ATHAPA

SNANA
 CONTENTS

1. Introduction to Heliotherapy
2. Introduction to Athapa Snana
3. Benefits
4. Requirements
5. Procedure
6. Indications
7. Contraindications
8. Precautions
 INTRODUCTION TO HELIOTHERAPY

⮚ Heliotherapy is the use of natural sunlight for the treatment of certain skin
conditions.
⮚ It is a form of phototherapy.
⮚ Its also called climate therapy.
 Introduction to ATHAPA SNANA

⮚ The treatment aids in facilitating the movement of green rays present in the
sun , directly in the body which are found to serve as good antiseptic
agent .
⮚ This process is regarded as one of the detoxification processes involving
with inducing a profuse sweating .
⮚ Banana leaves convert the harmful ultraviolet sun rays into healthy rays .
⮚ It could be due to the presence of polyphenol , Epigallocatechin Gallate
( EGCG – a very beneficial ingredient in the skin rejuvenation treatment )
in its leaf .
 BENEFITS

1. Helps in removal of toxin .

2. Detoxifies the body and aids in weight loss .
3. Curative for all sorts of skin diseases .
4. Maintains the skins glow and clears the acne and black heads from the
skin .
5. Induces to open the pores and clears the dirt away .
6. Possesses excellent anti – inflammatory properties .
 REQUIREMENT
1. 10 to 15 full lengthy banana leaves
2. A mat
3. Wet blanket
4. 5 to 6 small ropes
 Procedure
⮚ 10 to 15 full lengthy banana leaves are required for his per
person .
⮚ The best time for this therapy is morning time, i.e.before 12.
⮚ Good sunlight is required for this since removal of toxins in this
method is through profuse sweating .
⮚ Since there will be a lot of sweating during this treatment the
patient should drink as much water as possible before takin the
treatment
⮚ Minimum dress is advised for maximum exposure. A small wet towel
should be put on the head.
⮚ Spread a mat and a wet blanket on a place with good sunlight.(blanket on
the mat)
⮚ On the blanket spread 5 to 6 small ropes at fixed intervals to tie the patient
with banana leaves.
⮚ Then spread the banana leaf such that the inner surface of the leaves
touche the patient’s body.
⮚ Then allow the patient to lie down on it and then cover them with banana
leaves and tie with the rope underneath so that no air enters inside.
⮚ The full body should be covered except for the nose to breath.
⮚ The patient can be inside for 20 to 40 minutes.
⮚ About ½-1 litre of toxins in the form of sweat is released.
⮚ Then the patient should be allowed to rest in an airy and shady
place for 30 minutes and then take bath with cold water.
⮚ This is a wonderful treatment in case of obesity.
 INDICATION
PLANTAIN LEAF BATH IS USEFUL IN MEDICAL CONDITION LIKE
⮚ diabetes
⮚ Obesity
⮚ Poor memory
⮚ Kidney disorders
⮚ Arthritis
⮚ Skin diseases
⮚ Vitamin D deficiency
⮚ Rickets , etc .
 CONTRA-INDIACTIONS

⮚ Pregnancy and breast feeding: It is unsafe to use great plantain if the subject is
pregnant. Plantain leaves can affect the uterus and might increase the chance of
having a miscarriage.
• Not enough is known about the safety of using great plantain if you are breast
feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
⮚ Melon allergy: People who are allergic to melons might also be allergic to great
plantain. Avoid use if you have this type of allergy.
⮚ Plantain allergy: Avoid using great plantain if you are allergic to any member of
the plantain family.
 PRECAUTIONS
1. A slight tiredness or headache may be there after taking this bath which is
quiet normal.
2. Healthy person can take this bath once in a month.
3. Person suffering from disease can take it once in 2 weeks. It purifies
blood.
4. Heart patient will feel a little restlessness during this treatment . There is
no need to panic .
5. Since the leaves turn in poisonous by treatment it should not be given to
grazing animals like cow and goat.
6. It should not also be put as fertilizers to the plants.
7. Care should be taken to dispose the used leaves properly.