ETYMOLOGY

• Vamana, derived from the Sanskrit word “Vam-,” meaning emesis or vomiting, is a specialized therapeutic procedure explained in the vast science of Ayurveda where it is considered a pivotal component of Panchakarma, a series of treatments aimed at detoxification, restoring balance to the  Doshas (bio-energies that govern the physiology of the human body as per Ayurveda), and promoting overall well-being through methods like massage, herbal remedies, and specialized cleansing procedures.
• In short, if you are prescribed Vamana Therapy by your Ayurveda Physician, they shall induce controlled vomiting for you under their strict surveillance.

INTRODUCTION

• Vamana Therapy is aimed primarily at subsiding Kapha Dosha, as per Ayurveda. But, what is Kapha Dosha?  Kapha Dosha is one of the three bio-energies that form the foundation of the ancient science of Ayurveda. Doshas, at normal levels, are crucial for the normal physiology and functioning of the human body. However, a deviation from the normal levels can lead to the manifestation of various diseases.
•  Kapha Dosha is associated with the qualities-  Slow, Steady, Smooth, Moist, Cool, Oily, and Heavy.

Role of Kapha Dosha at Normal Levels

Promotes lubrication of joints	Have the best personalities
Stability of the joints	Patient in nature
Compactness of the joints

Signs of Kapha Imbalance

Weakness and Laziness	Difficulty in Breathing
Excessive Salivation	Cough
Feeling of heaviness	Laxity of Joints
Drowsiness	White discoloration of Skin

Benefits of Vamana

Improved digestive power and metabolism	Relieves productive cough and wheezing
Reduces signs of aging	Enhances fertility, libido, and virility
Balances Kapha Dosha	Improved perception of the 5 senses
Enhances strength and immunity	Improves intellect and wisdom
Improves longevity of life

 

Who can benefit from Vamana Therapy?  

People who have been diagnosed with the following conditions are considered fit for Vamana Therapy.

Skin disorders	Asthma and other respiratory disorders
Goitre	Diabetes
Herpes	Filariasis
Psychiatric issues	Disorders of Eyes, Ears Nose and Throat
Tumors	Bleeding disorders

How is Vamana done?

• On the day preceding the actual Vamana Therapy, the patient will be given foods that increase Kapha Dosha, for example, Mutton Soup, Sugarcane Juice, Dahi Vada, etc. This might sound puzzling because the actual purpose of Vamana is to eliminate Kapha Dosha from the body. By eating such food, there will be an automatic increase in the Kapha Dosha in the body. Therefore, it will be easier to expel the Kapha Dosha rather than in a situation where the Kapha Dosha is relatively limited.
• The next day, after the digestion of food consumed on the previous day, the patient will be fit to undergo Vamana Therapy. The patient is instructed to sit down on a chair. The patient is then encouraged to drink the Ayurveda Formulation to induce vomiting. The patient is then instructed to wait until the natural urge for vomiting appears. Bouts of Vomiting up to 8 times are considered normal in a successful Vamana Therapy. The appearance of bitter Bile in the vomitus is a clear sign that the Vamana Therapy has been carried out successfully.
• Because the body loses its digestive function after Vamana, the patient will be placed on a strict food regimen. First, a liquid diet consisting of rice porridge will be implemented. Our physician will evaluate the patient’s ability to digest food before solid food is gradually introduced. 

 

Can you determine if your Vamana procedure was successful?

Of course, yes! Ancient Ayurveda scriptures have specifically mentioned the signs where your physician can determine whether your Vamana procedure was carried out perfectly. They are as follows

Absence of Vomiting	Clarity of the Voice and Mind
Vomiting of the Vamana Drug	Absence of Nausea
Feeling of lightness

Guidelines to observe immediately after undergoing Vamana Therapy

• The patient must consume light, liquid food as per the Physician’s instructions.
• Make sure to maintain hydration by drinking at least 2 to 3L of water a day.
• Avoid gluttony, sleeping late or sleeping during the day, traveling, coitus, walking long distances, exposure to sun, dew, or strong winds, Suppressing natural urges like defecation and urination, excessive anger or grief, talking loudly, etc.
• Drink warm water only.
• The patient must take adequate rest following Vamana in a room. Care should be taken to not lie down directly beneath a Fan, Air Conditioner, or direct wind.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended solely for educational purposes. Treatment decisions should be made exclusively by a well-qualified Ayurvedic physician. Self-medication is strongly discouraged.