An advanced automated instrument that can be
effectively used to carry out the complex therapeutic emesis (vamana) as
part of ‘panchakarma’ treatment in Ayurveda has been accorded a patent by the
Controller of Patents.
The instrument was invented by a team of
researchers led by Dr. B Sreenivasa Prasad, President, Board of Ayurveda,
National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
The automated system is equipped with monitors which show vital clinical parameters of patients during the procedure, thus
aiding in continuous monitoring. It also has provisions to handle vomitus hygienically
and as per the biomedical waste management policy.
“The technology is the complete solution
for administering the Vamana procedure smoothly. The commercialization
of the equipment is being looked into so that it can be used in hospitals
across the country,” Prasad was quoted as saying.
Panchakarma is a complex Ayurvedic treatment
administered to expel vitiated doshas (toxins) and uproot the disease
completely and is done especially when the perturbation of doshas is
severe.
The term Panchakarma means five processes. The five
karmas include Nasya (instillation of nasal medication), Vamana
(emesis/ vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Snehavasthi (oil
enema), and Kashyayavasthi (decoction enema).
Vamana is a procedure
in which waste products or toxins are eliminated through upper channels, i.e., the mouth.
