Brimhana Sneha: Meaning, Purpose, How to Administer

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S

Meaning and Purpose – Brimhana means ‘bulk promoting’ or ‘weight gaining’. This word also commonly translates as ‘strengthening’. Overall, brimhana is a supportive type of treatment. Brimhana is one of the purposes and actions of Sneha.

Sneha administered for the purpose of brimhana – bulk promoting, weight gaining or strengthening is known as Brimhana Sneha. It is also called Brimhananga Sneha. It is one among the three types of Snehana explained by Acharya Vagbhata based on its action.

Reference – Ashtanga Hridaya Sutra Sthana Chapter 16, Verses 19-22

Brimhana Sneha

बृंहणो रसमद्याध्यैः सभक्तोऽल्पः हितः स च।
बालवृद्धपिपासार्तस्नेहद्विण्मद्यशीलिषु॥२०॥
स्त्रीस्नेहनित्यमन्दाग्निसुखितक्लेशभीरुषु।
मृदुकोष्ठोल्पदोषेषु काले चोष्णे कृशेषु च॥२१॥

Brimhana Sneha, as already mentioned earlier, is administered with the purpose of increasing the muscle bulk or weight of the body and also as a support therapy to strengthening the body – i.e. Brimhana.

It includes the Sneha used in small quantities which is enough to cause Brimhana.

Rules and Regulations for Brimhana Sneha

Brimhano

This form of Sneha is used for promoting bulk – muscle bulk and enhancing weight and to strengthen the body.

Rasa Madyadhyaih Sabhakto

Brimhana Sneha should be administered mixed with meat soup, wine etc. and consumed along with food. So, this kind of Sneha is not administered on an empty stomach, neither when the person is hungry nor when not. It is administered mixed with food. Since it is administered during annakala i.e. food time, the brimhana Sneha is digested along with food. So, Sneha in this context acts like food and also medicine.

Alpah

Brimhana Sneha is administered in small / minimum quantity i.e. Hrsva Matra. It is such a dose of Sneha which can be digested within two yamas i.e. 6 hours. This minimum dosage is enough to produce brimhana effect in the body.

Mode of Action of Brimhana Sneha

Brimhana Sneha is administered mixed with food. So, this Sneha, as already said, is digested along with food. In a way, it is also a food. Being digested along with food, this Sneha too is converted into anna rasa i.e. nutrient juice. This is put into circulation and reaches the tissues. Therein, this Sneha along with rasa gets further digested by bhutagni and dhatvagni – the elemental and tissue fires. By doing so, the Sneha gains oneness with the tissue, supports, nourishes, fortifies, strengthens, enhances and enriches them. Thus, the brimhana action of Sneha is achieved wherein it enhances the bulk of tissues, mainly that of muscles. By kindling the tissue fires and enhancing the tissues, Brimhana Sneha helps in gaining weight.

Other important points regarding Brimhana Sneha

Sa cha Hitah Bala Vrddha – Brimhana Sneha is highly beneficial in extreme age groups of people i.e. children and aged persons. This small dosage of Sneha is suitable in both these age groups and that is the dose which these people can tolerate.

Growth and nourishment are needed in children. They need to get and maintain ideal body weight, strength and muscle mass with growth. So, Sneha which is brimhana in nature suits them.

Similarly, aged people are losing the tissues and the bulk of the body and strength is declining. Brimhana Sneha suits them too, since it prevents tissue / muscle bulk loss and also strengthens them. It is also good for vata which is predominant in old age. Increased vata is responsible for tissue loss and by balancing vata, Brimhana Sneha also prevents tissue loss and also nurtures them.

It is also beneficial in the below mentioned people and conditions.

– Pipasartha – those suffering from thirst.

– Sneha dvin – those who have an aversion to fat. In these people Sneha is needed to combat the doshas but they cannot take large doses. This is the best form and dose of using Sneha in them.

– Madyashilisu – those who regularly drink wine.

– Stri nitya – those who regularly indulge in women i.e. have sex daily.

– Sneha nitya – those who regularly indulge in fatty foods.

– Mandagni – in those who have low digestion capacity.

– Sukhita – those who lead happy and comfortable lives.

– Klesha bhirushu – to people who are afraid of troubles.

– Mrdu koshta – to those having soft bowel movements.

– Alpa dosheshu – in those who have a mild increase of doshas.

– Ushna kale – in hot seasons.

– Krisheshu – in emaciated people.

Summary of Brimhana Sneha

In short, below mentioned are the features of Brimhana Sneha –