A Critical Review on the Concept of Avapeedaka Snehapana, a Special Mode of Lipid Administration

Abstract

Avapeedaka Snehapana is a unique and special method of internal administration of Sneha dravya (unctuous medicine) mentioned in the classical ayurveda texts. It is mainly indicated in mutravegarodha janya vikara (diseases due to the suppression of urge of micturition). Because of the lack of adequate review and analysis, this method of administration of snehapana (internal administration of lipid) is losing its significance from the practices and the concept remains unexplored. The reasons for not being practiced like other snehana (oleation therapy) procedures are because of the less understanding of the concept of administration, scattered and minimal textual references. Through this review, we intend to have a detailed analysis on the concept of avapeedaka snehapana mentioned in the Brihatrayees (Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya—the 3 main texts of ayurveda) with its possible practical methods of administration. The role of ghrita (ghee) in inducing the ketogenesis is also analyzed. Being a ketogenic diet, the benefits of ghrita are interpreted. These efforts may help bring down avapeedaka snehapana into the mainstream of practice.