Quantitative Assessment of Skin Oiliness during Shodhana Snehapana - A Prospective Observational Analytical Study

Background: Shodhana Snehapana is an internal oleation procedure and forms the most crucial component of Purva Karma (Preparatory procedures), as the success of subsequent Shodhana (Purification)procedures depends upon the adequacy of Snehana. Twaka Snigdhata (oiliness of skin) is an important indicator of proper oleation and is traditionally assessed subjectively using Anumana Pramana (Inferential reasoning), such as tactile examination or scratching of the skin. However, subjective assessment lacks standardization and may lead to inaccurate clinical decisions. In the present era, there is a growing need for objective tools to quantify classical Ayurvedic parameters. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to quantitatively assess Twaka Snigdhata during Shodhana Snehapana (Purificatory internal oleation) and to evaluate its relationship with the oleation process using a Digital Skin Moisture Meter. Methods: The study was conducted at Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat. Fifty volunteers fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Skin oiliness was measured using a Digital Skin Moisture Meterat the midpoint of the volar aspect of the forearm from the first day of Snehapana until the appearance of Samyak Snigdha Lakshanas (clinical features indicating adequate oleation). Result: A significant increase in estimated skin-oiliness scores was observed during Shodhana Snehapana. Compared with Day 1, skin oiliness did not differ significantly on Day 2 (β = 0.040, 95% CI: −0.272–0.352, p = 0.802), whereas significantly higher estimated skin-oiliness scores were observed on Days 3, 4, 5, and 6 (all p < 0.001), indicating progressive increase in oiliness of the skin. Conclusion: The findings suggest that quantitative assessment of skin oiliness may have potential utility as an objective adjunct for monitoring Twaka Snigdhata (oiliness of the skin) during Shodhana Snehapana. Digital assessment of skin oiliness may complement the traditional clinical evaluation of Samyaka Snigdha Lakshanas.