Description:

Vamana Chikitsa, or Emesis Therapy, involves controlled, medically-induced vomiting. It is aimed to eliminate excess Kapha Dosha in the body which can otherwise trigger a series of ailments like acne, asthma, arthritis, chronic cold and diabetes. It is not advisable to give this treatment to children, the elderly, pregnant women or people suffering from tuberculosis or hepatitis.

Initially, the patient is given Purvakarma, or preparatory therapy, for three to seven days. Both internal and external oleation are done with medicated ghee or oil and the patient is made to sweat intensely. This directs the excess Kapha to build up in the stomach.

Afterwards, Pradhanakarma, or main therapy, is given to expel excess Kapha from the body. Patients are made to consume items such as black gram and sesame that increase Kapha, and herbal concoctions like Madana (Randia Dumetorum) to induce vomiting. Usually, expulsion of Kapha begins within 30 minutes of ingestion, and the emesis subsides on its own after six to eight such episodes.

Paschatkarma, or rehabilitative treatment, is prescribed after Pradhanakarma. The patient follows a special diet, avoids loud speech and exposure to sunlight, and takes adequate rest.