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==== Reasons for superiority of sesame oil [verse 12] ====
 
==== Reasons for superiority of sesame oil [verse 12] ====
 
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Sesame oil is considered the best among all oils because it provides strength and unctuousness in body. It is ''ushna'' (hot) in nature, possesses ''kapha-vatahara'' (pacifying ''kapha'' and ''vata dosha'') properties, and is beneficial for voice and complexion. It also cures fractures and dislocations, purifies ''dhatu'' (body tissues) and ''vrana'' (wound) (Ka. Su. 22/7). Ongoing research also indicates that the rich presence of antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats in sesame oil could help control blood pressure.   
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Sesame oil is considered the best among all oils because it provides strength and unctuousness in body. It is ''ushna'' (hot) in nature, possesses ''kapha-vatahara'' (pacifying ''kapha'' and ''vata dosha'') properties, and is beneficial for voice and complexion. It also cures fractures and dislocations, purifies ''dhatu'' (body tissues) and ''vrana'' (wound) (Ka. Su. 22/7). Ongoing research also indicates that the rich presence of antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats in sesame oil could help control blood pressure.<ref>  "Sesame and rice bran oil lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol",  American Heart Association Meeting Report - Abstract 186, Retrived from http://newsroom.heart.org/news/sesame-and-rice-bran-oil-lowers-238424 [cited on 19 dec 2013] </ref>  
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Due to high Vitamine E content , Sesame oil is an antioxidant and improves skin health and complexion while also lowering cholesterol levels. Sesame oil also contains magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. Copper provides relief for rheumatoid arthritis. magnesium supports vascular and respiratory health. Calcium helps prevent colon cancer, osteoporosis and migraine. Zinc promotes bone health. Clinical studies have shown that a sesame oil massage of infants improved their weight and length, as well as their mid-arm and mid-leg circumferences.
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Due to high Vitamine E content<ref> "Cooking Oils That Are Good For You". CBS News. Retrived from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cooking-oils-that-are-good-for-you/ cited on 19 dec 2013 </ref> , Sesame oil is an antioxidant and improves skin health and complexion<ref> Nachbar F, Korting HC, The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin. J Molecular Medicine. 1995 Jan;73(1):7-17. </ref> while also lowering cholesterol levels.<ref> Correlations between Cholesterol, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K1 in Serum: Paradoxical Relationships to Established Epidemiological Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease retrived from http://www.clinchem.org/content/44/8/1753.full cited on 19 dec 2013 </ref> Sesame oil also contains magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. Copper provides relief for rheumatoid arthritis. magnesium supports vascular and respiratory health.<ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesame_oil#cite_ref-16 cited on 19 dec 2013 </ref> Calcium helps prevent colon cancer, osteoporosis and migraine. Zinc promotes bone health. Clinical studies have shown that a sesame oil massage of infants improved their weight and length, as well as their mid-arm and mid-leg circumferences.<ref> Agarwal, KN; Gupta, A; Pushkarna, R; Faridi, MM; Prabhu, MK (2000). "Effects of massage & use of oil on growth, blood flow & sleep pattern in infants". Inian J Med Res. 112 (212): 7. PMID 11247199. </ref>
 
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==== Properties of Castor oil [verse 12] ====
 
==== Properties of Castor oil [verse 12] ====
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The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has categorized castor oil as "generally recognized as safe and effective" (GRASE) for over-the-counter use as a laxative with its major site of action in the small intestine (where it is digested into Ricinoleic acid).   
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The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has categorized castor oil as "generally recognized as safe and effective" (GRASE) for over-the-counter use as a laxative with its major site of action in the small intestine (where it is digested into Ricinoleic acid).<ref>  "Ingredient List A-C" . FDA. Archived from the original on 2006-12-17. Cited on 19 dec 2013 </ref>  
At low doses, castor oil is readily absorbed. As the oral dose increases, percent absorption decreases and laxation occurs. Castor oil is widely used in treatment of musculo-skeletal and spine disorders. It is considered useful in ''ama'' dominant conditions like rheumatoid arthritis where less absorption of ''sneha'', ''vata'' alleviation and body purification are expected simultaneously. Castor oil in large doses is administered for therapeutic purgation.   
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At low doses, castor oil is readily absorbed. As the oral dose increases, percent absorption decreases and laxation occurs.<ref> Watson, W. C. et al. (1963) Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology;15: 183 </ref> Castor oil is widely used in treatment of musculo-skeletal and spine disorders. It is considered useful in ''ama'' dominant conditions like rheumatoid arthritis where less absorption of ''sneha'', ''vata'' alleviation and body purification are expected simultaneously. Castor oil in large doses is administered for therapeutic purgation.   
    
==== Best ''Sneha'' and their Therapeutic Applicabilities [verse 13-17] ====
 
==== Best ''Sneha'' and their Therapeutic Applicabilities [verse 13-17] ====
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===== ''Ghrita'' (clarified butter / ''ghee'') =====
 
===== ''Ghrita'' (clarified butter / ''ghee'') =====
 
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''Ghee'' is the best oleate due to prominence in its unctuousness. This property of fats is indicated by saponification value which is highest in ''ghee'' ( 225-235 ) as compared to sesame oil (188-193),and animal fat (190-205) etc. ''Samskara'' (processing) leads to transformation of inherent attributes of a substance. But this change is due to changes in the basic composition of a drug. ''Ghee'' has a unique quality to adopt properties of herbs processed with it without losing its own. If ''ghee'' is processed with drugs with nourishment properties, then it is indicated in degenerative diseases. If it is processed with drugs having hot and strong properties, then it is indicated in obstructive diseases. Therefore, it is considered as the best media for processing. One or the other medicated ''ghee'' preparation is indicated in almost all diseases. It pacifies ''vata'' due to ''snigdha guna'' (unctuous properties) and ''pitta'' due to ''madhura'' (sweet) and ''sheeta'' (cold) properties (Cha. Ni. 1/39). It increases ''shukra'' and ''ojas'' due to similar properties.  
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''Ghee'' is the best oleate due to prominence in its unctuousness. This property of fats is indicated by saponification value which is highest in ''ghee'' ( 225-235 )<ref> Dhurvey Y.R.*, Kawtikwar P.S., Sakarkar D.M., Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Cow Ghee before and after Hydrogenation, International Journal of ChemTech Research,2012, Vol.4, No.1, pp 185-189 </ref> as compared to sesame oil (188-193)<ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesame_oil, cited on 20 dec 2013 </ref>,and animal fat (190-205)<ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_fat,  cited on 20 dec 2013 </ref> etc. ''Samskara'' (processing) leads to transformation of inherent attributes of a substance. But this change is due to changes in the basic composition of a drug. ''Ghee'' has a unique quality to adopt properties of herbs processed with it without losing its own. If ''ghee'' is processed with drugs with nourishment properties, then it is indicated in degenerative diseases. If it is processed with drugs having hot and strong properties, then it is indicated in obstructive diseases. Therefore, it is considered as the best media for processing. One or the other medicated ''ghee'' preparation is indicated in almost all diseases. It pacifies ''vata'' due to ''snigdha guna'' (unctuous properties) and ''pitta'' due to ''madhura'' (sweet) and ''sheeta'' (cold) properties (Cha. Ni. 1/39). It increases ''shukra'' and ''ojas'' due to similar properties.  
    
===== ''Vasa'' (muscle fat) =====
 
===== ''Vasa'' (muscle fat) =====
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''Vasa'' i.e. intramuscular fat is a normal content of human body and its function is to lubricate the muscles while also serving the role of a fat store to be used up by the body when subjected to energy-intensive activities, such as physical workouts where it may contribute up to 20% of total energy turnover.  This is a possible reason for it to be recommended for individuals engaged in intensive physical acitivities, as well as for oleation therapies.  
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''Vasa'' i.e. intramuscular fat is a normal content of human body and its function is to lubricate the muscles while also serving the role of a fat store to be used up by the body when subjected to energy-intensive activities, such as physical workouts where it may contribute up to 20% of total energy turnover.<ref> Roepstorff C, Vistisen B, Kiens B (2005). "Intramuscular triacylglycerol in energy metabolism during exercise in humans". Exercise and  Sport Science Reviews 33 (4): 182–8. </ref> This is a possible reason for it to be recommended for individuals engaged in intensive physical acitivities, as well as for oleation therapies.  
    
===== ''Majja'' (bone marrow) =====
 
===== ''Majja'' (bone marrow) =====
 
    
 
    
Bone marrow contains about 96 percent fat. It contributes to 50 to 175 g of protein required by body each day. It has all the amino acids needed for good health. Each serving of marrow provides 3% of the calcium required each day. Calcium is commonly understood to strengthen bones and decrease risk of developing brittle, easily-broken bones as one gets older.  All these factors explain why bone marrow is beneficial, especially for one’s bone health. In Ayurvedic clinical practice, soup of bone marrow is prescribed for osteoporosis and degenerative disorders of the vertebrae.
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Bone marrow contains about 96 percent fat. It contributes to 50 to 175 g of protein required by body each day. It has all the amino acids needed for good health. Each serving of marrow provides 3% of the calcium required each day. Calcium is commonly understood to strengthen bones and decrease risk of developing brittle, easily-broken bones as one gets older.<ref> Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/445905-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-eating-bone-marrow/ cited on 2-01-2014 </ref> All these factors explain why bone marrow is beneficial, especially for one’s bone health. In Ayurvedic clinical practice, soup of bone marrow is prescribed for osteoporosis and degenerative disorders of the vertebrae.
 
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==== ''Acchapana'' (drinking fat alone) as a preferred mode for oleation ====
 
==== ''Acchapana'' (drinking fat alone) as a preferred mode for oleation ====
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There are number of factors that affect the absorption of any drug ,
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There are number of factors that affect the absorption of any drug<ref> Retrieved from http://www.codental.uobaghdad.edu.iq/uploads/lectures/Pharma%20lectures/2%20Pharmacokinetics%20finishing%20with%20bioavailibility.pdf cited on 2-01-2014 </ref> ,
    
#Total surface area available for absorption of fat
 
#Total surface area available for absorption of fat
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#Lifestyle  
 
#Lifestyle  
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When a disease is severe or chronic in nature, it implies a “deep-seated” or a chronic case of (vitiated) ''dosha,'' blockages in microchannels, besides other imbalances and complications. In such conditions, the highest possible dose could be necessary to channelize and eject the ''dosha'' from its “seat” towards the gut. This quantity is beneficial for disorders of mind and sense organs. However, the patient needs to have strong digestive capacity and good strength of patient to be able to tolerate the highest dose. The body of the patient adapts to an increased fat intake (thereby increasing the rate of oxidation of fat) by two  mechanisms:   
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When a disease is severe or chronic in nature, it implies a “deep-seated” or a chronic case of (vitiated) ''dosha,'' blockages in microchannels, besides other imbalances and complications. In such conditions, the highest possible dose could be necessary to channelize and eject the ''dosha'' from its “seat” towards the gut. This quantity is beneficial for disorders of mind and sense organs. However, the patient needs to have strong digestive capacity and good strength of patient to be able to tolerate the highest dose. The body of the patient adapts to an increased fat intake (thereby increasing the rate of oxidation of fat) by two  mechanisms:<ref> Flatt JP. Dietary fat, carbohydrate balance, and weight maintenance: effects of exercise. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1987;45:296–306. </ref>  
    
#Expansion of the fat stores or  
 
#Expansion of the fat stores or  
 
#Maintenance of the glycogen stores in a lower range.  
 
#Maintenance of the glycogen stores in a lower range.  
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Thus, for those using ''sneha'' routinely in diet, oleation is possible only when natural habitual intake of fats is exceeded to overcome this adaptation. This is also the possible reason for daily increase in dose of ''sneha,'' so that body can not get adapted to the dose administered on day before. Seven days is maximum duration for ''sneha'' consumption because ''sneha'' is adapted by body easily after seven days (Cha. Si. 1/7). This is based on the fact that for purpose of energy balance body adapts to fat oxidation within seven days of increased fat intake.   
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Thus, for those using ''sneha'' routinely in diet, oleation is possible only when natural habitual intake of fats is exceeded to overcome this adaptation. This is also the possible reason for daily increase in dose of ''sneha,'' so that body can not get adapted to the dose administered on day before. Seven days is maximum duration for ''sneha'' consumption because ''sneha'' is adapted by body easily after seven days (Cha. Si. 1/7). This is based on the fact that for purpose of energy balance body adapts to fat oxidation within seven days of increased fat intake.<ref> Patrick schrauwen, wouter D vanMarken Lichtenbelt, Wim HM Saris, Klaas R Westerterp, “Changes in fat oxidation in response to a high fat diet”, American journal of clinical nutrituion, 1997; 66-276-82 </ref>  
    
The medium dose is suitable when disease is of moderate severity, in person having soft bowel, moderate diet and strength. This dose is enough to reach all over body as there is less obstructions, no fat adaptation, hence produce least complications. This is the ideal dose for purification therapies.  
 
The medium dose is suitable when disease is of moderate severity, in person having soft bowel, moderate diet and strength. This dose is enough to reach all over body as there is less obstructions, no fat adaptation, hence produce least complications. This is the ideal dose for purification therapies.  
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===== ''Sneha'' in regular exercise =====
 
===== ''Sneha'' in regular exercise =====
 
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Those doing regular exercise require high calorific diet to maintain body weight and healthy fat deposits in the body. Hence ''sneha'' consumption is necessary for them. Fats also serve as energy stores for the body, containing about 37 kilojoules of energy per gram (8.8 Cal/g)  (the highest in comparison to those of proteins and carbohydrates which provides 4 Cal/g of energy). In case of starvation, fats are broken down in the body to release glycerol and free fatty acids.  Glycerol is further converted to glucose by the liver and thus used as a source of energy.
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Those doing regular exercise require high calorific diet to maintain body weight and healthy fat deposits in the body. Hence ''sneha'' consumption is necessary for them. Fats also serve as energy stores for the body, containing about 37 kilojoules of energy per gram (8.8 Cal/g)<ref> United Kingdom The Food Labelling Regulations 1996 – Schedule 7: Nutrition labelling </ref> (the highest in comparison to those of proteins and carbohydrates which provides 4 Cal/g of energy).<ref> Retrived from  http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y5022e/y5022e04 cited on 2-01-2014 </ref>  <ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_(nutrient) cited on 2-01-2014 </ref> In case of starvation, fats are broken down in the body to release glycerol and free fatty acids.<ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat cited on 2-01-2014 </ref> Glycerol is further converted to glucose by the liver and thus used as a source of energy.
 
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===== ''Sneha'' in chronic alcoholics =====
 
===== ''Sneha'' in chronic alcoholics =====
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Alcoholics gain weight because of excess energy intake with food and inhibition of fat oxidation from alcohol.  But chronic alcoholics (''Madyanitya'') show a lower body weight due to fat mass reduction. This alteration could be due to induction of the non-alcohol dehydrogenase pathway, likely the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system.  Moreover, ethanol might have direct effects on human adipocytes.  Therefore, ''sneha'' is indicated in chronic alcoholics.
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Alcoholics gain weight because of excess energy intake with food and inhibition of fat oxidation from alcohol.<ref> Suter PM, Schutz Y, Jequier E. The effect of ethanol on fat storage in healthy subjects. N Engl J Med. 1992 April 9;326(15):983–7 </ref> But chronic alcoholics (''Madyanitya'') show a lower body weight due to fat mass reduction.<ref> Addolorato G, Capristo E, Greco AV, et al. Energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, and body composition in subjects with chronic alcoholism: new findings from metabolic assessment. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 1997 September; 21(6):962–7. </ref> This alteration could be due to induction of the non-alcohol dehydrogenase pathway, likely the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system.<ref> Addolorato G, Capristo E, Marini M, et al. Body composition changes induced by chronic ethanol abuse: evaluation by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2000 September;95(9):2323–7. </ref> Moreover, ethanol might have direct effects on human adipocytes.<ref> Suthat Liangpunsakul, David W. Crabb,Rong Qi, Relationship between alcohol intake, body fat and physical activity- a population based study, Annals of  Epidemiol. 2010 September; 20(9): 670–675. </ref> Therefore, ''sneha'' is indicated in chronic alcoholics.
    
===== ''Sneha'' in excessive sex =====
 
===== ''Sneha'' in excessive sex =====
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==== Signs of inadequate, proper and excess ''Sneha'' [verse 57-59] ====
 
==== Signs of inadequate, proper and excess ''Sneha'' [verse 57-59] ====
 
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Inadequate oleation does not pacify ''vata'' and disturbs ''agni'' leading to poor digestion. Proper oleation due to proper ''sneha'' improves digestion. The skin acts as a water resisting barrier to prevent flow of essential nutrients out of the body. The nutrients and oils that help hydrate the skin are covered by the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. Softness or tenderness of skin is a result of proper oleation since ''snehana'' adds to the functional improvement of fat deposits of the body. Excess oleation causes improperly formed faeces, which may be due to increase in colorectal transit time as a result of excess unctousness in gastrointestinal lumen. Stools are formed in the colon in the last phase of digestion. Through peristalsis, the muscles of the colon and the abdomen advance the liquid feces through the colon and compress the fecal matter into stool. During this process the colon extracts water from liquid feces as it passes down. The water is absorbed by the lumen, leaving the larger waste particles to be further tumbled along and formed into stools.  Due to excess oleation, blockage of microchnnels and villi occurs and absorptive function may become hampered leading to improperly formed stool. All other symptoms of excess oleation are due to increase in ''kleda'' (moisture) in body leading to heaviness, loss of digestive strength etc.
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Inadequate oleation does not pacify ''vata'' and disturbs ''agni'' leading to poor digestion. Proper oleation due to proper ''sneha'' improves digestion. The skin acts as a water resisting barrier to prevent flow of essential nutrients out of the body. The nutrients and oils that help hydrate the skin are covered by the outer layer of skin, the epidermis.<ref> McCracken, Thomas (2000). New Atlas of Human Anatomy. China: Metro Books. pp. 1–240. ISBN 1-58663-097-0 </ref> Softness or tenderness of skin is a result of proper oleation since ''snehana'' adds to the functional improvement of fat deposits of the body. Excess oleation causes improperly formed faeces, which may be due to increase in colorectal transit time as a result of excess unctousness in gastrointestinal lumen. Stools are formed in the colon in the last phase of digestion. Through peristalsis, the muscles of the colon and the abdomen advance the liquid feces through the colon and compress the fecal matter into stool. During this process the colon extracts water from liquid feces as it passes down. The water is absorbed by the lumen, leaving the larger waste particles to be further tumbled along and formed into stools.<ref> Retrived from http://web.pdx.edu/~sujata/FruitEze/education/colon/stool.html cited on 2-01-2014 </ref> Due to excess oleation, blockage of microchnnels and villi occurs and absorptive function may become hampered leading to improperly formed stool. All other symptoms of excess oleation are due to increase in ''kleda'' (moisture) in body leading to heaviness, loss of digestive strength etc.
 
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*To avoid any etiological factors for production of diseases.
 
*To avoid any etiological factors for production of diseases.
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Digestion and physical activities are associated with large and sometimes opposite changes in several physiological parameters. Gastric acid secretion during digestion causes increased levels of plasma bicarbonate ([HCO-3] (pl)), whereas activity leads to a metabolic acidosis with increased lactate and decrease in plasma bicarbonate. Thus naturally to keep digestion of ''sneha'' at optimum, person needs to avoid excess physical exertion.  
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Digestion and physical activities are associated with large and sometimes opposite changes in several physiological parameters. Gastric acid secretion during digestion causes increased levels of plasma bicarbonate ([HCO-3] (pl)), whereas activity leads to a metabolic acidosis with increased lactate and decrease in plasma bicarbonate.<ref> Andersen JB, Wang T, Cardiorespiratory effects of forced activity and digestion in toads.Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 2003 Jul-Aug;76(4):459-70. </ref> Thus naturally to keep digestion of ''sneha'' at optimum, person needs to avoid excess physical exertion.  
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Emotions affect physiological processes and actions which are responsible for nutrient malabsorption and digestive health. Saliva becomes more acidic under stress, depression and negative emotions due to alteration in salivary digestive enzyme, ptyaline. The negative emotions also affect the production of pepsin in the stomach, enzyme release from the pancreas and also liver bile flow. Anxiety, is responsible for "fight or flight" response, that takes up a lot of brain's resources, so to compensate it slows down parts of brain that are not as necessary, such as the muscles involved in digestion. Anxiety can also cause low serotonin, and that means that some of the messengers that are normally travelling into body are possibly being created at a lower rate, leading to digestive disorders. During the fight or flight response, body creates massive amounts of adrenaline to give extra energy. In order to create that energy, adrenaline needs to take it from "sugar storage" - While adrenaline does this, body starts processing nutrients at rates that aren't ideal. It changes how body processes nutrients as well and could conceivably affect digestive health.  All these factors collectively may cause adverse effects of ''sneha'' due to impaired digestive power. Therefore, avoiding negative emotions is important in oleation therapy. Avoiding breeze, snow, sunlight etc. are a must in order to avoid any environmental infections or altered immune responses.
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Emotions affect physiological processes and actions which are responsible for nutrient malabsorption and digestive health. Saliva becomes more acidic under stress, depression and negative emotions due to alteration in salivary digestive enzyme, ptyaline. The negative emotions also affect the production of pepsin in the stomach, enzyme release from the pancreas and also liver bile flow.<ref> Retrived from http://www.humphreybacchus.com/blog/how-do-our-emotions-affect-digestion cited on 3-01-2014 </ref> Anxiety, is responsible for "fight or flight" response, that takes up a lot of brain's resources, so to compensate it slows down parts of brain that are not as necessary, such as the muscles involved in digestion.<ref> Addolorato, Giovanni, et al. Anxiety and depression: a common feature of health care seeking patients with irritable bowel syndrome and food allergy.Hepato-gastroenterology 45.23 (1998): 1559. </ref> Anxiety can also cause low serotonin, and that means that some of the messengers that are normally travelling into body are possibly being created at a lower rate, leading to digestive disorders. During the fight or flight response, body creates massive amounts of adrenaline to give extra energy. In order to create that energy, adrenaline needs to take it from "sugar storage" - While adrenaline does this, body starts processing nutrients at rates that aren't ideal. It changes how body processes nutrients as well and could conceivably affect digestive health.<ref> Retrived from http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/digestive-problems cited on 3-01-2014 </ref> All these factors collectively may cause adverse effects of ''sneha'' due to impaired digestive power. Therefore, avoiding negative emotions is important in oleation therapy. Avoiding breeze, snow, sunlight etc. are a must in order to avoid any environmental infections or altered immune responses.
 
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==== Bowel habits and duration of oleation therapy [verse 65-69] ====
 
==== Bowel habits and duration of oleation therapy [verse 65-69] ====
 
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''Koshtha'' i.e. bowel habits are the outcome of ''dosha'' dominance in bowel. ''Vata, pitta'' and ''kapha'' dominance causes ''krura'' (hard), ''mridu'' (soft) and ''madhyam'' (moderate) ''koshtha'' (bowel habit) respectively. ''Vata'' due to its ''ruksha'' (dry) (As. Hri. Su. 1/ 11 ) properties causes fast absorption of ''sneha'' and also requires large doses and longer duration for complete oleation. ''Pitta'' has natural unctuousness associated with it due to its ''ushna'' (hot), ''sara'' (easy for dispertion), and ''drava'' (liquid) (AH. Su. 1/ 11) properties. These properties aid in the flow of ''sneha'' across all body parts and hence, an early push of ''dosha'' towards the bowel requires least dose and minimum duration. ''Kapha'' has similar properties as ''sneha''. However, the bowel habit in a ''kapha'' person is moderate due to its ''sthira'' (stable) and sticky properties. (AH. Su. 1/ 12). Modern science also explains bowel habits, its effects and considers intestinal transit time responsible for it. 40-45 hours is the normal bowel or in Ayurvedic terminology ''madhyama koshtha'' person’s intestinal transit time. If it stays in the gut for longer than that, fluid is re-absorbed into the body and the stool becomes harder and dryer. Body secretes about eight liters of fluid during the course of a day —from the stomach, salivary glands and pancreas—to decompose food and push it through the digestive system. But if food passes through too quickly, there isn’t enough time for all of that liquid to get absorbed, and the stool emerges in a semi-solid or liquid state. Thus, it is the physiological differences based on intestinal transit time that decide the duration of oleation therapy. The nature of a food item or a drug ingested affects bowel movement and explains the differences mentioned above.
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''Koshtha'' i.e. bowel habits are the outcome of ''dosha'' dominance in bowel. ''Vata, pitta'' and ''kapha'' dominance causes ''krura'' (hard), ''mridu'' (soft) and ''madhyam'' (moderate) ''koshtha'' (bowel habit) respectively. ''Vata'' due to its ''ruksha'' (dry) (As. Hri. Su. 1/ 11 ) properties causes fast absorption of ''sneha'' and also requires large doses and longer duration for complete oleation. ''Pitta'' has natural unctuousness associated with it due to its ''ushna'' (hot), ''sara'' (easy for dispertion), and ''drava'' (liquid) (AH. Su. 1/ 11) properties. These properties aid in the flow of ''sneha'' across all body parts and hence, an early push of ''dosha'' towards the bowel requires least dose and minimum duration. ''Kapha'' has similar properties as ''sneha''. However, the bowel habit in a ''kapha'' person is moderate due to its ''sthira'' (stable) and sticky properties. (AH. Su. 1/ 12). Modern science also explains bowel habits, its effects and considers intestinal transit time responsible for it. 40-45 hours is the normal bowel or in Ayurvedic terminology ''madhyama koshtha'' person’s intestinal transit time.<ref> Retrived from http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/what-your-bowel-movements-are-telling-you-about-your-health-1 cited on 3-01-2014 </ref> If it stays in the gut for longer than that, fluid is re-absorbed into the body and the stool becomes harder and dryer. Body secretes about eight liters of fluid during the course of a day<ref> F. John Gennari, and Wolfgang J. Weise, Acid-Base Disturbances in Gastrointestinal Disease, Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology,  November 2008,  (3)6: 1861-1868 </ref> —from the stomach, salivary glands and pancreas—to decompose food and push it through the digestive system. But if food passes through too quickly, there isn’t enough time for all of that liquid to get absorbed, and the stool emerges in a semi-solid or liquid state. Thus, it is the physiological differences based on intestinal transit time that decide the duration of oleation therapy. The nature of a food item or a drug ingested affects bowel movement and explains the differences mentioned above.
 
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==== Complications of oleation therapy [verse 70-79] ====
 
==== Complications of oleation therapy [verse 70-79] ====
 
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Excessive thirst is a result of impaired digestion and absorption of lipids. Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) are essential fatty acids supplied by almost all polyunsaturated fats. But any defect in their absorption may cause deficiency leading to excessive thirst and dry skin, brittle hair &nails, sleep and attention problems.   
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Excessive thirst is a result of impaired digestion and absorption of lipids. Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) are essential fatty acids supplied by almost all polyunsaturated fats.<ref> Reiffel JA, McDonald A (August 2006). "Antiarrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids". The American Journal of Cardiology 98 (4A): 50i–60i. </ref> But any defect in their absorption may cause deficiency leading to excessive thirst and dry skin, brittle hair &nails, sleep and attention problems.<ref> Colquhoun I, Bunday S., A lack of essential fatty acids as a possible cause of hyperactivity in children., MedicalHypotheses. 1981 May; 7(5):673-9. </ref>  
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Bile, to some extent acts as a surfactant, helping to emulsify the fats in food. Without bile salts, most of the lipids in food would be excreted in feces, undigested leading to steatorrhea and vitamin deficiency.  Thus ''sama pitta'' (''pitta'' that is not formed well) can be due to improper functions of biliary system that can not digest fats properly and produce severe symptoms. Moreover, fats boiled with some medicines may cause correction in this metabolic defect thus advocated in ''sama pitta'' condition.
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Bile, to some extent acts as a surfactant, helping to emulsify the fats in food. Without bile salts, most of the lipids in food would be excreted in feces, undigested leading to steatorrhea and vitamin deficiency.<ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bile cited on 3-01-2014 </ref> Thus ''sama pitta'' (''pitta'' that is not formed well) can be due to improper functions of biliary system that can not digest fats properly and produce severe symptoms. Moreover, fats boiled with some medicines may cause correction in this metabolic defect thus advocated in ''sama pitta'' condition.
    
All the diseases produced as complications are basically of ''kleda'' (moisture) dominant and ''ama'' dominant in nature, hence dry, ''amapachaka'' drugs are indicated in therapy. Medicated buttermilk is indicated to counter the complications of oleation therapy. (C. Su. 2/30.Therapeutic emesis, therapeutic purgation are prescribed to remove undigested ''sneha'' from gut preventing further complications.
 
All the diseases produced as complications are basically of ''kleda'' (moisture) dominant and ''ama'' dominant in nature, hence dry, ''amapachaka'' drugs are indicated in therapy. Medicated buttermilk is indicated to counter the complications of oleation therapy. (C. Su. 2/30.Therapeutic emesis, therapeutic purgation are prescribed to remove undigested ''sneha'' from gut preventing further complications.
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===== I. Action as a solvent =====
 
===== I. Action as a solvent =====
 
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Fats acts as good solvent for many metabolic wastes and it enters the cells easily because cell membrane is made up of phospholipids.  Compared to other non-unctous substances, fat materials stays in the body for a stipulated period without causing any harm and also possesses better permeability. The large quantity of fats administered before purification therapies do not undergo digestion and metabolism cycle because the sneha is intended to increase and channelize ''dosha'' towards ''koshtha''.  
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Fats acts as good solvent for many metabolic wastes and it enters the cells easily because cell membrane is made up of phospholipids.<ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_membrane cited on 3-01-2014 </ref> Compared to other non-unctous substances, fat materials stays in the body for a stipulated period without causing any harm and also possesses better permeability. The large quantity of fats administered before purification therapies do not undergo digestion and metabolism cycle because the sneha is intended to increase and channelize ''dosha'' towards ''koshtha''.  
    
According to Sushruta, the disease occurs due to dislodgement of vitiated ''doshas'' in the channels during their circulation in the body (Su.Su.24/10). ''Sneha'' administered internally reaches microchannels and acts as a solvent to remove the obstruction by dissolving ''doshas'' in it, resulting in the removal of obstructions in microchannels, which is one of the important steps in the treatment.
 
According to Sushruta, the disease occurs due to dislodgement of vitiated ''doshas'' in the channels during their circulation in the body (Su.Su.24/10). ''Sneha'' administered internally reaches microchannels and acts as a solvent to remove the obstruction by dissolving ''doshas'' in it, resulting in the removal of obstructions in microchannels, which is one of the important steps in the treatment.
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==== ''Sadya snehana'' (instant oleation) and salt with fats for early oleation [verse 89-98] ====
 
==== ''Sadya snehana'' (instant oleation) and salt with fats for early oleation [verse 89-98] ====
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Instant oleation is required in some conditions requiring immediate purification therapy. In exacerbation of ''asthma sadya snehana'' is done and ''vamana'' is performed to remove ''avarana'' (obstruction) by ''kapha''. Salt is having hygroscopic nature,  thus when consumed with fats it increases moisture content in the body, that eventually results in early oleation.
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Instant oleation is required in some conditions requiring immediate purification therapy. In exacerbation of ''asthma sadya snehana'' is done and ''vamana'' is performed to remove ''avarana'' (obstruction) by ''kapha''. Salt is having hygroscopic nature,<ref> Retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygroscopyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygroscopy cited on 3-01-2014 </ref> thus when consumed with fats it increases moisture content in the body, that eventually results in early oleation.
    
==== Common method followed for oleation purpose before purification therapies ====
 
==== Common method followed for oleation purpose before purification therapies ====

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