ROLE OF SNEHABASTI AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SNEHAPANA (AS A POORVAKARMA FOR VIRECHANA IN OVERWEIGHT INDIVIDUALS)- A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Snehabasti in attaining Samyak Snigdha Lakshana when given as a poorvakarma for Virechana, by comparing it with the Samyak Snigdha Lakshana attained from Snehapana. The Samyak Snigdha Lakshana, as per classics, are Vatanulomana, Agnidipti, Snigdha varcha, Asamhata varcha, twak Snigdhata and gatra mardavata. But, due to various personal reasons like intolerance towards ghee, typical pungent odour or some medical issues like dyslipidaemia, cholecystectomy, etc., patients are unable to take Snehapana. Acharya Charak described Snehabasti as a pravicharana Sneha (alternative to pure ghee intake). Therefore, here an attempt was made to administer Snehabasti (therapeutic enema) before Shodhana karma as a possible alternative for Snehapana. Methods: 60 Patients having a BMI between 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from the OPD and IPD of Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital, SSU, Cuttack, for the study. Patients were allocated randomly into two groups, i.e.  Group A and Group B. Both the groups received Virechana, but as a Poorvakarma, for Virechana Group B patients received Snehapana, while Group A patients received Snehabasti in Arohana krama for 3-7 days, depending on their symptoms. Then, for both groups, as per the Virechana format, 3 days of Sarvanga Abhyanga and Baspa sweda were carried out, and on the next day, Virechana was performed. Results: The data of both groups were analysed statistically. Both groups showed statistically significant results. Interpretation & Conclusion: Based on the results, it has been concluded that snehabsti can be practised as a poorvakarma for Virechana when Snehapana is not possible.