E-ISSN:2456-3110

Research Article

Dhumayantra

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 7 JULY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Revamping the Classical Dhumayantra

Rahul H1*, Dhanya P2, Gosh N3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.7.10

1* Rahul H, Assistant Professor, Panchakarma, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College , Ollur, Kerala, India.

2 Dhanya P, House Surgeon, Panchakarma, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College , Ollur, Kerala, India.

3 Nandhana Gosh, House Surgeon, Panchakarma, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College , Ollur, Kerala, India.

Ayurveda is a traditional authentic science in which there are truths and trials yet to be discovered. Dhumapana is one among them. Dhumanetra and Dhumavarti are the main components in performing Dhumapana. Even though Dhumapana is of three kinds, Dhumanetra is one and only the same for all the procedures except in its length. In classics, Acharyas have mentioned specific materials that can be incorporated to make a Dhumanetra. Considering the cost effectiveness, availability, settings, economical aspect, non-reactiveness with Dhuma, safety, Clay is selected to make Dhumanetra. Dhumanetra attached to a Dhuma Chalika along with a handle made with the help of a pottery professional in Kerala is chosen as a prototype for effective Dhumapana. Dhumayantra is smeared inside with Ghrita (ghee) so that patients get benefits of Ghrita which can enhance the effectiveness of Dhumapana.

Keywords: Dhumayantra, Dhumanetra, Dhumapana, Yantra

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Rahul H, Assistant Professor, Panchakarma, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College , Ollur, Kerala, India.
Email: 		Rahul H, Dhanya P, Gosh N, Revamping the Classical Dhumayantra. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(7):74-79.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3331

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-05-09 2024-05-18 2024-05-27 2024-06-07 2024-06-17
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 14.74

© 2024by Rahul H, Dhanya P, Gosh Nand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Dhumapana using medicated elements is the procedure in which fumes are taken through nose or through mouth and expelled out through mouth.[1] In Ayurvedic classics Dhumapana is also mentioned under the broad umbrella of Nasya Karma (medicines instilled through nose) which is an important Panchakarma procedure.[2] In classical texts of Ayurveda, Acharya Charaka[3] and Vagbhata[4] have mentioned Dhumapana in the context of Dinacharya, whereas Acharya Susrutha has described Dhumapana as a parasurgical procedures.[5] It is not only performed as an individual procedure, but also as Paschat Karma of various procedures. Dhumapana is specially indicated for disorders of Vata and Kapha pertaining to Urdhwajatru (diseases pertaining to parts of the body above the neck).

It cures Gaurava (heaviness of head), Shirashula (headache), Pinasa (Rhinitis), Ardhavabhedaka (Migraine), Karnashula (Earache), Akshishula (Pain in eye), Kasa (Cough), Hikka (hiccup), Shwasa (Dyspnoea), Galagraha (Obstruction in throat), Dantadaurbalya (weakness of teeth), Astrava (Discharge from the morbid ear, nose and eye), Putigandha (purulent smell from nose and mouth), Dantashula (toothache), Arochaka (Anorexia), Hanu Manya Graha (Lock jaw), Kandu (itching), Krimi (worm infections), Panduta Mukhe (paleness of face), Slesma Praseka (increased salivation), Vaisvarya (impaired voice), Galashundi (disease of throat), Upajihvika (diseases of tongue), Khalitya (Alopecia), Pinjaratva (greying of hair), Kesha Patana (hair fall), Kshvathu (sneezing).

Atitandra (excessive drowsiness), Buddi Moha (loss of consciousness), and Atinidrata (excess sleep). The hair roots of the skull become strong, improves Swara and enhances the perceptions of Indriya.[6] To administer Dhumapana effectively, Dhumavarti and Dhumanetra are the essential components.

Dhumavarti

For Prayogika Dhumapana, Drugs like Harenuka (Pisumsativum), Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla), Chandana (Santalam album), Usheera (Vetiveria zizanoides), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), bark of Nyagrodha (Ficus bengalensis), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) etc. are pounded.[7]

For Snahika Dhumapana, drugs of sweet taste along with Vasa (fat), Ghrita (ghee), Madhuyashti (beeswax), and Jeevaniya (rejuvenating) drugs are used. For Vairechanika Dhumapana, Shveta (Clitoria ternatea), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Haratala (Orpiment), Agaru (Aquilaria agalocha), Patra (Cinnamomum tamala) are used.[8] To prepare Dhumavarti these powdered drugs are made into Kalka (paste). This Kalka is applied to a hollow reed of Sara plant and then made into a cigar of the shape of Yava (barley grain) having central thickness of thumb and length of Eight Angula (approximately 16 cm). After the paste dries, reed of Sara plant is removed, smear the wick with Ghee.

Dhumanetra

According to Acharya Charaka, the Dhuma passed through the Dhumanetra become Tanu (soft) and not harmful for Indriyas.[9] So, the Dhumanetra is essential for Dhumapana. According to Vagbhatta[10], Dhumanetra is straight with 3 chambers with a base allowing free movement of the thumb and tip with the size of Kolasthi (seed of jujube). The length of Dhumanetra differs according to the function it plays.

Acharya Susruta, mentions about the thickness of Dhumanetra to be of little finger at its front portion, having an orifice allowing a Kalaya (Round pea) to pass through, with the thickness of the thumb at its base in Prayogika Dhumapana. In the case of Snehana, Virechana, Kasagna, Vamaniya Dhumanetra, permits the passage of Kolasthi through it.

Dhumanetra for Vrana Dhupana is of thickness as that of round pea and with orifice in front allowing a Kulatha (horse gram) to pass through.[11] Considering all the measurements and its pertinence in action, Dhumanetra attached to a Dhuma Chalika and altogether it is made into Dhumayantra. Length of Dhumanetra is mentioned in Table 1.

According to classics, materials used are the same as that of Vastinetra as mentioned in Table 2. They are metals like Gold, silver, copper, iron, brass, also wood, bone, bamboo, tusk, horn.[12] Even though there are different materials for making Dhumanetra, many a times folded chart paper, written paper, Dhumavarti as such is used for Dhumapana.


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Table 1: Length of Dhumanetra according to different Acharyas

ClassicsTypesLength of Dhumanetra
Ashtanga Hridaya Snigdha 32 Angula (63.36cm)
Madhya24 Angula (47.52cm)
Tikshna40 Angula (79.2cm)
Charaka SamhithaVairechanika24 Angula (47.52cm)
Snehika32 Angula (63.36cm)
Prayogika36 Angula (71.28cm)
Susruta SamhithaPrayogika 48 Angula (95.04cm)
Snehika 32 Angula (63.36cm)
Vairechanika24 Angula (47.52cm)
Kasagna 16 Angula (31.68cm)
Vamaniya 16 Angula (31.68cm)

By using written paper directly there will be interaction of chemicals like carbon, sulphur etc with Dhuma. There is more chance of burns while using a folded chart paper and Dhumavarti as such.

We cannot control the Dhuma inside while using these. By considering these aspects, the need of development of a Dhumayantra which can be used effectively is an exigency.

Table 2: Materials used for making Dhumanetra

Ashtanga HridayaMetals like Gold, silver etc., Daru (wood), Asthi (bone), Venu (bamboo)
Charaka SamhitaSuvarna (gold), Rupya (silver), Trapu (tin), Tamra (copper), Riti / Pitala (brass), Kamsya (bronze), Asthi (bones of animals), Venu (bamboo reed), Danta (teeth), Nala(horn), Vishana/ Mahishadi Shringa (horns of buffalo) and Mani (gems)
Susruta SamhitaSuvarna (Gold), Rajata (silver), Tamra (copper), Ayo (iron), Riti (brass), Danta (tusk), Sringa (horn), Mani (beads), Taru Sara (pith of trees)

Aims and Objectives

In the current scenario, folded chart paper and Dhumavarti as such is used for Dhumapana. While using these:

  • There is interaction of chemicals with Dhuma and thus emission of toxic fumes
  • There are more chances of burns
  • Duration and volume of Dhuma cannot be regulated according to patient’s need

The veritable materials for preparation of Dhumanetra as per classics are not easily available. And also, the length mentioned for Prayogika Dhumanetra is inconvenient in current practice.

Because of these reasons, in spite of its broad effects, the procedure is not clinically utilised. So here is an attempt to modify the structure and material of Dhumayantra with the aid and suggestions of different experts. Through these modifications the practice of Dhumapana is increased and patients also benefit from the same.

Methodology

Structure: Dhumayantra can divided into 2 parts :

Dhumanetra

Dhumachalika

Dhumanetra can be divided as:

Mulabhaga: This is the part where it is attached to a base with material same as that of the nozzle inside which Dhumavarti is placed.

Agrabhaga: This is the part through which smoke comes out.

Nalika: The part which connects Agrabhaga and Mulabhaga.

Here Dhumanetra is made into a conical shape with Mulabhaga with a diameter of 2.5 to 3 Angula (approximately 5 to 6cm) and circular shape. Agrabhaga is circular with a diameter of 0.5 Angula (approximately 1cm). Nalika with slant height as 10 Angula (approximately 20cm) as in Fig.1

jaims_3331_01.JPG
Figure 1: Model of Dhumanetra

Base: It is hemispherical in shape and this is setup to accommodate Dhumanetra above and Dhumavarti inside. It is also attached with handle as in Fig. 2


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jaims_3331_02.JPG
Figure 2: Model of Dhumachalika

Material

Materials used for making Dhumanetra according to classics are rare in use because of its unavailability, high cost and non accessibility. Considering these, this can be replaced with clay.

Properties of clay: clay is a naturally occurring material composed primarily of fine grained minerals, which shows plasticity through a variable range of water content and which can be hardened when dried or fried. Clay deposits are mostly composed of clay minerals (phyllosilicate minerals) and variable amounts of water trapped in the mineral.[13]

  • Clay is easily available and accessible
  • Heat retaining capacity is more
  • Does not emit toxic fumes
  • It is firm enough to hold its shape, but pliable enough to be moulded into different forms
  • It is biodegradable

Medicated Dhumayantra:

There is a mention in classics that one should regularly inhale Dhumavarti after smearing it with some unctuous substance and applying fire to it. It is done to ignite Varti more easily. Generally, go Ghrita is used because this can impart benefits of Ghrita to the patient and also facilitates easy ignition. Go Ghrita has properties like enhancing Dhi (intellect), Smriti (memory), Medha (discriminative ability), Agni (digestion/metabolism), Bala (strength/immunity), Ayu (longevity), Sukla (virility) and Chakshushi (vision). It is better for the young and the old. It is desirable for those who wish to have progeny, to enhance complexion, beauty and sweetness of voice. It is congenial for those exhausted of Ksataksina (weakness after trauma), afflicted with Parisarpa (cellulitis), surgery and cautery. It pacifies Väta and Pilta and cures visa (toxicity), Unmada (insanity), Sosa (emaciation), Alakshmi (inauspiciousness) and Jvara (fever).

It is the most important among Sneha Dravyas which is Sita and rejuvenative.[14] By considering all these benefits, along with smearing Ghrita onto Varti, it can be applied to the Dhumayantra.

Preparation of Dhumayantra:

Fine clay is collected and kneaded using bare hands. After continuous kneading, clay becomes soft enough to be moulded into desired shape (Fig.3). First attempt is to make Dhumanetra, for that clay is kept on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and shaped using bare hands according to the measurement mentioned (Fig.4). At first it was difficult to mould clay. So, we sought help from a pottery professional and moulded the same as in (Fig.5). Next attempt is to make a base with circumference more than the base of Dhumanetra. Then a handle and a hole is made on its side so that we can blow through the hole. Then it is kept in the burner for drying and heated till it loses all its water content and becomes much stronger. After that it's painted using light brown colour (Fig.6) Also after drying and heating, medicated ghee is coated inside the Dhumanetra and Dhuma Chalika. Dhumavarti is kept inside the Chalika and Dhuma comes out through the tip as in (Fig.7)

jaims_3331_03.JPG
Figure 3: Clay for making Dhumayantra

jaims_3331_04.JPG
Figure 4: Initial phase of Dhumayantra preparation


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jaims_3331_05.JPG
Figure 5: Dhumanetra

jaims_3331_06.JPG
Figure 6: Dhumayantra

jaims_3331_07.JPG
Figure 7: Dhuma from Dhumayantra

Discussion

Dhumapana is therapeutic module mentioned detail in Ayurvedic classics. Dhumanetra and Dhumavarti are essential for performing Dhumapana. Different materials are mentioned for making Dhumanetra. But many of them are less available, costly, inorganic or non accessible. Due to these drawbacks, materials like folded chart paper, written paper, Dhumavarti as such are used. Dhumapana using these materials can cause adverse effects like burns, emission of toxic fumes.

So, we opted clay for remodelling Dhumayantra. Considering the material used the defining mechanical property of clay is its plasticity when wet and its ability to harden when dried or fired. Continuous firing of clay transforms it into different materials like metakaolin, which on further firing becomes mullite.[15] This will make the clay much stronger and hardened. So, clay can tolerate more heat and it doesn't break on heating further. Also clay is easy to be forged into gadgets.

Clay is easily available, environment friendly, economical, and non corrosive. Since the raw materials for making Dhumanetra are easily available, anybody can make one on their own if required. The entire product is convenient in size so that it can be transported to wherever needed. Throughout the making of Dhumayantra, it was difficult to mould by ourselves so we had to seek help from a professional. Medicated ghee is smeared inside the Dhumayantra to enhance its medicinal properties.

This helps to impart the benefits of ghee also for the patient. Considering the structure of Dhumayantra, Dhumanetra is straight conical shaped and is totally different from the Dhumanetra in classics. Since the base of Dhumanetra is broad, the amount of Dhuma will be less so that there is no direct harmful impact of Dhuma for the patient. Also this helps to avoid karnikas inside.

The space inside the Dhumanetra also helps in uniform spreading of Dhuma inside. Centre of Dhuma Chalika is made shallow to keep the Dhumavarti and a handle is fixed on the side of Dhuma Chalika to grab. A small hole is put on the side of Chalika so that we can control the Dhuma inside without separating the Dhumanetra from Dhuma Chalika.


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Conclusion

In the current scenario, Dhumapana done using Dhumanetra made of materials mentioned in classics is rare. It is necessary to explore more materials to make such instruments considering the availability, cost, non interaction with fumes; heat retaining capacity, accessibility, even one can make their own. Clay was the choice to manufacture Dhumayantra. A Chalika attached to Dhumanetra is meant to hold the Dhumavarti in it and also it has a handle so that users can easily hold the Dhumayantra. The structure of Dhumanetra is set up in such a way to have uniform filling of Dhuma and to reduce harmful effects of Dhuma.

Acknowledgement

We sincerely acknowledge faculty members of Panchakarma Department, HOD and Professor Dr. P.K.V Anand (MD.Ayu), Assistant Professor Dr. Rahul H (MD.Ayu) and all other faculties who guided us. We wholeheartedly thank the pottery professionals who helped us in making the Dhumayantra. We remember and thank all our colleagues at this moment for their valuable comments and suggestions.

References

1. Shashirekha H.K, Dr.Bargale Sushant Sukumar. Charaka samhita Volume 1. Chaukambha publications. 2017. Chapter 5. Page 97, 46-47

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6. Shashirekha H.K, Dr.Bargale Sushant Sukumar. Charaka samhita Volume 1. Chaukambha publications . 2017. Chapter 5. Page 93, 27-32

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8. Shashirekha H.K, Dr.Bargale Sushant Sukumar. Charaka samhita Volume 1. Chaukambha publications . 2017. Chapter 5. Page 93, 25-29

9. Agnivesaacharya Charaka Samhita with the Ayurveda Deepika Comm.- Chakrapanidatta Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan Varanasi, reprint Sutrasthana 5/51, 2008.

10. Sreekumar, Ashtangahridaya with English translation and commentary, Harisree publications, 2017, 6th edition, Volume 2, Chapter 21,7-8

11. K.R.Srikantha Murthy, Susruta samhita, Chaukambha orientalia Varanasi,2019, Chapter 40, page 391,5

12. Shashirekha H.K, Dr.Bargale Sushant Sukumar. Charaka samhita Volume 1. Chaukambha publications . 2017. Chapter 5. Page 92, 20-26

13. Moreno-Maroto, José Manuel; Alonso-Azcárate, Jacinto (September 2018). "What is clay? A new definition of "clay" based on plasticity and its impact on the most widespread soil classification systems". Applied Clay Science. 161: 57–63.

14. Sreekumar, Ashtanga Hridaya with English translation and commentary, Harisree publications, 2017, 6th edition, Volume 1, Chapter 5,37-39

15. Breuer, Stephen (July 2012). "The chemistry of pottery" (PDF). Education in Chemistry: 17–20. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2020.


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