THE ROLE OF VAMANA KARMA AND SHAMANA CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TAMAKA SHWASA: A CASE STUDY

Background: Tamaka Shwasa, a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of breathlessness, wheezing, and cough, closely resembles bronchial asthma in modern medicine. Ayurveda classifies it under Pranavaha Sroto Dushti, primarily involving Vata and Kapha Doshas with associated Ama. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of classical Ayurvedic protocols—specifically Vamana Karma (therapeutic emesis) followed by Shamana Chikitsa (palliative treatment)—in managing Tamaka Shwasa. Methods: A single-case study design was adopted. A 38-year-old male with chronic Tamaka Shwasa underwent Poorva Karma (preparatory procedures: Deepana-Pachana and Snehana-Swedana), followed by Vamana Karma with Madanphala, Yastimadhu, Saindhav, Vekhand & Honey. Post-Vamana, Samana Chikitsa was administered using herbal formulations like Vyagri Haritaki leha, shwasakuthar rasa, Kanthkari kwath tailored to the patient’s Doshic imbalance. Assessment was based on subjective symptom relief, frequency of attacks, and objective parameters like Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). Results: Significant reduction in dyspnea, wheezing, and cough frequency was observed. PEFR improved from 280 L/min to 420 L/min. The integrated approach provided sustained remission over a 6- month follow-up. Conclusion: Sequential application of Vamana Karma and Shamana Chikitsa offers a promising Ayurvedic strategy for managing Tamaka Shwasa by addressing root-cause Doshic imbalance and providing symptomatic relief.