धूमपान (Dhūmapāna) – Medicated Smoking in Ayurveda

 Certainly! Here's an in-depth explanation of Dhūmapāna (धूमपान) — the practice of medicated inhalation therapy in Ayurveda — including its classification, types, indications, contraindications, methods, and formulations, with references from Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya.

---

🪔 धूमपान (Dhūmapāna) – Medicated Smoking in Ayurveda

"धूमपानं हि शिरसः श्रेयस्करं" – Charaka Sūtrasthāna 5/15
“Dhoomapāna is beneficial for diseases of the head.”

---

🔹 1. Definition:

Dhūmapāna is the process of inhaling medicated smoke through the nostrils and mouth for therapeutic, preventive, or rejuvenative purposes. It helps eliminate Kapha dosha especially from Urdhva Jatrugata Vikaras (head and neck region disorders).

---

🔹 2. Classification of Dhūmapāna:

A. Based on Prayojana (Purpose) — Charaka Sū. 5/16–18, Ashtanga Hridaya Su. 21

Type	Sanskrit Name	Description	Dosha Targeted	Indication
1. Snaihika	स्नेहित	Lubricant, ghee or oil-based smoke	Vāta	Dryness, Vātaja diseases of head
2. Śamana	शमन	Palliative; dry herbs used	Tridoṣa	Kapha-Pitta-Vata disorders
3. Vairecana	विरेचन	Strong, purgative type to expel doshas	Kapha	Kaphaja diseases, heaviness, congestion

---

B. Based on Kāla (Timing) — Ashtanga Hridaya Su. 21/22

Type	Description
1. Nitya Dhūma	Daily use, gentle (Pratimārśa); promotes health
2. Kāla Dhūma	Used during seasons or specific periods
3. Vyādhi Dhūma	Used during disease conditions as treatment

---

C. Based on Strength / Intensity

Type	Description
1. Mārśa Dhūma	Strong, therapeutic dose. Done with 3–10 inhalations.
2. Pratimārśa Dhūma	Mild, for daily use; 1–2 puffs. Safe for all, even weak patients.
3. Ati-Mārśa Dhūma	Excessive dose, done rarely. May lead to complications.

---

D. Based on Action (Karma)

Action	Example
Śamana (Palliative)	Calms doshas, especially for maintenance
Śodhana (Purificatory)	Expels doshas from head and neck
Br̥ṃhaṇa (Nourishing)	Strengthens sensory organs, especially used after Panchakarma

---

🔹 3. Indications of Dhūmapāna:

• Diseases of head and neck – Shiroroga, Karṇaroga, Nāsārsha, Nāsāśoṣa

• Cough and Cold – Kāsa, Śvāsa, Pratishyāya

• Diseases of eye and ear

• Mental fog, sleep disturbances

• Stammering, bad breath

• Post-operative care of Netra/Karna/Nāsa disorders

---

🔹 4. Contraindications (Nishedha):

(Charaka Su. 5/27–29, Ashtanga Hridaya Su. 21/26–29)

• Raktapitta / Urdhvaga Raktapitta

• During Alcohol intoxication

• After heavy exertion or sexual activity

• Pregnancy, fever, diarrhea

• Bleeding disorders (nasal or systemic)

• Infants, elderly (for strong forms like Mārśa)

• Dry throat or mouth

---

🔹 5. Method of Dhūmapāna (Procedure)

Preliminary Preparation:

• Patient should undergo Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (sudation) before strong Dhūma

• Seated upright, with mouth and eyes closed during inhalation

Procedure:

1. Ignite the Dhūma stick or herbs

2. Inhale through nostrils, exhale through mouth (unless treating oral disorders)

3. Repeat for 3, 5, or 7 times depending on the strength

4. Aftercare: Gargle with lukewarm water, rest

---

🔹 6. Dravyas (Herbs used in Dhūmapāna):

Dosha Type	Recommended Herbs
Vāta	Ghee, Dashamoola, Shatapushpa
Pitta	Chandana, Ushira, Padmaka
Kapha	Haridra, Vacha, Pippali, Tulasi, Saindhava

Common formulations:

• Haridra Dhūma – For allergic rhinitis

• Vacha + Saindhava – For congestion

• Karpūra + Guggulu – For Vāta-Kapha disorders

• Jatāmāṃsi + Tagara – For calming mind, insomnia

---

🔹 7. Benefits of Dhūmapāna:

• Clears Kapha from head and neck

• Prevents disorders of nāsā (nose), karṇa (ears), śiras (head), and kanṭha (throat)

• Improves voice, smell, sleep, clarity of sense organs

• Balances Urdhva Jatru Vāta and Kapha

---

🔹 8. Complications (if improperly used):

• Dryness of throat, dizziness

• Bleeding from nose or mouth

• Headache, burning sensation in eyes

• Vitiation of doshas if done excessively or without indication

---

🔹 9. Classical References:

• Charaka Samhitā Su. 5

• Ashtanga Hridaya Su. 21

• Sushruta Samhitā Chikitsa 40