INTERVENTIONAL STUDY ON EFFECTS AND ISSUES RELATED TO USE OF DHUMAPANA PROCEDURE USING SPECIALLY PREPARED DHUMAVARTI

Abstract

Introduction: In Ayurveda, Dhumapana is mentioned as preventive, as well as curative procedure which gives strength to head region and sense organs; cures upper respiratory tract diseases. In today's era, world is facing various problems like pollution, COVID-19, stress etc. In such problems simple procedure like Dhumapana can be very effective. Objective: To study the effects and issues related to use of dhumapana procedure. In this study, Material and Method: Dhumavarti (stick prepared with medicated powders) was prepared by using specic procedure followed through generations and given to 12 subjects. Dhumapana procedure was demonstrated to each subject. Efcacy and issues related to use Dhumapana procedure were observed. Effectiveness of Result: Dhumavarti after 21 days of use against common ailments like rhinitis, rhinorrhea, cough, cold, headache etc. was found to be good. But subjects were not able to get habituated because of the problems faced during the procedure like, following instructions regarding Dhumavarti use, usage and storage. Discussion: Dhumapana can be effective procedure as prevention and cure in URTIs as it clears the sinuses and prevents it from infections. It can be used as preventive measure for COVID-19. It can be used as a Dhupana to cleanse the air. As per desired effects, the medicines can be altered. Subjects found it difcult to follow instructions regarding place, posture, time etc. and problems like placing; lighting- delighting, messy handling, storing etc. might have hampered the effectiveness. Conclusion: Effectiveness against URTI's was found to be satisfactory. Issues related to usage and storage of Dhumavarti can be tackled and efcacy can be increased though clinical trials.