DIET AND PARIHARA VISHAYA DURING SNEHAPANA

DIET AND PARIHARA VISHAYA DURING SNEHAPANA

INTRODUCTION

Sneha-pana (internal oleation) is a preparatory therapy in Panchakarma aimed at lubricating the channels, softening the doshas, and facilitating their elimination. Proper diet (ahara) and avoidance (parihara) during Sneha-pana are crucial to ensure efficacy and prevent complications.

DIET DURING SNEHAPANA

• Sneha-pana involves the ingestion of medicated ghee or oils in gradually increasing doses as per the individual's capacity and disease condition.

• The diet must be light, easily digestible, and non-irritant to maintain Agni (digestive fire) without causing Ama (toxins).

• Traditionally, a Laghu Ahara (light diet) is advised, primarily consisting of:

  • Porridges like rice gruel (Yavagu) prepared with water or milk.

  • Soups (Svarasa) and light vegetable preparations.

  • Fresh fruits (mild and non-acidic).

  • Avoidance of heavy, oily, and fried foods which may aggravate Kapha and Ama formation.

• Water intake should be adequate but in small amounts to avoid dilution of digestive enzymes.

• Milk and other dairy products are to be avoided unless specifically indicated, as they may increase Kapha and mucus, complicating the procedure.

• Use of warm foods is preferred to stimulate digestion.

Relevant Sanskrit Shloka:
स्नेहेऽपानकाले लघु भोजनं गृह्यते हितम्।
— Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 15/6

PARIHARA VISHAYA (AVOIDANCES) DURING SNEHAPANA

• Avoid heavy, oily, fried, and spicy foods as they can disturb the Snehapana process.

• Refrain from excessive physical exertion which can cause premature dispersion of doshas.

• Abstain from consuming incompatible food items (Viruddha Ahara) such as sour fruits with milk.

• Avoid cold and refrigerated foods which can dampen Agni and hamper digestion.

• Avoid alcohol and intoxicants, which interfere with metabolism and detoxification.

• Psychological stress should be minimized as it adversely affects digestion and metabolism.

Relevant Sanskrit Shloka:
स्नेहपानकाले पानं तिक्तं अम्लं च निषेध्यते।
— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 20/23

RATIONALE BEHIND DIET AND PARIHARA

• Sneha-pana aims to mobilize doshas gently; improper diet can cause Ama formation, leading to blockage and adverse effects.

• Maintaining digestive fire (Agni) is essential; food that is too heavy or incompatible suppresses Agni, hindering the treatment.

• Dietary regulation ensures that the medicated ghee is properly assimilated and doshas are rendered mobile for effective elimination.

MODERN MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE

• Diet during detoxification or preparatory phases must be low in fat, easily digestible, and rich in antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress.

• Avoidance of irritants (spicy, acidic, and fatty foods) prevents gastrointestinal mucosal irritation and maintains gut integrity.

• Adequate hydration with warm fluids supports renal and hepatic clearance of metabolites.

• Stress reduction is emphasized due to its role in modulating neuro-hormonal pathways that influence digestion and metabolism.

• Overfeeding or heavy meals during detox phases may lead to dyspepsia, fatty liver, or metabolic imbalance.