Vaman is induction of vomiting. Repeated attacks of bronchitis, colds, cough or asthma, the Ayurvedic treatment is therapeutic is an indication of vaman, to eliminate the kapha causing the excess mucus. After the purvakarma, three to four glasses of licorice or salt water is administered, then vomiting is stimulated by rubbing the tongue which triggers the vomiting center through the vomiting reflex. Often times this also releases suppressed emotions, which have been held in the kapha areas of the lungs and stomach along with the accumulated dosha. One may alternatively take two to three glasses of salt water, which will also aggravate kapha and then rub the tongue to induce vomiting till pittadarshana that is till appearance of yellowish vomitus. Once the mucus is released the patient will feel instantly relieved. It is likely that wheezing and breathlessness will disappear and that the sinuses will become clear. Therapeutic vaman is also indicated in bronchial asthma, diabetes, chronic cold, lymphatic congestion, chronic indigestion and edema.
One to three days before the vaman, the person should drink one cup of recommended oil two to three times a day until the stool becomes oily, or until he or she feels nauseated. The person should also take a diet to aggravate kapha in the system. Vaman should be given early morning (kapha time). The person should eat basmati rice and yogurt with much salt early morning, which will further aggravate kapha in the stomach. The application of heat to the chest and back will help to liquefy the kapha. The person should sit calmly on a knee-high chair and drink the concoction of licorice and honey, or salt water. This emetic preparation is measured and recorded before being drunk, so that at a later time the amount of vomitus from the decoction can be determined. After drinking the decoction the person should feel nauseated. He should then rub the tongue to induce vomiting, continuing until bile comes out in the vomitus. The degree of success in this treatment is determined by: 1) the number of vomitings (8 is maximum, 6 medium, 4 minimum), and 2) the quantity of vomitus (1 quart maximum, 1 1/2 pints medium, 1 pint minimum).
Emetic Substances: madan-emetic nut, madhuka-yastimadhu-licorice, neem-bitter leaf, bimbi, kutaj-kurchi- conessi bark, murva-clematis, triloba-devdaru-deodar, Cedrus deodara, Salt, NaCl, ela-cardamom, nux vomica.
After vaman, resting, fasting, smoking certain herbal cigarettes, and not suppressing natural urges (i.e. urination, defecation, gas, sneezing, coughing) are recommended. If vaman is administered properly, the person should feel relaxed in the lungs, will be able to breathe freely, will have lightness in the chest, crystal clear thinking, clear voice, a good appetite, and all symptoms of congestion disappear.
After practicing vaman in the morning, the person should fast until 5 pm, and then eat kitchari with ghee. He or she can drink cumin, coriander, ginger, fennel tea (equal portions). Steep in hot water and drink with one spoonful of honey. Or he can drink honey lime tea, using one spoonful of honey and one spoonful of limejuice to one cup of hot water.
Indications for Vaman:
Vaman is practised for all kapha type disorders, for pitta headache, dizziness. It will help to release blocked emotions, respiratory congestion.
Contra-Indications for Vaman:
- Age below the age of 12 years or over age 65.
- Menstruation or pre-menstrual period (one week prior).
- Pregnancy.
- In emaciated, delicate or sensitive person with too much fear, grief or anxiety.
- Hypoglycemia.
- Vata prakruti vata diseases.
- Heart diseases during vata season.
- Acute fever.
- Diarrhea.
- Obesity.
