प्रायोगिक धूमपान – Practical Therapeutic Application

 प्रायोगिक धूमपान (Prayogika Dhūmapāna) refers to the practical, therapeutic application of medicated smoking, as distinct from merely daily or preventive Dhūmapāna. It is used during the active stage of disease with clear therapeutic intent to eliminate or pacify specific doshas or treat head-neck disorders.

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🩺 प्रायोगिक धूमपान – Practical Therapeutic Application

🔷 Definition:

“Prayogika Dhoomapana is the use of dhūma (medicated smoke) as a part of chikitsā (treatment), especially during active doshic aggravation in diseases of the head, neck, throat, and upper body.”

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🔹 Texts Referring to Prayogika Dhūmapāna:

• Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 21

• Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 5

• Sushruta Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 40

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🔹 Indications of Prayogika Dhūmapāna:

Disease	Sanskrit Name	Dosha Involved
Chronic rhinitis	दुष्ट प्रतिश्याय	Kapha + Vata
Headache	शिरः शूल	Vata, Pitta
Sinusitis	नासा रोग	Kapha
Cough	कास	Vata-Kapha
Bronchitis	श्वास	Kapha-Vata
Ear congestion	कर्णनादा, कर्णशूल	Vata-Kapha
Voice disorders	स्वरभेद, कण्ठरोग	Kapha
Mental fog, heaviness	मनोमलिनता, गुरुत्व	Tamas/Kapha
Trigeminal neuralgia-like pain	अनन्तवात	Vata

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🔹 Types of Prayogika Dhūmapāna Used:

1. Mārśa Dhūmapāna (मार्ष धूमपान):

   • Strong form, 3–10 inhalations

   • Eliminates deep-seated doshas

   • Requires preparatory procedures like Snehana and Swedana

   • Used in Kapha-Vata predominance

2. Vairecana Dhūmapāna (विरेचन धूमपान):

   • Evacuative; expels aggravated Kapha

   • Useful in thick nasal discharge, congestion

   • Herbs: Haridra, Vacha, Pippali, Saindhava

3. Śamana Dhūmapāna (शमन धूमपान):

   • Used to pacify doshas

   • Less strong than Vairecana, useful in Pitta-Kapha combined vitiation

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🔹 Procedure of Prayogika Dhūmapāna (As per A.H. Su. 21):

1. Poorva Karma (Pre-treatment):

   • Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation)

   • Patient should be calm, sitting upright

2. Pradhana Karma (Main Therapy):

   • Use a dhūmavarti (medicated wick) or powdered herbs on burning coal

   • Inhale smoke from nostrils, exhale through mouth

   • Repeat odd number of times (3, 5, or 7)

   • Avoid continuous or excessive inhalation

3. Paschat Karma (After-care):

   • Gargle (Kavala), rest

   • Avoid exposure to wind, loud sounds, exertion

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🔹 Common Formulations Used:

Indication	Herbs
Kapha-Pratishyaya	Haridra, Vacha, Trikatu, Saindhava
Vataja Shirashoola	Dashamoola, Shatapushpa, Ksheerabala taila
Mental clarity	Jatamamsi, Tagara, Vacha
Chronic sinusitis	Guggulu, Camphor, Pippali
Cough, asthma	Tulasi, Yastimadhu, Guduchi

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🔹 Benefits of Prayogika Dhūmapāna:

• Rapid relief from nasal congestion

• Clears sinus and respiratory channels

• Reduces headache and heaviness

• Enhances clarity of voice and mind

• Facilitates elimination of morbid Kapha

• Promotes dosha samyata in Urdhva jatrugata rogas

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⚠️ Precautions / Contraindications:

• Avoid in Pitta predominant conditions (unless cooling drugs used)

• Not advised in:

  • Pregnancy

  • Bleeding disorders

  • Debility, dehydration

  • Excessive thirst, hunger

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🕉️ Classical Quote (A.H. Su. 21.3–4):

“धूमपानं शिरसः श्रेयस्करं”
“Dhoomapana is the best for treating head disorders.”