Snehapaana means drinking the sneha or the unctuous material like ghee (clarified butter), sesame oil, animal fat or marrow. However ghee (clarified butter) is most commonly used. This is the first step in the preparation of the person for an intensive cleansing of the system by vamana (inducing vomiting) or virechana (inducing purgation) procedures an dhelps in destabilizing the doshas (causative factors for diseases) pathologically accumulated. Swedana (inducing perspiration) that follows make the destabilized doshas to flow to the intestines for elimination. The prescribed dose of medicated ghee is given in the morning on empty stomach followed by a cup of hot water. Food, in prescribed quality and quantity, is allowed only after manifestation of proper hunger after this. The dose of ghee is usually minimal on the first day and increased everyday based on the response to the previous dose. This treatment is done for a maximum of seven days or till the appearance of physical and mental symptoms of saturation of the ghee in body, whichever is earlier.
In pizhichil, lukewarm medicated herbal oil is poured all over the body. This treatment is very effective in rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, spondilitis, hemiplegia nervous weakness and nervous disorders. This treatment is prescribed not only for rheumatic ailments (vatic disorders) but also for many other diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, fits, convulsions etc. It is very effective In asthma and even in tuberculosis in early stages. This is mainly "Snehana" Lubricating treatment. This treatment is also suited for rejuvenation, vigor and vitality and diseases like psoriasis.
Shastika Pinde Swedam or Njavarakizhi is the most rejuvenating treatment in which, the patient anointed with suitable oil all over the body and is massaged with boluses of Navara in seven different postures. Navara is a special variety of rice, which has to be stored for a whole year before use. It is cooked in medicinal decoration with milk in to a pudding, which is made to boluses tied up in muslin cloth. This treatment is useful in all kinds of rheumatism, paralysis, polio congenital deformity of limbs, dislocation of bones and joints etc. Trained therapists do it for about 1 to 1.5 hrs.
Choorna Swedam" or "Podikizhi" is a treatment in which the body is subjected to exude profusely after a thorough massage with warm boluses of herbal powders tied up in cotton cloth. This therapy helps in curing 'Kapha Vata' predominant conditions of arthritis, back pain, paralysis, muscular pains etc. Based on condition it can be done with either medicated oil or special liquids like Dhanyamla.
Thaila dhara is an Ayurvedic treatment method, which includes the continuous pouring of medicated oil over head for up to 45 minutes. It is prescribed as a cure to insomnia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, migraine, and problems caused to ear, ears, nose, throat, and head. Taila dhara soothes the nervous system.
In pizhichil, lukewarm medicated herbal oil is poured all over the body. This treatment is very effective in rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, spondilitis, hemiplegia nervous weakness and nervous disorders. This treatment is prescribed not only for rheumatic ailments (vatic disorders) but also for many other diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, fits, convulsions etc. It is very effective In asthma and even in tuberculosis in early stages. This is mainly "Snehana" Lubricating treatment. This treatment is also suited for rejuvenation, vigor and vitality and diseases like psoriasis.
Shiro Dhara.In this process, some herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc., are poured on the forehead in a particular method using a special pot, for about 45 minutes 1 hr a day. This treatment is effective for diseases above the neck, insomnia, impaired memory, spondylitis, paraplegia, nuero -disorders, stress & strain, fatigue and lack of vitality. This treatment also stimulates nerves, reduces stiffness and is proven to be effective for rheumatoid arthritis.
Greevavasthi.In this procedure specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the neck and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this therapy deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. Greevavasthi alleviates neck and upper back conditions like cervical spondylosis, stiff neck, pain due to over strain, etc.
Vamanam.This is the specific treatment for vitiated "KABHA" –one of the tridoshas. The patient is made to vomit under controlled conditions. The emulsified and detached diseased doshas are eliminated from the body by Vamamnam, Virechanam and Nasyam. Indications are Haematurea, several skin diseases, Diabetes, Abscess Erysipeles, Bronchial Asthma, Elephantiasis, Chronic cough, Tuberculosis, Certain ENT disorders etc.