Probable Cardiac Complications of Vaman Karma in Hrid rogas (Cardiac diseases)

Abstract

In India, perhaps due to rapid pace of economic development, epidemiological changes have spanned a much shorter time. As a consequence, cardiovascular disease has emerged as the leading cause of death all over India. Heart is the centre of circulatory system that plays a major role in the physiological processes of the body. In Ayurveda, Hridaya has been described as the site of Mana (mind), Buddhi (intellect) and Chetana (soul). Vaman karma, a prime treatment modality of Panchakarma, though has been mentioned as a curative procedure for Hrid roga, is now becoming less popular day by day in anticipation of its probable cardiac complications. If Vaman is not administered properly, it even plays a role as etiological factor of Hrid roga as well as its predisposing factor. Sushruta has indicated Vaman Karma in all type of Hrid rogas, but Charak has mentioned it only in Kaphaja Hrid roga.

In Ayurvedic classics, many signs and symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular complications like Hrid graham (cardiac spasm), Hridyopsarana (Cardiac arrest), Mrityu (death) etc are described in the context to Vaman karma. Vaman karma in a cardiac patient must be planned judiciously; otherwise it may produce severe complications at any stage of therapy. This article lays emphasis on the probable cardiac complications of Vaman karma that may occur in a cardiac patient by various mechanisms such as by reducing blood supply to heart tissue or by causing low cardiac output state etc.