Vamanam

Vamanam Ayurvedic Treatment

The kapha toxins accumulated in the body and the respiratory tract are effectively removed by Vamanam, one of the Panchakarma in Ayurveda. Vamana is therapeutic vomiting, which is a medicated emesis therapy. People with high imbalance of kapha are given this type of treatment, which loosens and mobilizes the toxins, in an effort to eliminate them from the body. Waste products are eliminated through the upper gastrointestinal tract. The vitiated kapha are eliminated through the mouth. After vomiting, the sinus is cleared, which in turn provides relief from congestion, wheezing and breathlessness. However, Vamanam is not advisable for pregnant women, the aged, the weak and those suffering from cardiac problems.

Vamanam is suitable for treating:- 1• Anemia, 2• Chronic indigestion, 3• Sinus problems, 4• Cough and cold, 5• Oedema • Epilepsy, 6• Skin diseases, 7• Fever • Loss of appetite, 8• Lymphatic obstruction, 9• Nausea and food poisoning, 10• Asthma

Vamanam is a continuation of the Snehakarma and Swedanakarma (collectively known as Purvakarma) done the previous day. After administering Purvakarma, the patient is given kapha-increasing foods. Milk or sugar cane juice is commonly used for this purpose. The patient drinks as much milk as he/she can. Vomiting is triggered by giving a paste of Madana Phala (mountain pomegranate), along with Yashtimadhu (licorice) powder, rock salt and honey mixed with milk would be given. Within a short time, the patient feels nauseous and starts vomiting.
All impure accumulated kapha will come out. Vomiting is stopped when the pitta or yellow coloration is seen, which is considered the correct symptom. Then dhoomapana (inhalation of medicated fumes) is done. The smoke should be inhaled through one nostril and exhaled through the mouth which is repeated thrice.This is followed by Paschat-karma (post-treatment to Panchakarma). These are mainly food restrictions, called Samsarjana kriya. Just after Vamana, if the patient is hungry, thin gruel is given. After ascertaining the digestive power, thick gruel, or porridge and meat soup are given.