Ayurveda is a natural and sustainable answer to almost all ailments. Ayurveda focuses on balancing the three doshas that determine the well-being of an individual. One of the most commonly known procedures is Panchkarma Therapy. Panch means five, hence this therapy comprises 5 major procedures. Vamana, also known as Samshodhana or detoxification procedure, is one of the five main procedures of Panchakarma.
The purpose of Vamana therapy is to manage the irregularities of the Kapha dosha in the body. Kapha, which majorly resides in the chest, can be easily flushed out orally. Thus, Vamana is apt to treat this dosha. It is first pushed to the extremities and then gathered in the stomach. After the Kapha from all over the body is accumulated in the stomach, the process of Vamana or vomiting is induced.
Vamana, also known as induced emesis, is a process, wherein the toxins from the body are flushed out through the upper channels. The irregularities of Kapha and Pitta can cause various ailments such as cold, cough, and also some major diseases such as obesity, anemia, etc. Vamana is particularly effective for:
- Respiratory disorders
- Skin disorders such as Herpes, Psoriasis
- Heaviness in the body, fatigue, and indigestion
- Vitiation on breast milk
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea, dysentery
- Urticaria
- Impotency
Apart from providing relief from these ailments and removing the increased Kapha from the oral route, it also has many other benefits. It successfully treats:
- Gastric trouble and improves digestion and metabolism
- Boosts immunity
- Cures respiratory issues like Asthma and cough
- Eliminates toxins and excess Kapha
- Slows down the process of ageing
- Nourishes the skin
- Enhances virility, fertility, and sexual prowess
- Brings clarity to the mind, senses, and thought process
Vamana is usually performed early in the morning during Kapha Kala. Before the procedure begins on the day of Vamana, a hot fermentation is given on the chest and back to dissolve and liquefy the Kapha more. After doing this a medicine with Madanaphala, Yashtimadhu, Vacha, and honey is to be consumed. To top this and induce vomit, the patient is further fed with sugarcane juice, milk, or Yashtimadhu Phanta, so that they vomit in parts and flush out the Kapha.
It is important to monitor the patient’s position during Vamana. They are positioned to sit on a bed with knee height. It is properly covered with a bedsheet and there is a cushioned pillow and a towel placed to provide comfort. The provider then supports the patient’s head, sides, and presses the navel, and massages their back during the bouts.
Vamana is a process that requires mental and physical strength. Hence, it is not advisable for everyone. People who fall under the following category are not eligible for Vamana:
- Pregnant women
- Children
- Old age
- High obesity
- Any kind of heart ailments
- Kapha deficiency
- Good metabolism and digestion
- Enlarged spleen
- Blindness
- Hematemesis
- Nasal bleeding
- Loss of speech
- Bloating
- Intestinal obstruction or parasites
- Enlarged prostate
- Abdomen tumour
- Reverse peristalsis
- Haemorrhoids
Vamana Treatment Process
"A healthy outside starts from a healthy inside."
Vamana is not only used to flush out excess Kapha but Pitta too. The procedure of Vamana can take 9-14 days depending on the intensity of the treatment. It is a process that includes certain pre-Vamana procedures too.
- The first step is an introduction to Deepana which is used for corrections in the digestive process and increases the metabolism. It is a process that takes 3-5 days and involves the consumption of medications like Ashta Churna, Hingwashtaka Churna/tablet, trikatu churna, Chitrakadi Vati, etc.
- Followed by Deepana is Snehapana. This process involves consumption of medicated ghee or oil in an increasing quantity for 3-7 days to melt the Ama or toxins. Here the person is asked to consume ghee either till the skin turns soft and oily or till they pass ghee via motions.
- The next step is Abhayanga or oil massage along with steam to gather the toxins to the nearest point to pass out from the body. The night before the Vamana procedure, the patient is fed with food that flares up the Kapha such as curd rice, Dahi vada, Sweets, etc. Once the Kapha is triggered it becomes easy to flush it out of the body.
Once the therapy is over, the patient is asked to wash and rinse their face and mouth followed by counselling to give them strength. Vamana requires certain measures to be taken as aftercare. The patient is also asked to refrain from certain activities like:
- Talking loudly
- Sleeping during the day
- Excess or heavy food intake
- Expressing anger or grief
- Long-distance travel
- Walking for long
- Consuming food of opposite nature
- Suppressing natural urges
- Being seated for a long time
- Being exposed to sun, storm, wind or dew
- Participating in sexual intercourse
- Staying up at night
- Consuming foods that cause indigestion
- Intake of junk food
Diet After Vamana Treatment
The aftercare also includes a strict diet regime to be followed. After the Vamana procedure, the digestive capacity of the patient is poor. Thus, a solid diet cannot be introduced to the body directly. The patient is offered liquids in the initial stage then gradually moved to solids.
First three meals: A thin lukewarm gruel or Manda made with well-cooked rice.
Next three meals: Gruel prepared with rice or Vilepi, with well-cooked rice, little or no salt, and ghee/oil. Warm water for intake after the meal.
Next three meals: Thin green gram soup or Mudga yusha with little oil/ghee and salt, well-cooked porridge or Odana made with rice of two Prasruta.
Last three meals: Thin meat soup or Mamsa Rasa made with water and salt and warm water for consumption after the meal.
After having followed this diet for 12 meals (2 on each day), for six days, the patient’s digestive system is prepared for food with different tastes and their regular food from the seventh night.
Key Takeaways
Vamana is an important part of the five-step process of Panchakarma. Panchakarma is a sustainable answer to all the modern-day physical and mental issues and Vamana stands as a strong pillar in helping to achieve that. Panchakarma focuses to bring a balance amongst the three doshas in the body and that cannot be achieved without Vamana. Vamana not only balances the excess Kapha but Pitta too. It eliminates the toxins from the body, thus leading it on a healthy and fit path.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vamana Therapy
How is Vamana done?
Vamana is a process that flushes the toxins out of the body through the upper organs of the body. Focusing specifically on Kapha and Pitta, it accumulates the toxins in the stomach and eliminates them by inducing emesis or vomiting.
What is Vamana treatment?
Vamana is one of the five-step procedures of Panchakarma performed to remove toxins from the body and to bring a balance in Kapha and Pitta doshas in the body.
What are the benefits of Vamana treatment?
Vamana has many benefits some of which are:
- Respiratory disorders
- Skin disorders such as Herpes, Psoriasis
- Heaviness in the body, fatigue, and indigestion
- Vitiation on breast milk
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea, dysentery
- Urticaria
- Impotency
- Gastric trouble and improves digestion and metabolism
- Boosts immunity
- Cures respiratory issues like Asthama and cough
- Eliminates toxins and excess Kapha
- Slows down the process of ageing
- Nourishes the skin
- Enhances virility, fertility, and sexual prowess
- Brings clarity to the mind, senses, and thought process
Besides all these, it also removes excess Kapha and Pitta doshas from the body.
What should I eat after Vaman?
After having followed the strict regime and transition from liquids to solid meals, Shikanji and Khichdi are the most commonly accepted dishes after Vamana.
What are the 5 steps in Panchakarma?
- Vamana: It is a process of therapeutic vomiting or emesis.
- Virechana: A process of bringing a bowel movement to eliminate toxins using laxatives.
- Basti: A procedure of passing herbal oils and decoctions in the body using an enema.
- Nasya: An ayurvedic massage of the head, shoulder, and neck to enable the elimination of toxins through the nose.
- Rakta Moksha: The final step of Panchakarma that is done for the detoxification of the blood.
What is Sadyo Vamana?
Sadyo Vamana is a procedure performed to disinfect the mouth from pus and other diseased factors settled in the dental abscess without having to open it.
**The benefits of Ayurveda vary from person to person and the results may vary immensely based on the quality of the herbs, oil concoctions and medicines. BalanceBoat.com is not responsible or liable for the effectiveness and outcome of the Ayurvedic treatments. The information above is shareable purely for educational purpose it is not to be considered as a replacement for medical advice. Please always consult a certified specialist/Doctor before you embark upon a treatment.
