External Therapy Protocol
Dhoomapana (Therapeutic Herbal Smoking)
in Bengaluru
Dhoomapana is the inhalation of medicated smoke generated from specific Ayurvedic herbs. It is a critical therapy used to clear deep-seated mucus (Kapha) from the sinuses, throat, and lungs, often performed after Vamana (emesis) or Nasya.
Clinical Benefits
- Rapidly clears thick, sticky mucus from the sinuses and chest
- Relieves heavy headaches, chronic sinusitis, and nasal congestion
- Strengthens the respiratory tract and improves the sense of smell
- Highly effective in preventing the recurrence of asthma and allergies
Clinical Procedure
1. Preparation (Purvakarma)
- • A medicinal cigar (Varti) is made by coating a reed with herbal pastes (like Turmeric, Guggulu, Agarwood) and drying it, or herbs are placed on hot coals.
2. Main Action (Pradhana Karma)
The patient inhales the medicated smoke through the nose or mouth using a special tube (Netra). Crucial rule: Smoke inhaled through the nose must be exhaled through the mouth, and smoke inhaled through the mouth must be exhaled through the mouth. (Never exhale through the nose to protect the eyes).
3. Post-Therapy (Paschatkarma)
- • The mouth is rinsed with warm water.
Patient FAQs
Is inhaling smoke harmful to the lungs?
This is not tobacco smoke. Dhoomapana uses specific, highly purified medicinal herbs designed to dilate the bronchioles and melt mucus. It is inhaled in a very controlled, therapeutic manner, not habitually.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Abhiram SSBAMS (Reg No: 36991)
Chief Consultant, Ayurvedic Rheumatology & Dermatology • Updated: 2026-07-24
Protocol Details
Duration
3 to 5 minutes, done in multiple short puffs.Frequency
Usually done as a post-therapy (Paschat Karma) after Nasya or Vamana.Primary Indications
condition-chronic-sinusitiscondition-bronchial-asthmacondition-allergic-rhinitiscondition-migraine
Contraindications
- Bleeding disorders or severe Pitta conditions (heat/burning)
- Dry cough, extreme emaciation, or dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Children and the elderly