What is Vamana Karma? Benefits, Process, and Preparation

Vamana is one of the five therapies of Ayurvedic Panchkarma Chikitsa. In Vaman therapy, toxins are directly removed by inducing vomiting through the mouth, which is done through medicinal emesis. This therapy is mainly done to reduce the aggravated Kapha dosha and remove toxins from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.

It is a Panchkarma medical therapy done for curative and preventive purposes. In Vaman therapy, different seasons are believed to create a major impact on the mudra aggravation of the doshas. Kapha increases in Hemant (spring season), Pitta increases in Sharada (winter season) and Vata increases in Greeshma (summer season). You should adopt Vaman Karma in Ayurveda for the spring season as it works as a preventive therapy to cure Kapha related disorders.

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The chest area is the place of Kapha dosha. It is very easy to expel the increased Kapha through the oral route, so Vamana therapy is used. Vamana therapy is chosen for increased Kapha or burning sensation and bile with increased Kapha.

There can be some irregularities in our body due to the increase in Kapha dosha, which can cause many serious problems like cold and cough, obesity, anemia, etc. Vamana therapy is considered to be the most effective for these. Vamana therapy is also considered very beneficial in the treatment of many diseases like respiratory disorders, obesity, anemia, sour burp, heaviness of the body, diabetes, diarrhea.

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Vamana therapy is given to eliminate excess mucus from the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract, thereby eliminating excess Kapha. Before performing Vamana, the patient is given Kapha-increasing food like curd, sweets, and basmati rice the previous night. This is done to increase the Kapha so that it is forcefully eliminated from the body system.

The next day, Vamana involves a drink using medicines under which madafaka, licorice, and calamus root tea are given. This drink triggers vomiting in the patient and is continued by rubbing the tongue. In this way the patient expels all the phlegm and feels lighter and better after some time. After the therapy, the patient is asked to take complete rest and is given light food. Fasting is recommended after Vamana therapy as the entire body system goes into heavy work.

(Read more - What is Pitta Dosha?)

By taking Vamana therapy, the toxins present in the body can be removed. This can provide relief from the problems of lightness in the chest, increased appetite, and food poisoning. Let us know in detail about the benefits of Vamana therapy.

Vamana therapy is generally considered a natural and safe Ayurvedic therapy. However, sometimes side effects can occur. If the correct procedure is not followed by the patient during Vamana therapy, then it can cause some side-effects. Due to which you may have problems like stomach and back pain, muscle stiffness. Let us know in detail the disadvantages of Vamana therapy-

Stomach pain
If Vamana therapy is not done properly, then you may have stomach pain. It can be less or more according to the side effects on the body. If there is stomach pain, one should immediately consult a doctor.

Back pain
Back pain is a common side effect of Vamana therapy which can happen to the patient at any stage of therapy. If a person already has a serious problem of back pain, then he should get himself examined before getting this therapy.

Muscle stiffness
If you have not got the Vamana therapy done completely, then your muscles may get stiff, due to which you may have difficulty in doing daily work. In such a situation, after getting the therapy done properly, you should take adequate rest.

Dizziness
Due to not consuming the prescribed food properly after Vamana therapy, you may feel dizzy, which can be a serious matter. In such a situation, you should consume the prescribed food in sufficient quantity so that you do not feel dizzy.

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Some special precautions should be taken in Vamana therapy, so that your body does not face any kind of trouble, such as -

• Children below 12 years of age and people above 65 years of age are advised not to take this therapy.
• During menstruation, pregnancy and those who are struggling with mental problems like fear, pain or anxiety, they are also advised not to take this therapy.

Those taking Vamana therapy are first asked to wash their face and mouth with warm water. Also, he should be asked to lie down and rest for some time. Apart from this, as a precaution, the patient should avoid activities such as:

• Do not speak loudly
• Do not sleep during the day
• Do not eat heavy food at all.
• Do not stay angry.
• Try to stay away from stress.
• Do not travel long distances
• Do not walk too much.
• Avoid consuming junk food.

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Vamana therapy is very beneficial for us, which helps in removing toxins from the body. But keep in mind that this is not a common therapy, so it should be done by an experienced Ayurvedic doctor. The effect of Vamana therapy is possible only when its entire process is followed step by step. If you already have any disease, then get yourself examined and consult a doctor in any situation.