A LITERARY REVIEW ON VAMANA KARMA: CLASSICAL PERSPECTIVES AND CONTEMPORARY INSIGHTS
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Keywords
Vamana Karma, Pañcakarma, Śodhana, Kapha Doṣa, Samyak-Lakṣaṇa, therapeutic emesis, Ayurveda.
Abstract
Vamana Karma—therapeutic emesis—is one of the five principal Śodhana (bio purificatory) procedures described in Panchakarma therapy. Its core purpose is to eliminate aggravated Kapha and āma (toxins/metabolic waste) through the oral route, thereby restoring Doṣic equilibrium and homeostasis. Classical Āyurveda texts including Charaka Saṃhitā, Suśruta Saṃhitā, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Śārṅgadhara Saṃhitā, and Bhāvaprakāśa elaborate detailed indications, contraindications, pre-, main-, and post-operative regimens (Pūrvakarma, Pradhāna Karma, Paścātkarma), and the criteria of successful therapy (Samyak-Vamana Lakṣaṇa). Contemporary evidence suggests that Vamana exerts multifaceted physiological and biochemical effects including improved digestion, detoxification, lipid mobilization, and immunomodulation. The procedure is being explored for Kapha-dominant disorders, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammatory conditions. This review critically synthesizes the classical descriptions, compares them across the Bṛhattrayī, and interprets their relevance to modern scientific frameworks. A mapping table aligns classical parameters with measurable research variables to guide integrative clinical trials.
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Vaidya Sadhana Dadhich
PG Scholar, Department of Panchakarma at Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur.
Dr. Gyan Prakash Sharma
H.O.D & Professor, Department of Panchakarma at Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur
Dr. Kailash Tada
PG Scholar, Department of Panchakarma at Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur.
Dr. Jitendra Pal Bairwa
PG Scholar, Department of Panchakarma at Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur.
Vaidya Dushyant Sharma
Community Health Officer and B.A.M.S from NIA Jaipur (Batch – 2013)