Vamanam or emesis, an induced vomiting procedure is an intense panchakarma procedure performed to release the toxins present in the upper part of the body and regulate the water element, Kapha.

Benefits

• This treatment helps to cure and prevent the occurrence of excessive kapha related disorders and regulates the water element which is mainly present in the upper part of the body. It helps in releasing  all the toxins produced due to suppressed emotions in the chest, throat and head regions. After the treatment,  you feel “light as a feather” feeling and peace of mind.

Procedure

• On the day prior to Vamanamm, special meals with desserts are served.
• On the day of the Vamanamm, you have to rise early. The treatment usually starts at 6:00 am. First, a mild massage is done and steam is given. Then you have to enter the treatment room with a pleasant mind and sit comfortably on the chair provided. 
• After the prayer, the physician will provide you with the first round of medicines, mostly milk, which you have to drink until you feel filled up to your throat. Along with the milk, a special herbal liquid that helps in inducing vomiting is given.
• Wait for a few minutes and if vomiting does not occur, please put your fingers in the throat to induce vomiting. This is absolutely normal to do if the vomiting does not happen on its own, and does not interfere with the therapy.
• When you feel like vomiting, slightly bend forward towards the bucket and expel the vomitus out. The therapists will massage your back and gently press the abdomen which helps in vomiting. They will also hold your forehead to prevent you from falling. 
• The second and third rounds of medicine consist of mild herbal liquid which you need to drink till you feel full and vomit again like before.
• The fourth round consists of drinking saltwater for balancing the salt loss from the body as a result of the vomiting process and it will be followed by normal water.
• The fifth round consists of drinking plain water till your stomach feels full and vomiting again. 
• The doctor will guide you throughout the process and will give you proper instructions to follow. He/she can also decide to stop the vomiting process at any step after observing the expelled vomitus and/or your physical condition.
• The number of rounds will depend on the physician’s observations with respect to your condition, contents of the expelled vomitus and your level of clarity/consciousness. It can range from 3 to 7 rounds. It is not necessary to undergo all the rounds for effective cleansing.
• After vomiting and washing your mouth you have to inhale medicated smoke – dhoopam, through your nose and exhale through your mouth while keeping the eyes closed, which helps to separate the remaining unwanted Kapha coating your throat and chest region.
• You may be advised to undergo nasyam, nasal cleaning with herbal juice in the afternoon.
• You will be given a special drink by 9 am. You can take it if you feel hungry or tired. Rice gruel or porridge will be served when you feel hungry again.
• There is a possibility that you may have loose stools /diarrhoea or you may vomit again after going back to the room. This is a normal occurrence.
• If you are not able to vomit at all during the procedure, your doctor may proceed with other methods of cleansing.

Do’s

• Be calm and relaxed during the procedure.
• After the completion of the process, take complete rest by lying down or sitting on an easy chair. 
• If you feel extremely tired or dehydrated keep drinking or sipping hot water or the special water provided.
• If you have any discomfort at any point in time, inform the physicians immediately.
• If you feel hungry during the day, you may drink hot water/special water till noon as prescribed by the physician and for lunch, you may consume kanji (rice gruel).

Don’ts

• Do not engage in strenuous activities after the treatment.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun and always cover your head with a hat or use an umbrella.
• Avoid talking and engaging in other activities like using electronic gadgets during the procedure.
• Travelling should be avoided on the day of the procedure.
• Avoid cold water baths and exposure to cool wind.
• Cover your throat, ears and head if there is wind. 
• Do not hold back the urge to vomit or pass stools. When there is an urge, relieve yourself immediately.
• Do not eat anything other than what the physician advises in the next few days after the procedure. 
• Avoid sleeping during the day.

*Note: On this day, no other treatment or medicine is given.