Understanding Sneha – Ayurvedic Love and Nourishment - 418

In this episode of the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast, we're exploring a truly beautiful concept in Ayurvedic wisdom, Sneha, a Sanskrit word that means both oil and love. And that's no coincidence.

Sneha is the essence of softness, warmth, and care that keeps our body, mind, and heart supple. It's both nourishment and an act of conscious love, a daily reminder that tending to ourselves is not selfish, but sacred.

In this episode, Colette shares how Sneha can be practiced both externally through self-oiling rituals like abhyanga, and internally through nourishing fats such as ghee or medicated oils. You'll also discover how Sneha softens not only the physical body but also the mind and emotions, helping to cultivate resilience, calm, and compassion in your daily life.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The dual meaning of Sneha in Sanskrit and why oiling is an act of love

• The difference between external Sneha and internal Sneha 

• How Sneha supports physical health, from joint mobility and skin nourishment to digestion and immunity

• The emotional and psychological benefits of Sneha for calming Vata, reducing stress, and fostering self-compassion

• How to personalize your Sneha practice for each dosha and season

• Simple, daily Sneha rituals you can try at home, even if you only have a few minutes

Links & Resources

• Sponsor: Kerala Ayurveda Academy – Advance your Ayurvedic education with the Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) Program. Enroll at keralaayurveda.us/aap and use code FreeAAP26 to waive your application fee.

• Digestive Reset Cleanse – Join the next Group Cleanse starting January 23rd, 2026, or book a Private Cleanse anytime that suits your schedule. Learn more at Elements Healing & Wellbeing

• Golden Turmeric Milk Recipe – Elements Healing & Wellbeing - Resources

• Recommended Ayurvedic Oils - The quality and source of your oil matter. Choose organic, cold- or expeller-pressed oils for purity and safety. I recommend the following companies for high quality oils:

• Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.**

• Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.**

• Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your