What is Vamana Therapy in Panchakarma?

There are five therapies associated with Panchakarma in Ayurveda. Out of this five, the Vamana therapy is one that talks about medicated emesis. Generally conducted for issues related to Kapha dosha, this treatment successfully removes any toxins present in one’s respiratory or gastrointestinal tract.

Therefore, as a preventive and curative measure, one can induce Vamana therapy to expel any chances of getting affected.

According to Vamana in Ayurveda, it is believed that each season has a distinctive effect on our doshas. The spring season (Hemant) influences Kapha; winter (Sharada) tends to influence pitta, and summer (Greeshma) is known to influence Vata.

The aim of Vamana therapy is to get rid of excess amounts of Kapha present in our bodies. Higher levels of Kapha can be the cause of multiple issues like asthma, diabetes, chronic cold, acne and arthritis. Sometimes, if this amount is not majorly harmful, oral medicines are given as a preventive step.

However, in case of an exorbitant amount, it needs to be removed from the system. Expelling the excess often cures the illness. As Kapha is generally present in the chest, oral expulsion is the easiest route to go. For the therapy to be a success, Kapha is terminated out of the body by inducing vomiting.

The importance of Vamana Ayurvedic treatments is quite significant when it comes to taking precautions from getting infected by any disease. This therapy is applicable not just to patients with severe health conditions but also to those wanting health and a good life.

The therapy begins at Amashaya (stomach), where the accumulation of Kapha is the most. This is where the process of digestion begins. Extreme build-up of Kapha restricts the process of digestion from taking place properly. Vamana Karma influences Amashaya Shuddhi to help improve the process of digestion.

The benefits of Vamana therapy are evident and easily noticeable. A successful procedure will lead to the following benefits:

• The patient experiences a certain amount of lightness in his/her chest area after undergoing this therapy.
• It restores good health and cures skin issues like psoriasis
• It helps the patient gain back strength and provides a sense of relief as the congestion clears out.
• The aftermath effect of Kapha Hara reduces levels of CDL and serum cholesterol.
• It also reduces weight and triglycerides.
• This Ayurvedic treatment precisely focuses on reducing levels of toxins present in our body. Hence, it automatically fires up the process of digestion and heals the body from any internal complications.
• The Panchkarma treatment also helps to reduce stress levels in the system and manage weight issues. While taking the therapy, you need to stay away from any technology and social media. This practice alone can distress the system.
• When you have a healthy body, you can prioritise your well-being. Having a healthy body will significantly improve your mental health and give you the energy and motivation to go about your daily tasks. The Vamana therapy can help you maintain the stability of the three Prakritis- Pitta, Vata and Kapha, keeping you free from diseases.
• When you are eating well and indulging in enough amounts of activities in a day, your quality of sleep will automatically improve. Better lifestyle choices will award you with better functioning of mind and body, preventing you from falling ill
• Panchkarma also helps to reduce stress levels in the system and manage weight issues. While taking the therapy, you need to stay away from any technology and social media. This practice alone can distress the system.
• When the level of toxins in our body increases, it prevents the body from getting rid of dead cells. The Vamana treatment in Panchakarma cleans up blocked channels and promotes good health.

The Vamana therapy has the following steps which a patient is required to follow and these include: 

Step 1: In Vamana, Purvakarma is the initial preparatory process that lasts up to three to seven days. During this phase, the process of oleation (both internal and external) takes place. Medicated ghee or oil helps to induce perspiration in the patient's body. This provokes the Kapha to increase in the stomach.

Step 2: Pradhanakarma, is the next step which constitutes the main therapy. The Ayurveda practitioner provides a concoction of different herbal elements like Madana (Randia Dumetorum), which forces the process of emission of Kapha by vomiting.

Other ingredients such as black gram and sesame also help to speed up the process. After six to eight episodes of expulsion, puking subsides on its own.

Step 3: Vamana procedure’s final step is Paschatkarma. During this phase, the patient needs to stick to particular dietary restrictions. Other important points to adhere to are -

• Avoiding speaking loudly
• Getting enough sun exposure
• Resting adequately

This procedure is not suitable for every person. If you fall in any of the categories given below, it is advisable for you to avoid Vamana Karma therapy.

• Children
• Emotionally unstable people
• Aged people
• Pregnant women
• Weak people
• People with a heart problem
• Men who are suffering from prostate enlargement
• Anyone already suffering from vomiting