Snehana

Sneha, or fat, is abundantly used in Ayurveda. It makes the body oily and soft, and is therefore the direct opposite of drying therapy. By improving the glandular and other secretions in the body, Snehana induces mucus and oily lubrication.

Which, opposed to Rukshana therapy, can come in handy when you are experiencing dry cough. Or a rough, dry skin. As only Vata inherently comes with dryness, this therapy is very suited for disorders of this Dosha. Being such a powerful tool against aggravated Vata, makes it an important part of treating neurological disorders, tension and stress. Think of how relaxing an oil massage can be!

It will be no surprise that oily is a quality of Snehana tools. Besides that they are often liquid, slimy, heavy, dull and soft in nature.

Ways to achieve the effects of Snehana therapy include adding oil and fat, like sesame oil or ghee, to your meal. Meat broth, meat and milk are useful too, as well as using moistening herbs like shatavari or comfrey. And external application of oil through massage of course! You could incorporate Gandoosha in your daily routine, in which you retain oil in the mouth for a few minutes. Applying a few drops of ghee in your nostrils is another way of performing Snehana.

As said before, oil is abundantly used in Ayurveda. AyurJoya too offers a lot of Snehana treatments. These are Sharira abhyanga (body massage), Pada abhyanga (feet massage), Shiro abhyanga (head massage), Karnapurana, Shirodhara, Kati basti, Greeva basti, Nabhi basti and Janu basti.