CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF SHODHANANGA SNEHAPANA KARMUKATA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Shodhananga Snehapana is the most important Purvakarma for Vamana and Virechana. Its mode of action is more complex which makes it unique. Most of the people consider it as a simple procedure. Shodhananga Snehapana Karmukata (Mode of action) is very beautifully explained in our classics with various similes. In classics Acharya bhela first described the Karmukhata of Snehapana. Snehapana as a Pūrva Karma is beautifully narrated in a Śloka that, “due to Snehana, at the place of Vikriti, there will be an increase in Rasa dhatu and Klinnata is generated”. The therapeutic effect of snehapana can be only inferred with the efficacy of the procedure. The present article is an attempt to understand the possible karmukhata of snehapana in terms of Samhitas.