Vamana

Vamana is a process of drug-induced vomiting to expel mainly the vitiated Kapha dosha from the body. Purvakarma procedures like oleation and sweating are essential for this therapy.

Oleation, internal as well as external , liquefies the amam trapped deep in the dhatus. After three to seven days of oleation , the skin of the patient becomes shiny and oil appears even in the urine and faeces. These and some others are considered good indications or samyagyoga. Excessive oleation is known as atiyoga , and insufficient oleation is known as ayoga. If either of these occurs, the patient is not allowed to proceed to the next stage,sudation. The Atiyoga has to be mitigated. To remedy ayoga the oleation is continued till Samyagyoga is achieved.

Sudation dilates the body’s subtle channels and allows the liquefied amam to move to the koshtha. When the body is thus prepared properly,emesis becomes painless and effortless.

The night before the vamana,the patient is give foods like black gram soup,yogurt and warm licorice tea to stimulate the Kapha. The next morning,gruel with rock salt and milk or porridge of wheat and milk are given to promote a watery secretion. An emetic consisting of extracts of Vacha or Madana is then administered.

After half an hour , the patient starts vomiting. Drinking moderate quantities of diluted milk at intervals can stimulatefurther vomiting. In an uttama shuddhi or successful emesis,the vomitus is more in quantity than the quantity of fluids taken in. The patient may be soothed by gently massaging with upward strokes around the navel and downward strokes on the back.

Soon after emesis,the patient is asked to clear his throat and mouth by gargling. Then complete rest is recommended for a specific period.

Vamana is an effective treatment for chronic colds,bronchial asthama,hormonal disorders like PCOD and Thyroid disorders