Vaman Therapy

Introduction

Vamana is a procedure in which Doshas (waste products or toxins) are eliminated through upper channels i.e. mouth.[1] Specially the Kapha and Pitta Dosha brought to Amashaya (stomach and duodenum) from all over the body by the specific preoperative procedures and then eliminated out by inducing the emesis.

Importance

Kapha disorders and associated Pitta disorders or diseases originating or settled in the place of Kapha will be relieved either permanently or for a longer period of time.
It helps to prevent the forth coming diseases due to Kapha and Pitta.
Most of Ayurvedic drugs are administered by oral root. First it goes to the Amashaya (stomach), which is the main seat of Kapha. Digestion of food also starts from Amashaya. If there is accumulation or aggravation of Kapha in Amashaya, the digestion of food or drug cannot takes place properly. With the help of Vamana Karma, Amashaya Shuddhi (cleansing) occurs, so the digestion of drug and food takes place properly.

How it is Performed

Panchakarma is the most essential part of Ayurveda treatments. It is preventive, preservative, promotive, curative and rehabilitative therapy. Ayurveda believes in strong relationship between macrocosm and microcosm and states that the seasonal changes will influence the biological systems resulting into the accumulation and aggravation of particular Dosha in a particular season like accumulation and aggravation of Kapha in Hemant Rutu (winter season) and Vasant Rutu (spring season) respectively, accumulation and aggravation of Pitta in Varsha Rutu (rainy season) and Sharad Rutu (autumn season) respectively. Vasantika Vamana is done in spring season approximately in the month of March and April for the elimination of vitiated Kapha Dosha which in turn helps to prevent the forth coming Kapha disorders and associated Pitta disorders or diseases originating or settled in the place of Kapha like bronchial asthma, allergic bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, migraine, hyperacidity, indigestion, anorexia, obesity, overweight, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, eczema, urticaria etc. In this study, a total of 89 persons were registered and 69 volnteers/patients undergone classical Vamana Karma without any major complications. Average minimum, maximum, total dose and total days of Snehapana were 36.40 ml, 187.21 ml, 578.59 ml and 5.01 days respectively. Average quantity of Madanaphala, Ksheera, Yashtimadhu Phanta and Lavanodaka was 5.81 g, 1130.29 ml, 3202.9 and 2489.13 ml respectively. The results were encouraging; hence, further studies may be conducted including large population in this direction.