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- Dr Kranthi R Vardhan - Weekly Newsletter - Issue#148
Dr Kranthi R Vardhan - Weekly Newsletter - Issue#148
The Power of Sneha – Oil as Medicine in Ayurvedic Healing
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 148th edition of our Ayurvedic Wellness newsletter! In Ayurveda, oil is more than a moisturizer—it is medicine, nourishment, and love. The Sanskrit word "Sneha" means both oil and affection, symbolizing how oils heal both the body and the emotions.
From head to toe, Ayurveda emphasizes the use of herbalized oils for massage (Abhyanga), internal use (Snehapana), and therapies like Vasti and Nasya. Sneha pacifies Vata, removes dryness, strengthens tissues, lubricates joints, supports mental clarity, and builds Ojas (immunity and vitality).
In this edition, we explore the many ways you can incorporate Sneha therapy into your daily life for deeper healing.
What is Sneha in Ayurveda?
Sneha is the use of medicated oils or ghee to restore balance and health. Sneha acts as:
Lubricant for the joints and skin
Carrier of herbs deep into tissues
Toxin remover when used in internal oleation (Snehapana)
Calmer of the nervous system
Builder of strength, nourishment, and love (Ojas)
Types of Sneha in Ayurveda
Taila (Oil-based Sneha) – Primarily used for Vata and Kapha disorders
Ghritha (Ghee-based Sneha) – Best for Pitta disorders, mental health, and rasayana
Vasa/Majja (Animal fat/marrow) – Used in degenerative diseases, muscular wasting
Ikshu Rasa (Sugarcane juice) – A milder Sneha used in rare classical contexts
Daily Sneha Practices (for Everyone!)
Abhyanga (Self Oil Massage) – Before your bath, massage warm oil for 10–15 min
Nasya (Nasal Drops) – 2 drops of Anu Taila in each nostril every morning
Karna Purana (Ear Oil Drops) – Once a week, place warm sesame oil in ears
Padabhyanga (Foot Massage) – Oil massage at night with ghee or castor oil
Ghee in Diet – 1 tsp of cow’s ghee with warm rice or soups daily
Internal Oleation (Snehapana) for Deeper Detox
This is done under clinical supervision, using medicated ghee over 3–7 days to:
Prepare the body for Panchakarma
Scrape Ama (toxins) from deep tissues
Rejuvenate brain and nervous system
Improve complexion and voice
Only to be done under Ayurvedic doctor's guidance.
Benefits of Sneha Therapy
Relieves joint and muscle pain
Delays aging and improves skin elasticity
Nourishes nerves, improves sleep, reduces stress
Improves digestion, memory, and emotional resilience
Pacifies Vata and supports long-term immunity
When to Avoid Sneha:
During acute indigestion or diarrhea
In fever, cold, or sinus congestion
In cases of severe obesity, oil application may be limited to external use
Always consult before internal use if you are pregnant, diabetic, or have liver disorders
Final Thoughts
To be oiled is to be nourished, protected, and grounded. In the Ayurvedic tradition, Sneha is a daily act of self-love and deep healing. Especially in today’s fast-paced, anxious world, taking time to oil the body is taking time to connect with the self.
So tonight—before the shower—reach for your bottle of warm oil, and remember: you’re not just massaging your skin, you’re embracing your soul.
With warmth and care,
Dr. Kranthi R Vardhan
www.vardhanayurveda.com
P.S. Want to experience full-body Sneha therapies like Abhyanga, Pizhichil, or Rejuvenation Therapies? Call us at 7997 108 108 to book a consultation or visit one of our 5 centers. Share this with someone who needs healing through touch. Access our Archieve here.