Changes

=== Abstract ===

=== Abstract ===

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Thirteenth chapter of [[Charaka Samhita]] describes oleation therapy. It describes the sources of lipids, types, properties, administration method, time, dose, alternative methods of administration in the form of recipe (''vicharana''), indications, contraindications, symptoms of proper, inadequate and excess oleation. Lipids are essential components of body as the ''meda dhatu'' (lipids) provides lubrication to all viscera and other interstetial spaces due to its ''snigdha'' (unctuous) qualities. ''Meda dhatu'' (lipids) is an integral part of cell membrane that allows entry of lipid soluble substances/drugs into the cells. The selection of lipids for oleation therapy depends upon the specific integrity of gut, severity of the disease, and specific indications of lipids. Those contra-indicated for use of natural fat as in diabetes or skin diseases, can consume medicated lipids. Properly done oleation results in proper downward movement of ''vata'', increase in digestive power, softening of (hard) feces, and making the body supple and soft. Improper implementation of methods or violation of guidelines results in complications such as skin diseases, itching, haemorrhoids, ascitis, fainting, indigestion etc. Oleation and sudation are pre-requisites or pre-treatment procedures for ''shodhana'' (purification) therapies to aid in moving vitiated ''dosha'' to gut (for an eventual expelling out of the body and achieve purification). The present chapter can be considered as a first step in purification therapies described.  

Thirteenth chapter of [[Charak Samhita]] describes oleation therapy. It describes the sources of lipids, types, properties, administration method, time, dose, alternative methods of administration in the form of recipe (''vicharana''), indications, contraindications, symptoms of proper, inadequate and excess oleation. Lipids are essential components of body as the ''meda dhatu'' (lipids) provides lubrication to all viscera and other interstetial spaces due to its ''snigdha'' (unctuous) qualities. ''Meda dhatu'' (lipids) is an integral part of cell membrane that allows entry of lipid soluble substances/drugs into the cells. The selection of lipids for oleation therapy depends upon the specific integrity of gut, severity of the disease, and specific indications of lipids. Those contra-indicated for use of natural fat as in diabetes or skin diseases, can consume medicated lipids. Properly done oleation results in proper downward movement of ''vata'', increase in digestive power, softening of (hard) feces, and making the body supple and soft. Improper implementation of methods or violation of guidelines results in complications such as skin diseases, itching, haemorrhoids, ascitis, fainting, indigestion etc. Oleation and sudation are pre-requisites or pre-treatment procedures for ''shodhana'' (purification) therapies to aid in moving vitiated ''dosha'' to gut (for an eventual expelling out of the body and achieve purification). The present chapter can be considered as a first step in purification therapies described.  

'''Keywords''': ''Sneha''(lipids), ''snehana'' (oleation therapy), fat and lipid metabolism, ''abhyanga'' (therapeutic massage).

'''Keywords''': ''Sneha''(lipids), ''snehana'' (oleation therapy), fat and lipid metabolism, ''abhyanga'' (therapeutic massage).

==== History and broad outline of chapter ====

==== History and broad outline of chapter ====

The earliest reference to ''snehana'' is found in the ancient text ''Markandeya Purana'' where ''ghrita'' (clarified butter), ''taila'' (oil), ''vasa'' (muscle fat) and ''majja'' (bone marrow) were quoted as ''sneha'' drugs (Mar. 165, 166, 244-245). However, a detailed description of ''snehana- swedana'' (sudation) with complications and their treatments is only found in [[Charaka Samhita]] and related  Ayurveda texts. The [[Snehadhyaya]] provides comprehensive information about ''sneha'' (lipids) and ''snehana'' (its therapeutic administration/oleation).  

The earliest reference to ''snehana'' is found in the ancient text ''Markandeya Purana'' where ''ghrita'' (clarified butter), ''taila'' (oil), ''vasa'' (muscle fat) and ''majja'' (bone marrow) were quoted as ''sneha'' drugs (Mar. 165, 166, 244-245). However, a detailed description of ''snehana- swedana'' (sudation) with complications and their treatments is only found in [[Charak Samhita]] and related  Ayurveda texts. The [[Snehadhyaya]] provides comprehensive information about ''sneha'' (lipids) and ''snehana'' (its therapeutic administration/oleation).

''Sneha'' (lipids): ''Sneha'' is any substance that produces unctousness, softness, moisture, increased secretions etc. in the body. (Cha. Su. 22/11). ''Sneha'' is predominantly composed of basic elements - ''prithvi'' (earth) and ''jala'' (water) (Su.su. 41/11). Hence it is responsible for moisture (Hemadri on AH. Su. 1/18), providing softness to the body while also playing a major role in producing strength (Su.su. 46/516). ''Sneha'' qualities can be described using adjectives such as ''guru'' (heavy), ''sheeta'' (cold), ''sara'' (agility), ''snigdha'' (unctuous), ''manda'' (slow), ''sukshma'' (penetrating), ''mridu'' (soft), ''drava'' (fluid), and ''pichchila'' (slimy) (Cha.Su.22/15 and A.H. Su. 16/1).  These qualities make oleation therapy a prerequisite for most of the [[Panchakarma]] (five purification) procedures since they help in ejecting impurities out through the gut. All ''dhatu'' (body tissues) require ''sneha'' for growth and maintenance. ''Sneha'' adds unctuousness to food preparations, necessary in the process of digestion (Cha. Chi. 15/6). ''Kapha'' and ''pitta'' are two basic ''doshas'' that have ''snigdha'' i.e. unctuousness (A.H. Su. 1/11-12). ''Sneha'' therapy is mainly indicated for alleviation of ''vata dosha'', which is the main etiological factor responsible for most diseases. Modern science also gives importance to fats. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble<ref> Weber F, Absorption mechanisms for fat-soluble vitamins and the effect of other food constituents, Progress in Clinical and Biological Reseaarch, 1981;77:119-35. </ref> , meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported using fats. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement. Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell function.<ref> Mengistie, Alemayehu Belay; Reddy, R. C.; Babu, M. Syam, the effects of workout- based combination of aerobic and resistance exercise training in obese adults of northwest Ethiopia, International Journal of Sports Sciences & Fitness . 2013, Vol. 3 Issue 1, p96-116. 21p. </ref>  

''Sneha'' (lipids): ''Sneha'' is any substance that produces unctousness, softness, moisture, increased secretions etc. in the body. (Cha. Su. 22/11). ''Sneha'' is predominantly composed of basic elements - ''prithvi'' (earth) and ''jala'' (water) (Su.su. 41/11). Hence it is responsible for moisture (Hemadri on AH. Su. 1/18), providing softness to the body while also playing a major role in producing strength (Su.su. 46/516). ''Sneha'' qualities can be described using adjectives such as ''guru'' (heavy), ''sheeta'' (cold), ''sara'' (agility), ''snigdha'' (unctuous), ''manda'' (slow), ''sukshma'' (penetrating), ''mridu'' (soft), ''drava'' (fluid), and ''pichchila'' (slimy) (Cha.Su.22/15 and A.H. Su. 16/1).  These qualities make oleation therapy a prerequisite for most of the [[Panchakarma]] (five purification) procedures since they help in ejecting impurities out through the gut. All ''dhatu'' (body tissues) require ''sneha'' for growth and maintenance. ''Sneha'' adds unctuousness to food preparations, necessary in the process of digestion (Cha. Chi. 15/6). ''Kapha'' and ''pitta'' are two basic ''doshas'' that have ''snigdha'' i.e. unctuousness (A.H. Su. 1/11-12). ''Sneha'' therapy is mainly indicated for alleviation of ''vata dosha'', which is the main etiological factor responsible for most diseases. Modern science also gives importance to fats. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble<ref> Weber F, Absorption mechanisms for fat-soluble vitamins and the effect of other food constituents, Progress in Clinical and Biological Reseaarch, 1981;77:119-35. </ref> , meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported using fats. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement. Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell function.<ref> Mengistie, Alemayehu Belay; Reddy, R. C.; Babu, M. Syam, the effects of workout- based combination of aerobic and resistance exercise training in obese adults of northwest Ethiopia, International Journal of Sports Sciences & Fitness . 2013, Vol. 3 Issue 1, p96-116. 21p. </ref>  

ityAgniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute shlokasthAne SnehadhyAyo nAma trayodasho~adhyAyaHsamAptaH||13||  

ityAgniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute shlokasthAne SnehadhyAyo nAma trayodasho~adhyAyaHsamAptaH||13||  

Thus ends the thirteenth chapter by name [[Snehadhyaya]] in the [[Sutra Sthana]] of Agniveshatantra redacted by Charaka.[13]

Thus ends the thirteenth chapter by name [[Snehadhyaya]] in the [[Sutra Sthana]] of Agniveshatantra redacted by Charak.[13]

=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' ===

=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' ===