Ayurveda : Purva Karma

There are two main things required by purva karma, namely:

Snehana (oleation)

The literal meaning of this term is to make smooth or to oleate. It is the main purva karma procedure and is a specific treatment for vatic disorders.

Example: oily preparations, ghee, oils, fats etc.

Following are the indications of snehana:

• Sexual exhaustion
  
• Anemia
  
• Anxiety
  
• Dryness of the body
  
• Senility

Snehana is also given to the patients of vimana and virecana.

The procedure followed involves the administration of oily preparations within fifteen to thirty minutes after sunrise. The quantity, duration and the type of preparation is pre decided and certain dietary restrictions are prerequisite. Warm, well-regulated liquid diet is preferred but one with stickiness or oleaginous is incompatible. The following signs will indicate the effectiveness of the remedy:

• Accelerated digestive power
  
• Intolerance to fat
  
• Loose motions
  
• Lightness of the body
  
• Smoothness of the body
  
• Passage of flatus
  
• Visible fat in the stool

After the treatment patients are advised to abstain from sexual activities, to use of warm water; sleeping only at night; avoiding anger, anxiety or loud talk.

Swedana (fomentation)

This refers to the remedy that involves practices involving heat to make the patient sweat. Following are the conditions for which swedana is given to patients:

• Corrhyza
  
• Cough
  
• Headache
  
• Paralysis
  
• Constipation
  
• Arthritis

On the second day of swedana, vamana is given and virecana after three days` interval. In case there is a need to give basti, nasya, rakta mokasana to the patients then they are given immediately after swedana.

The following signs prove the effectiveness of the therapy:

• Disappearance of corrhyza
  
• Relief from pain and stiffness
  
• Remission of the disease

After the remedy the patients are advised to avoid cold water and take a nap after a light meal