moist and Well-Formed Stools (Sāṁhatam Purīṣam): The stools become soft, moist, and well-formed, indicating a well-functioning digestive system and proper lubrication of the intestinal walls.
  • Commentary Insight: According to Ayurvedadeepika, the presence of moist and well-formed stools is a hallmark of proper oleation, reflecting the body’s ability to absorb and eliminate waste effectively [11].
• Soft and Unctuous Skin (Snigdhānām Upajāyate): The skin becomes soft, smooth, and well-hydrated, showing the effects of the nourishing and lubricating qualities of the oils used in Snehana. The body feels rejuvenated and energized.
  • Commentary Insight: Carakopaskara highlights that Snehana results in a noticeable improvement in skin quality, making it soft, smooth, and unctuous [12].

3. Excessive Oleation (Ati-Snigdha) [13]

Excessive oleation can lead to an over-saturation of the body, resulting in several signs of imbalance:

• Paleness (Pāṇḍutā): The skin may appear pale, which is an indication that the body has become over-saturated with oils, leading to an imbalance of the doshas.
  • Commentary Insight: Ayurvedadeepika mentions that excessive oleation can lead to pāṇḍutā (paleness), which signals an overload of unctuous substances in the body, disturbing the balance [14].
• Heaviness and Sluggishness (Gauravaṁ Jāḍyaṁ): There is a sense of heaviness and sluggishness throughout the body. The individual may feel lethargic and lacking in energy, even without exertion.
  • Commentary Insight: Carakapradeepika describes that excessive oleation causes gourava (heaviness) and jāḍya (sluggishness), leading to an overwhelming sense of tiredness and disinterest in activity [15].
• Undigested and Poorly Formed Stools (Avipakvata): Stools become improperly formed or poorly digested, which suggests that the digestive system is overwhelmed and unable to process food efficiently.
  • Commentary Insight: Jalpakalpataru mentions that in cases of excessive oleation, undigested stools are a common sign, as the body’s digestive capacity is overloaded [16].
• Lethargy and Sleepiness (Tandra): Symptoms of Tandra (lethargy), including excessive drowsiness, lack of interest in food, and even an inability to perceive sensory stimuli, are evident. The individual may feel overly relaxed and uninterested in their surroundings.
  • Commentary Insight: Carakopaskara refers to Tandra as a state of extreme lethargy, where the individual becomes drowsy, loses interest in food, and experiences a lack of energy [17].

Table 1: Clinical Signs of Different Levels of Snehana (Oleation Therapy)

Category	Clinical Signs and Symptoms	Commentary Insights
Insufficient Oleation	– Hard, dry stools (Purīṣam grathitaṁ rūkṣam)	– Poor digestion, weak Agni (digestive fire)
	– Improper movement of Vata (Vāyuḥ apraguṇaḥ)	– Roughness and dryness of skin (Gātrasyāśnigdhalakṣaṇam)
	– Weak digestive fire (Mṛduḥ Paktā Jāṭharāgniḥ)	– Disturbed elimination and discomfort in the body
Proper Oleation	– Soft, moist stools (Sāṁhatam Purīṣam)	– Improved digestion and Vata movement (Vātānulomyaṁ)
	– Proper movement of Vata (Vātānulomyaṁ)	– Soft, unctuous skin (Snigdhānām Upajāyate)
	– Increased digestive fire (Dīptāgnir Varcaḥ)	– Enhanced detoxification and rejuvenation
Excessive Oleation	– Pale skin (Pāṇḍutā)	– Over-saturation of oils, leading to lethargy and sluggishness
	– Heaviness and sluggishness (Gauravaṁ Jāḍyaṁ)	– Undigested, poorly formed stools (Avipakvata)
	– Lethargy, drowsiness, lack of appetite (Tandra)	– Imbalance in the body’s metabolism and detoxification

Discussion

In this article, the clinical assessment criteria for Snehana (oleation therapy) based on Carakasamhita and its commentaries were examined. The findings revealed key insights into the therapeutic effects of Snehana, which plays a significant role in balancing Vata dosha and supporting the body’s detoxification process. The results demonstrated how Snehana is categorized into three distinct types—insufficient, proper, and excessive oleation—with each affecting the body in unique ways.

Analysis of Findings

Snehana, a foundational Ayurveda therapy, is specifically aimed at balancing Vata dosha. The three categories identified in the results—insufficient oleation, proper oleation, and excessive oleation—each have distinctive clinical signs and effects:

1. Insufficient Oleation results in symptoms such as dry stools, improper movement of Vata dosha, and weak digestion. These findings correlate with classical Ayurveda descriptions of Snehana as essential for providing lubrication to the body’s tissues, particularly when Vata dosha becomes unbalanced. According to Carakasamhita and its commentaries, inadequate oleation can lead to digestive discomfort, constipation, and an overall sense of dryness in the body.
2. Proper Oleation, as described in the results, facilitates improved digestion, soft and well-formed stools, and a sense of vitality. This supports the notion that Snehana prepares the body for deeper cleansing processes by softening the tissues and enhancing the movement of Vata dosha. This insight aligns with Carakasamhita, which emphasizes the role of Snehana in detoxifying the body and optimizing its natural functions.
3. Excessive Oleation, when over-applied, leads to symptoms such as sluggishness, undigested stools, and drowsiness. Over-saturation with oils and fats can disrupt the body’s natural detoxification processes. The Carakasamhita and commentaries like Ayurvedadeepika and Carakapradeepika explain that excessive oleation results in lethargy, poor digestion, and an overall imbalance in the body’s metabolic functions.

Practical Implications for Clinical Practice

The proper administration of Snehana requires careful assessment of the patient’s health condition, particularly their doshic imbalances and digestive fire (Agni). In practice, Ayurveda practitioners must evaluate whether a patient requires more intensive oleation therapy or whether a lighter application is needed to restore balance. This balance is crucial to ensure the optimal therapeutic outcome.

For individuals experiencing Vata imbalances, a more substantial oleation therapy may be necessary to restore moisture and balance, while those showing signs of excessive oleation may benefit from lighter, more carefully monitored therapy. Practitioners should also pay attention to the body’s ability to metabolize and process oils, adjusting the treatment accordingly.

Limitations and Future Research

While the findings presented in this article provide valuable insights into the clinical application of Snehana, there are limitations in the research, primarily due to the lack of modern diagnostic tools and clinical studies specifically on the effects of Snehana. Future research should explore the physiological impacts of Snehana, focusing on its effects on fat metabolism, digestion, and overall health. Clinical trials could help validate the therapeutic claims of Snehana and refine the guidelines for its application in contemporary practice.

Conclusion

In this article, the clinical assessment criteria for Snehana (oleation therapy) were explored, highlighting its role in balancing Vata dosha, improving digestion, and aiding detoxification. The study identified three levels of oleation: insufficient, proper, and excessive oleation, each with distinct physiological effects. Proper oleation restores balance, promotes healthy digestion, and rejuvenates the skin, while excessive oleation leads to lethargy and digestive sluggishness.

The findings reinforce the importance of Snehana in Ayurveda practice, emphasizing its role in restoring balance and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. The parallels with modern understanding of fats and their role in digestion further validate the therapeutic benefits of Snehana.

Future research should focus on empirical studies to better understand the physiological effects of Snehana and refine its clinical application. Overall, Snehana remains a foundational therapy for maintaining health and promoting wellness.

References:

[1] Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Snehadhyaya, 13/13. Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/ (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[2] Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Snehadhyaya, 13/1. Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/ (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[3] Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Snehadhyaya, 13/57. Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/ (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[4] Agniveśa. Caraka-Saṃhitā. 2nd part, Sūtrasthāna Chapters 13–30. Commentaries by Cakrapāṇidatta and Gaṅgādhara, edited by Sengupta NN, Sengupta B. Delhi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2009. p. 610.

[5] Sarasvati J. Caraka Pradipika: Commentary on Caraka Samhita. SatyamShivamSundaram (ed.). Lahore: Motilal Banarsidass; 1946. p. 70. Available from: https://archive.org/details/cp-1_20200903. (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[6] Chakrapani on Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Snehadhyaya, 13/57. Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/ (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[7] Agniveśa. Caraka Saṃhitā. Vol. I, Sūtra Sthāna. Elaborated by Caraka and Dṛḍhabala, commentary by Sen Vidya Bhusan KYN. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2023. p. 312.  

[8] Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Snehadhyaya, 13/58. Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/ (Accessed on 02/04/2025)  

[9] Agniveśa. Caraka-Saṃhitā. 2nd part, Sūtrasthāna Chapters 13–30. Commentaries by Cakrapāṇidatta and Gaṅgādhara, edited by Sengupta NN, Sengupta B. Delhi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2009. p. 610.

 [10] Sarasvati J. Caraka Pradipika: Commentary on Caraka Samhita. SatyamShivamSundaram (ed.). Lahore: Motilal Banarsidass; 1946. p. 70. Available from: https://archive.org/details/cp-1_20200903. (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[11] Chakrapani on Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Snehadhyaya, 13/58. Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/ (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[12] Agniveśa. Caraka Saṃhitā. Vol. I, Sūtra Sthāna. Elaborated by Caraka and Dṛḍhabala, commentary by Sen Vidya Bhusan KYN. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2023. p. 312.

[13] Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Snehadhyaya, 13/59. Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/ (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[14] Chakrapani on Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Snehadhyaya, 13/59. Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/ (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[15] Sarasvati J. Caraka Pradipika: Commentary on Caraka Samhita. SatyamShivamSundaram (ed.). Lahore: Motilal Banarsidass; 1946. p. 70. Available from: https://archive.org/details/cp-1_20200903. (Accessed on 02/04/2025)

[16] Agniveśa. Caraka-Saṃhitā. 2nd part, Sūtrasthāna Chapters 13–30. Commentaries by Cakrapāṇidatta and Gaṅgādhara, edited by Sengupta NN, Sengupta B. Delhi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2009. p. 611.

[17] Agniveśa. Caraka Saṃhitā. Vol. I, Sūtra Sthāna. Elaborated by Caraka and Dṛḍhabala, commentary by Sen Vidya Bhusan KYN. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2023. p. 312.