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Ayurveda > Panch-karma > Nasaya
By Dr. Satish Kulkarni
In this article
we will learn about nasya—
the administration of drugs through
the nose. The nose is supposed to be
a pathway to the brain. It is also
presumed to be a way to mind. When vaat-pitta-kafa
(the basic body constituents) are
accumulated in the head/brain/mind, nasya
is advised. The nose is the
nearest possible way to drain dushti
(toxic substances) that gets
accumulated as a result of an
imbalance of the vaat-pitta-kafa.
Nasya is
recommended in health problems like
sinus congestion, different types of
headaches, convulsions and certain
eye/ear problems. Nasya also
helps in relieving mental tensions
and soothing emotional turmoil.
Ayurveda
mentions six main types of nasya:
1. Pradhamana
nasya:
This procedure indicates the
administration of medication through
the nose such that it helps in
cleansing. This type of nasya
is mainly used for kafa prakop
(aggravation of kafa). A heavy
feeling in the head, congestion of
nose/sinusitis, convulsions/epileptic
attacks, parkinsonism, etc. are
treated by way of pradhaman nasya.
Black outs, unconsciousness without
any obvious reason and hysteric
attacks also respond to this type of nasya.
The patient is advised to smell dry
powders or recommended nasal
irritants or these substances are
blown into the nose with the help of
a tube. Traditionally, vacha
or brahmi powder is used in
this treatment.
2. Bruhan
nasya:
This type of nasya consists in
the administration of medication
through the nose such that it has
nutritional value. This type of nasya
is mainly used for vaat prakop
(aggravation of vaat). This nasya
is generally used in conditions like
chronic headaches including tension
headaches, dryness of sinuses, a loss
of the sense of smell, etc. It is
also used in psychological
disturbances like anxiety, fear of
unknown things, feeling of emptiness,
negativity in thoughts, etc.
Different types of medicated ghee
(clarified butter)/oil /milk are used
for this treatment. These are
generally medicated with shatawari,
ashwagandha or similar herbs.
3. Shaman
nasya:
This procedure administers medication
through nose such that it helps in
sedation/ soothing. This type of nasya
is used in pitta prakop (
aggravation of pitta). It is
used to treat conditions like
discharge through the nose, headaches
related with hyperacidity, migraine,
etc. Herbal medicated decoctions,
mild tea and medicated oil are used
in this type of nasya. Ayurvedic
scholars recommend this type of nasya
for ringing noise in the ears,
tingling/numbness in the head, heat
related disorders, repeated
conjunctivitis as well as
loss/thinning of hair.
4. Navana
nasya:
This is particularly used in vaat-pitta
or kafa-pitta disorders. In
this nasya, decoctions
enriched with oil are used.
5. Marshya
nasya:
This includes administration of ghee/oil
for a particular reason which itself
is not a disease but is a result of
some body disease/condition.
6. Pratimarshya
nasya:
This procedure prescribes
administration of a drop of ghee/oil
daily or applying ghee/oil to
the mucosal lining of the nose with
the little finger, making sure that
it is clean and dipped in medicated ghee/oil.
This helps in lubricating the nasal
passage. This nasya reaches
the dhatu (body tissues)
through the nose and helps in
relieving trouble. It also helps in
respiratory allergies. Ayurvedic scholars
recommend this type of nasya
to release stress and strain as well.
The other way
of classifying nasya includes
categorizing them into mild and
strong nasya. Smelling flowers
like rose, jasmine, champak, mogra
and henna or administering the juice
extract of these flowers, is
considered mild nasya. Using
substances like brahmi,
ginger, garlic, onion, black pepper,
etc. is considered strong nasya.
Smelling or using mild or strong
substances is chosen according to the
need of patient.
To summarize, nasya
is the smelling/administration of
flower juices/medicines in the form
of dry powder or medicated ghee, oil
or milk. It helps in curing disorders
associated with the head, brain and
mind.
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