Vamana (वमन) – Ayurvedic Emesis Therapy

Vamana is one of the five Panchakarma therapies in Ayurveda.
It is a controlled therapeutic vomiting procedure performed to eliminate vitiated Kapha dosha and accumulated toxins (Ama) from the upper part of the body (stomach, lungs, sinuses, chest).

It is not like ordinary vomiting—it is a systematic, doctor-guided detox therapy aimed at restoring doshic balance.

🔹 Meaning

Vamana = Vomiting / Emesis
👉 Vamana = Therapeutic induction of vomiting to expel Kapha toxins

🔹 Procedure

1. Purvakarma (Preparation)

  • Snehana (Oleation): Internal & external use of ghee/oil for few days

  • Swedana (Sudation): Steam therapy to liquefy toxins and bring Kapha to stomach

2. Pradhana Karma (Main Procedure)

  • Patient given Kapha-stimulating medicines (like Madanaphala, Yashtimadhu, Vacha, milk decoctions).

  • Warm fluids given to induce controlled vomiting.

  • Patient vomits repeatedly until signs of proper cleansing appear (lightness, clarity, relief in Kapha symptoms).

3. Paschat Karma (Post-procedure care)

  • Rest given to regain strength.

  • Samsarjana Krama (special light diet starting from rice gruel to normal food) for proper digestion and tissue recovery.

🔹 Indications (When Vamana is Useful)

Vamana is especially recommended in Kapha-dominant diseases, such as:

  • Chronic cold, cough, bronchitis, asthma

  • Sinusitis, allergies, rhinitis

  • Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, leukoderma)

  • Obesity, hyperlipidemia

  • Indigestion with heaviness, nausea

  • Psychological disorders with Kapha imbalance (excess sleep, depression, lethargy)

🔹 Benefits

  • Expels excess Kapha & Ama from body

  • Relieves congestion of lungs, sinuses, stomach

  • Improves digestion & metabolism

  • Clears skin & reduces itching, rashes

  • Lightness of body and clarity of mind

  • Strengthens immunity & respiratory health

  • Prevents recurrence of Kapha diseases

🔹 Contraindications (When NOT to do Vamana)

  • Children, elderly, weak or emaciated persons

  • Pregnancy & menstruation

  • Hypertension, heart disease

  • Tuberculosis, bleeding disorders

  • Severe dehydration or high fever

✅ In Ayurveda, Vamana is considered the best therapy for Kapha disorders, just as Virechana is best for Pitta and Basti for Vata.