Induced Vomiting (Vamana)

Bhagwati Ayurveda & Panchkarma Research Centre/Induced Vomiting (Vamana)

What is Vamana?

Vamana is one of the five therapies of panchakarma in Ayurveda. Vamana is therapeutic vomiting which is a medicated emesis.
This is an emesis treatment done through oral route to eliminating excess mucus by means of therapeutic vomiting and is recommended for patients suffering from chronic asthma, tonsillitis, anemia, chronic indigestion, sinus problems, cough, and cold. People suffering from edema, epilepsy, skin diseases, fever, loss of appetite and lymphatic obstruction can find this therapy beneficial.

This treatment is done for the aggravated Kapha dosha, which dislodges the toxins mainly from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. The Kapha toxins accumulated in the body and the respiratory tract are effectively removed by Vamana. Waste products and congestion are thus eliminated through the mouth. After vomiting, the sinus is cleared, which in turn provides relief from congestion, wheezing, and breathlessness.

The therapeutic procedure of eliminating morbid Kapha through the oral route is called as Vamana. It is indicated in Kapha predominant disorders, Chronic cough and cold, Bronchial Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Obesity, Hyperlipidemia etc. Around 6 to 7 days are required for the complete therapy. The subjective feeling of clarity of the heart, chest, head etc, lightness in the body, the timely passing of urine, stool etc are the features of well-administered emesis therapy.

Health problems commonly treated by Vamana therapy

Based on Ayurveda, Vamana can treat a number of health problems and uproot them, so that they do not occur again including:
  • Upper respiratory tract infection*
  • chronic indigestion*
  • sinus problems*
  • cough and cold*
  • Asthma*
Latest studies in the field of medical science suggest that certain symptoms of asthma can be cured by this highly effective form of Panchakarma.

Purpose of Vamana Treatment:

  • Vamana treatment is targeted to expel increased Kapha Dosha out of the body.
  • When Kapha dosha gets increased, it causes certain types of diseases – such as cold, cough etc.
  • If the extent of Kapha increase is less, then some oral medicines can be given to suppress it. But if it has increased to a large extent and if it has moved from its natural place to other places, then it needs to be expelled out of the body.
  • By expelling it out, the disease gets cured, often completely. Since Kapha is situated in the chest region, expelling it from the oral route is very easy. Hence, Vamana treatment is designed.
  • To expel it out, first the Kapha Dosha needs to be forcefully brought from the extremities and different organs into the stomach, and then vomiting is induced.

Get in Touch

    Vamana Therapy Procedure in Panchakarma:

    • Vamana is induced in order to eliminate the excess of mucus from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract that causes an excess of the Kapha.
    • Pre-therapy procedure: before inducing Vamana, the patient is asked to have Kapha aggravating foods such as the yoghurts, sweets, basmati rice, the prior night. This is done with the intention of increasing the Kapha so that it gets eliminated out completely and forcefully from the system.
    • On the next day, a drink is made out of vomiting inducing drugs- madanphala, licorice, calamus root tea.
    • This drink triggers vomiting in the patient if it doesn’t take place when it is induced by rubbing the tongue.
    • In this manner, the patient expels the whole Kapha outside and feels better & light after some time.
    • Post-therapy: patient should take rest completely and consume light food. Fasting is recommended after Vamana therapy as the whole system goes under heavy work.

    The benefits:

    • Vitiated and aggressive Kapha dosha is expelled out of the body, leading to a cure of disease.
    • The digestion and metabolism power gets enhanced,
    • Normal health is restored;
    • The sense organs, mind, intelligence, and complexion become clear and gain strength;
    • The person gains strength, nourishment, and immunity,
    • It improves the chances of fertility, virility and sexual power.
    • It helps to slow down the aging process.
    • One can live healthily for a long time.

    Pitta Prakopa Kaala

    Role / Functions of Pitta in our body
    • Generates Natural urges like Hunger & Thirst
    • Regulates Metabolism i.e. complete digestion of our food
    • Thermo-regulation (temperature regulatory mechanism) is because of it
    • Regulates complexion of Skin
    • Maintenance of Vision
    • Cognitive functions like Intellect, Courage, Conviction