History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c22.s3.38

v1.c22.s3.38

1. Vamana (Emesis): This is the first of the pañca karma series and consists in causing vomiting of the vitiated doṣas especially kapha from the upper parts of the body, by means of suitable recipes which possess repulsive, nauseating, indigestible and tending to move upward qualities. When this is properly administered, the emesis occurs; first salivation then the medicines taken, followed by kapha, pitta and vata in that order (SS. Ci. 33.22; CS. Si. 1-15). Channels of circulation are cleared, sense functions become effective; lightness in body and heart and clarity of mind are ensured. The emetic treatment is especially indicated in diseases when the vitiation of kapha figures prominently.