Nasya
Nasya therapy is an Ayurvedic process that can help clean the upper respiratory passage by draining out the excessive mucus. The term “Nasya” refers to the nose and the treatment involves the use of medicated oils, ghee, powders, juices of raw herbs (brahmi), honey, milk, salts, water etc.
Nasya is one among the five Panchakarma therapies. It is especially desirable for diseases of parts above the base of the neck; nasal passage being the gateway of the head.
Who is eligible for nasya?
Anybody and everybody can have an Ayurvedic therapy done. Precisely, if you suffer from ENT related problems such as sinus, migraine, ear pain or throat pain, then you are eligible for an ayurvedic nasyam therapy
How does the nasya work?
Ayurveda considers nose as the gateway to brain. Nose has openings of sinuses, connected to eye and continues below as the airway. Also nose has rich supply of blood vessel and lots of cranial nerve ends including the sensory area for smell. Also the upper part of internal nose is separated from the blood supply to brain only through a thin plate of bone. That is why when medicines are introduced to nostril, it spreads to airways, sinuses, eyes and helps to stimulate brain.
Procedure –
The procedure of Nasya can be classified under three steps which includes –
• Poorvakarma or pre purificatory measures
Includes facial oil massage or application of steam to face, forehead, head, ears and neck. This helps to loosen the adhesive Doshas.
• Pradhanakarma or main procedure
This is the main step of Nasya and includes instillation of luke warm medication in both the nostrils, alternately, with the help of proper instrument like dropper. The sole, shoulder, neck, ear and palm are gently massaged after the administration of the drug
• Paschatkarma or post therapeutic measures
In this procedure patients mouth is cleaned by giving luke warm water to gargle and then medicated smoke is given for inhalation.
How it is performed?
Nasyam treatment follows a few simple steps. You will need to lie down on your back and keep your head tilted to the back so that your nostrils open towards the sky. You may place a pillow or a towel beneath your neck for support, or hang your head off the edge of the bed. Apply 5-10 drops of lukewarm nasyam oil in each nostril drop by drop. The temperature of the oil should not exceed your body temperature, otherwise it may harm the mucous membrane or nasal cavity. The different herbal oils used in the preparation of nasyam are- narayana, anu, shadbindu, guraadi, marichyadi etc. Some herbs commonly used in the therapy include- vidanga, hingu, apamarg, tulsi, lahsuna and maricha.
After applying drops of the medicinal oil, cover your left nostril with one hand and breathe in through the right nostril. Now cover your right nostril and breathe out through the left one. After repeating this action for a while, you will need to stay back and relax for sometime. The medicated oils and powders used in this process stimulate the crucial centers of your nervous system and venous system, and thus reduce the blockage in channels to overcome certain ENT related disorders
Benefits –
• Pain Management : Nasyam is beneficial in treatment of headaches, Migraine and Cervical Spondylosis. Medicated oils or powders stimulate the some vital centers of brain that reduce pain perception.
• Stress Reduction : It includes administration of medicated drugs or oils through nostrils. It stimulates the vital centers of brain that regulate emotions.
• De-Toxification : Nasyam is one of the panchakarmas and is indicated as an important Ayurvedic de-toxification therapy.
• Skin & Hair Care : With regular treatment, Nasyam can improve skin complexion. It can also improve hair texture and prevent greying of hair.
• Paralysis : As mentioned in Ayurveda nose is the opening to reach the brain, any medicine instilled in nasal cavity acts directly on brain.
• Elderly Care : Ayurvedic Nasyam treatment can be used in disorders that develop with increasing age such as pain, paralysis, stress etc.
• Immunity : Use of Immunity boosting herbs for Nasyam can be beneficial in people who show low Immunity.
• Eye Care : Medications administered through nasal cavity act on the specific area of brain that are involved in regulating vision.
• Cleanses sinuses :The process effectively soothes the nasal passage and clears the sinuses to promote breathing.
• Mental Health : Medication administered through nasal cavity act on the specific area of brain to improve mood and emotions.
Who is not eligible for Nasya?
You should not go for the therapy if you are suffering from severe health conditions like fever or an infectious disease. Nasyam treatment is not recommended during menstruation or pregnancy, during an asthma attack or heart attack, or immediate after the neti pot.
Side effects –
There are no known side effects of Ayurvedic nasya therapy as they are very effective and safe. However, when the oil goes down your throat, you may feel a burning sensation or irritation in the throat and all over the face. These are usual symptoms and go away automatically after a while without much complication or serious side effects.
For more informative articles on Panchakarma therapy and other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult with our experienced team of doctors, get benefits and stay healthy.