fbpx
+919945850945

Beginner’s Guide to Nasya Treatment in Ayurveda: Everything You Need to Know

Shira (head) is said to be Uttamanga (superior) organ of the body. The nose is the gateway of the head and neck. Nasya is the procedure in which the medicine is administered through the nostrils. This is one of the Panchakarma (five purificatory procedures) explained in Ayurveda. It treats the Urdhwajatrugata roga (disease of the head and neck). Nasya karma cleanses the channels of the head and neck thereby enhancing the functioning of sense organs and preventing and curing diseases related to the head and neck.

Navana, Nasta karma, Shirovireka, Shirovirechana, and Murdhavirechana are synonyms of Nasya.

Time of administration of Nasya

Charaka mentions three seasons that are ideal for the administration of Nasya, and they are Pravrit rutu (pre-monsoon season), Sharad rutu (autumn season), and Vasanta rutu (spring season). However, in emergency conditions, administering Nasya in cold places during the summer season and in hot places during the winter season is also advised.

Some others mention the specific time when Nasya must be administered during the specific seasons. Morning time is good during Greshma rutu (summer season), Vasanta, and Sharad rutu (spring and autumn seasons respectively). During winter days, noon is the time, and on rainy days administering Nasya when the sky is clear with no clouds is ideal.

Classification of Nasya

The classification of Nasya as explained by the pioneers of Ayurveda is based on factors like mode of action, method of administration, and form of drug administered.

Classification according to Charaka

Mode of action:

  • Rechana
  • Tarpana
  • Shamana

Method of administration:

  1. Navana
  2. Avapidana
  3. Dhmapana
  4. Dhuma    
  5. Pratimarsha

Part of the drug used:

  1. Phala
  2. Patra
  3. Pushpa
  4. Mula
  5. Niryasa
  6. Twak

Classification according to Sushrutha

  1. Shirovirechana
  2. Pradhamana
  3. Avapidana
  4. Nasya
  5. Pratimarsha

Classification according to Vagbhata

  1. Virechana
  2. Brimhana
  3. Shamana

Various other authors have described different types which are like the types mentioned above.

Description of the types

  1. Navana Nasya: This form of Nasya is the administration of drops of medicated oil or ghee in the nostrils. This is of types – Snehana and Shodhana Nasya
  2. Snehana Nasya – This type of Nasya nourishes and strengthens all the Dhatu.

The dosage of Snehana Nasya is as follows:

  • Hina matra (lower dosage) – 8 drops in each nostril.
  • Madhyama matra (medium dosage) – 16 drops in each nostril and
  • Uttama matra (higher dosage) – 32 drops in each nostril.

Therapeutic Applications of Nasya Treatment

  • Vata-Pittaja Mukha roga (diseases of the oral cavity originating due to Vata-Pitta dosha),
  • Akalaja Valita-Palita (premature wrinkling of skin and graying of hair),
  • Nasaroga (diseases of the nose),
  • Mukhashosha (dryness of the mouth),
  • Keshapata (hair fall),
  • Vatika Shirashoola (headache of Vata dosha predominance), etc.

Shodhana Nasya (Purificatory Nasal Treatment)

Shirovirechana / Rechana / Virechana Nasya can be included under Shodhana Nasya. This aims to eliminate the dosha. Drugs that have penetrating properties like Pippali (Piper longum), etc. are used.

The dosage of Shodhana Nasya is as follows:

  1. Hina matra (lower dosage) – 4 drops in each nostril
  2. Madhyama matra (medium dosage) – 6 drops in each nostril
  3. Uttama matra (higher dosage) – 8 drops in each nostril

Therapeutic uses of shodhana Nasya:

  • Shirogaurava and Shirashoola (heaviness and pain in the head),
  • Praseka (excess salivation), Urdhwajatrugata kaphaja roga (diseases of head and neck due to predominance of kapha dosha),
  • Gandhagyananasha (loss of smell),
  • Kaphapurna Talu and Shira (excess kapha dosha accumulation in the palate and head),
  • Apasmara (convulsions), Pratishyaya (rhinitis), etc.

Avapidana Nasya:

The expressed juice of leaves or kalka (paste) is administered in the nostrils. Medicinal drugs are made into paste form and then taken in a clean cloth and the juice is squeezed and directly instilled in the nostrils. This can be done with the paste form of the drug also.

The dosage of Avapidana Nasya is as follows:

  • Hina matra (lower dosage) – 4 drops in each nostril.
  • Madhyama matra (medium dosage) – 6 drops in each nostril and
  • Uttama matra (higher dosage) – 8 drops in each nostril.

Indications of Avapidana Nasya:

  • Manasaroga (psychological disorders)
  • Krodha (anger)
  • Bhaya (anxiety)
  • Apasmara (convulsions)
  • Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), etc.

Dhmapana Nasya:

Pradhamana Nasya can be considered under Dhmapana Nasya. In this form of Nasya, churna (powder form of drugs) is instilled in the nostrils. A hollow tube that measures Shadangula (six Angula) in length is taken with both ends open. Place the powder at one end of the tube, keep it near the nostrils, and blow the air from the other end such that the powder enters directly into the nostril.

The dosage of Dhmapana Nasya is 3 Muchuti (3 pinch). The drugs used are garlic, pepper powder, Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), etc.

Therapeutic applications:

  • Shiro roga (disease of the head)
  • Akshi roga (disease of the eye)
  • Nasa roga (disease of the nose)

Dhuma Nasya

Some pioneers of Ayurveda accept this as a form of Nasya and some others deny it. The practice of inhaling medicated smoke through the nostrils and exhaling through the mouth is Dhuma Nasya. But some mention that medicated smoke inhaled through the mouth and exhaled through the nose is Dhumapana Nasya. The latter is contraindicated as it is harmful to eyesight.

This is of three types:

  1. Prayogika – practiced two times a day
  2. Snaihika – inhaled once a day
  3. Vairechanika – practiced three to four times a day.

This form of Nasya is indicated in Akshi roga (disease of the eye), Shiro roga (disease of the head), and Nasa roga (disease of the nose).

Marsha and Pratimarsha Nasya

Instilling oil into the nostrils with the help of fingers. Fingers are dipped in the oil and then drops of oil are instilled in the nostril. The difference between Marsha and Pratimarsha Nasya is the dosage, in Marsha Nasya 6-10 drops is the dose while 1-2 drops is the dose for Pratimarsha Nasya.

Pratimarsha Nasya can be administered daily for two times a day, morning, and evening; in all seasons. It is indicated in children, of old age, who have dryness of mouth, premature wrinkling of skin and graying of hair, etc.

Worm infestation of the head, deafness, etc. are a few contraindications of Pratimarsha Nasya.

General dosage of Nasya

The dosage depends on the type of drug used and the type of Nasya. Sushrutha and Vagbhata have mentioned the dosage in the form of Bindu (drop). Bindu dosage is the amount of liquid that falls from the index finger after the first two phalanges of the finger is dipped in the liquid.

Different forms of Nasya have gradation of dosages and that depends on the clinical conditions, patient, and the tolerance of the patient.

Shodhana and Avapidana Nasya: 4 drops (minimum dose), 6 drops (moderate dose), 8 drops (maximum dose)

Snehana Nasya: 8 drops (minimum dose), 16 drops (moderate dose), 32 drops (maximum dose)

Marsha Nasya: 6 drops (minimum dose), 8 drops (moderate dose), 10 drops (maximum dose)

Pratimarsha Nasya: two drops are ideal.

Duration of Nasya Karma

  • According to Sushrutha, the total number of days that Nasya can be administered is 1/ 2/ 7/ or 21 days.
  • Vagbhata says 3/ 5/ 7/ or 8 days.
  • Bhoja mentions nine days for the course of Nasya karma.
  • Charaka says that the procedure can be done till the symptoms subside.

Procedure of Nasya

The whole procedure is divided into three phases: Purvakarma (pre-op), Pradhanakarma (operative), and Paschatkarma (post-op).

Pre-op or Purvakarma – is the phase in which prior arrangements of the procedure and the patient are done.

  • A proper chair to sit on or a table (Nasya table) to lie down is arranged.
  • The room is clean, devoid of dust, with proper ventilation and optimum light.
  • The patient is selected based on the indications and contraindications for the procedure.
  • Drugs suitable for Nasya are selected and are processed in either churna (powder), kalka (paste), kwatha (decoction), taila (medicated oil), ghrita (medicated ghee), etc. forms depending on the type of Nasya to be administered and the condition of the disease and the patient.
  • Equipment of the procedure like dropper for Snehana, Avapidana, Marsha, Pratimarsha Nasya, and Shadanguli yantra (hollow tube measuring six angula length) for Pradhamana Nasya are arranged.
  • The patient is explained about the procedure and consent is to be taken.
  • Napkins, towels, sputum cups, bowls, and all the other requirements are arranged.
  • On the day of Nasya, the patient should have passed urine and stools, previous meals must be digested, brushed the teeth and face must be washed.

Pradhana karma – main procedure

  • Mild massage over the scalp, forehead, face, and neck of the patient for 10-15 minutes followed by mild fomentation except over the head.
  • The patient is made to sit on the chair or lie down on the Nasya table with the head in a slightly extended position.
  • Cover the patient’s eyes with cotton pads.
  • Then, lift the nose of the patient and instill the medicine into the nostrils. Let the medicine be lukewarm.
  • The administration should be very gentle.
  • During the procedure, the patient is instructed to avoid talking, laughing, sneezing, or any movements of the head.

Paschat karma – post-measures

  • Ask the patient to lie in a supine position for 1-2 minutes during which mild massage is done to the feet, arms, shoulders, palms, and ears.
  • Any excessive medicine is administered, ask the patient to spit it.
  • Instruct the patient to not swallow the medicine if enters the oropharynx.
  • Medicated smoke or gargling can be administered to the patient.
  • Drinking hot water, eating light and warm food, covering the head and ears with cloth, avoiding excess talking, laughing, and exposure to wind, dust, sunlight, etc. are some of the dietary and lifestyle measures after the procedure.

Signs and symptoms of proper administration and improper administration of Nasya karma

If properly administered, there is lightness in the head and chest regions and the functioning of sense organs is at optimum levels.

If the karma is insufficient, heaviness in the head, excess salivation in the mouth, and a feeling of obstruction in the throat are the symptoms.

If administered excessively, there is pricking pain in the head, eyes, ears, and temporal regions.

Conclusion

Nasya is the purificatory procedure for the Urdhwajatru and the diseases. It is the only treatment for Uttamanga Shuddhi. The drugs used for administration can be in the form of powder, paste, oil, ghee, decoction, etc. The time of administration is different in different seasons. Nasya karma is classified based on the mode of action, drug of administration, and method of administration. The dosage of Nasya depends on the drug and method of administration and is usually in the Bindu Pramana (drops measurement). Duration of the procedure varies according to different pioneers and can be done till the symptoms are reduced. Diseases like Shirashula, Shiragauravata, Akshiroga, Nasaroga, Mukharoga, etc can be treated with Nasya.

References
  1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359401238_CONCEPTUAL_STUDY_OF_NASYA_KARMA_AND_ITS_VARIOUS_APPLICATIONS
  2. https://www.wjpmr.com/download/article/38082018/1535706575.pdf

Share With Your Friends