At Anitya Ayurveda, our mission is to provide holistic, personalized, and authentic Ayurvedic care rooted in ancient wisdom. Led by Dr. Prachi Dilip Talekar (BAMS, PGDEMS, MBA).

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Snehana Therapy

Snehan (oil massage)

Snehan Therapy (oil massage)

In Ayurveda, Snehan (or Snehana) refers to Oleation therapy, a crucial practice involving the internal and external application of medicated oils and fats. This therapy is highly valued for its therapeutic benefits, including :-
1. Detoxification :-
  • Snehan helps loosen toxins (Ama) accumulated in the body’s tissues and facilitates their removal during subsequent treatments, such as Panchakarma.
  • It aids in the detoxification process by stimulating the lymphatic system and improving the function of the digestive system.
2. Nourishment :-
  • It deeply nourishes body tissues, promoting their health and vitality.
  • It also lubricates internal channels, aiding in smoother expulsion of impurities.
3. Relaxation and Stress Reduction :-
  • Snehan promotes deep relaxation, calms the nervous system, and helps reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Therapies like Shirodhara are particularly effective for reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.
4. Improved Circulation :-
  • Ayurvedic oil massages enhance blood circulation, promoting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells and helping to remove waste products.
  • Stimulating acupressure points during massage also improves blood flow and supports healing.
5. Skin Health :-
  • The medicated oils used in Snehan nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and radiant.
  • It can also help address specific skin issues like dryness and improve skin texture and glow.
Types of Snehan :-
  • Abhyantara Snehana (Internal Oleation): Involves consuming medicated oils or ghee.
  • External Snehana (Ayurveda Massage): Involves applying herbal oils externally through massage.
  • Snehana Karma: Therapeutic processes using specific oils for targeted treatments.
Methods of Application :-
  • Abhyanga: Full body oil massage using warm, medicated oils.
  • Shirodhara: Pouring warm oil in a continuous stream onto the forehead.
  • Other External Methods: Including applying herbal pastes, dry powder massage (Udvartana), foot massage (Padaghata), and oil treatments for specific body parts (e.g., Kati Basti for the lower back).
Choosing the Right Oil :-
  • The choice of oil or ghee depends on your dosha (body type), individual health condition, and the specific needs of the treatment.
  • Examples of oils commonly used include sesame, coconut, almond, and mustard oil, each with unique properties.
Precautions :-
  • Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting Snehan, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant.
  • Ensure the oil is warm but not too hot to avoid burns.
  • Avoid self-massage during acute illnesses, fever, or pregnancy.
  • Follow any dietary guidelines provided by your practitioner during the treatment. 
In essence, Snehan is a holistic approach to wellness in Ayurveda, aiming to balance the doshas, detoxify the body, and promote overall physical and mental well-being.