Last verified: April 2026
Vamana — Therapeutic Emesis
Vamana is the first of the five classical Panchakarma procedures — the therapeutic emesis that removes accumulated Kapha from the stomach and chest. Charaka Samhita documents Vamana as the primary procedure for Kapha conditions: chronic respiratory disease, skin conditions, obesity, metabolic disorders, and the seasonal elimination of winter-accumulated Kapha in spring (Vasanta Vamana).
Classical indications
Charaka Samhita, Siddhisthana 1 documents Vamana as specifically indicated for: Kaphaja Kasa (Kapha-type cough), Shwasa (dyspnoea, particularly Kaphaja type), Kushtha (Kaphaja and Pittaja skin conditions), Prameha (metabolic conditions with Kapha involvement), Arsha (haemorrhoids from Kapha), Mukhapaka (oral conditions), eye and nasal diseases involving Kapha, and as the seasonal Vasanta procedure for all individuals with significant Kapha accumulation.
Preparatory procedures — Purvakarma for Vamana
Internal Snehana — Snehapana
Progressive oral administration of medicated ghee (Ghrita) on empty stomach in increasing doses (typically 3–12 tablespoons over 3–7 days until Samyak Snigdha — complete oleation signs are present: unctuousness of skin and stool, loss of appetite for oily foods, and lightness). The ghee loosens Ama and Kapha from deep tissues, moving it into the gastrointestinal tract where Vamana can access it.
External Snehana and Swedana
Full body Abhyanga (oil massage) followed by Sarvanga Bashpa Sweda (full-body steam) each day of Purvakarma. This opens the skin channels and moves the ghee-loosened Doshas progressively toward the GI tract.
Kapha-increasing meal
The evening before Vamana, the patient is given a Kapha-promoting meal — typically curd, milk, sweet foods, and Kapha-increasing substances. This draws accumulated Kapha into the stomach, making it maximally accessible for the next morning's emesis.
The Vamana procedure
Administration of emetic preparation
The patient drinks the classical emetic preparation — typically Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum) decoction, or Yashtimadhu (licorice) decoction with honey, milk, and other specified ingredients per the classical formulation. These emetic herbs are specifically documented as producing vomiting through stimulation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa rather than systemic toxicity.
The Vega count
The procedure is measured in Vega (episodes of vomiting). Charaka Samhita documents: Pravara (maximum — 8 Vega, clear yellow bile visible, indicating complete Kapha elimination); Madhyama (moderate — 6 Vega); Avara (minimum — 4 Vega). The practitioner monitors and determines when to stop based on the quality and completeness of the emesis.
Dhoomapana — medicated smoke
After the procedure, the patient inhales medicated smoke through specially prepared tubes. Charaka Samhita documents Dhoomapana as clearing any residual Kapha from the upper respiratory channels and stabilising the post-emesis state.