Vamana (Panchakarma)
Vamana Karma, also known as medical emesis or medical vomiting,[1] is one of the five Pradhana Karmas of Panchakarma which is used in treating Kaphaj disorders.[2]
Only a limited number of high-quality clinical trials have been conducted to date. Common limitations include low sample size, inadequate descriptions of randomization and blinding protocols, inadequate descriptions of adverse events, and nonstandard outcome measures. In spite of this, preliminary studies support the use of panchakarma and allied therapies and warrant additional large-scale research with rigorously designed trials.[3]
Procedure
Generally Vamana treatment is carried-out in the early morning on an empty stomach when the Kapha is intense. The night before the therapy, Kapha aggravating foods are provided to the patient. On the day of the treatment, depending on the condition of the patient, heat is applied to the region of chest as well as the back portion to liquefy the Kapha.
After the liquefaction of Kapha in the body a special medicated drink is given to the patient that stimulates the emesis. Waste products (vitiated dosha) are eliminated through the upper gastrointestinal tract. After the emesis, the therapy is continued with ghee treatment and a steam bath. Proper rest is advised after undergoing the Vamana therapy.
References
- Mishra SS (2001). "Panchakarma Therapy in Shoola Roga". Anc Sci Life. 21 (1): 29–33. PMC 3331027. PMID 22557031.
- Gupta B, Mahapatra SC, Makhija R, Kumar A, Jirankalgikar N, Padhi MM, Devalla RB (2013-03-25). "Observations on Vamana procedure in healthy volunteers". Ayu. 32 (1): 40–5. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.85723. PMC 3215415. PMID 22131756.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- Vinjamury, Sivarama Prasad; Vinjamury, Manjusha; Sucharitakul, Sobhana; Ziegler, Ingebritt (2012). Panchakarma: Ayurvedic Detoxification and Allied Therapies—Is There Any Evidence?. Evidence-Based Practice in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. pp. 113–137. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-24565-7_7. ISBN 978-3-642-24564-0.