Dhoomapana (Medicated Inhalation)
Dhoomapana
Therapeutic inhalation of medicated herbal smoke, classically used to clear the head, throat and chest of excess Kapha after nasal and oral procedures.
neutral for Vataincreases Pittareduces Kapha
What it involves
Smoke from a prepared herbal wick or pipe is drawn in through the nose or mouth and exhaled through the mouth; different formulations (snehika, shamana, vairechanika) are chosen for the intended effect, always in measured doses.
Traditionally used for
- excess mucus in head and throat
- heaviness of the head
- hoarseness and cough (Kapha type)
- post-nasya adjunct
Contraindications & cautions
- Pitta conditions and bleeding tendencies
- pregnancy
- acute Pitta fever
- asthma aggravated by smoke
- after purgation or on empty/overfull stomach (per text)
Questions to ask a practitioner
- Which type of dhooma is appropriate for me?
- Is smoke inhalation safe with my respiratory history?
Evidence notes
A classical Kapha therapy; contraindicated in Pitta and bleeding conditions and requires careful supervision.
Classical sources
- Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 5 — Dhoomapana vidhi
- Ashtanga Hridayam — Sutrasthana 21 — Dhoomapana vidhi
Educational information about Ayurveda — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified professional before starting any herb, supplement, or therapy.