Nasya (Medicated Errhines Therapy): one of the best detoxification methods for Hair problems, ENT disorders & Headaches, etc.

Table of Contents

Introduction & Definition of Nasya:

Administration of the drug through nostrils is known as Nasya.

Navana & Nastah karma are the synonyms of Nasya karma.

Nose is the gateway of the head. The drug administered through the nostrils, moves up the channels up to Shrungatak Marma (Cavernous sinus) & spreads to the whole of the interior of the head, the channels of eyes, ears, throat & deeper into the lungs & cures all most all diseases of the head.

Nasya is one of the 5 panchakarma (Ayurvedic detoxification therapies) techniques.

Which medical products can be used in Nasya procedure?

Taila (sesame oil) is the best drug of choice for nasal administration as the head is the seat for Kapha dosha & the other oleating substances are not suitable for the elimination of vitiated kapha.

The most common Nasya treatment includes the application of medicated Oil or Ghee (Clarified butter), sometimes with additional powdered herbs.

Nasya eliminates excess doshas (metabolic waste product) from the head & when applied with oil or ghee it nourishes as it cleanses. Oil is deeply nurturing, it gently clears and softens as it passes through the tissue. This process allows for a smooth flow of oxygen & prana, eliminating any stagnation or blockages causing symptoms or discomfort.

The 2 Types of Nasya:

Depending upon the quantity of Nasya material, there are different types of Nasya that come under two main categories which are Marsha Nasya & Pratimarsha Nasya.

Here is difference between Marsha Nasya & Pratimarsha Nasya:

	Marsha Nasya	Pratimarsha Nasya
Quantity or dosage.	Dosage varies from 6-8-10 drops depending upon severity of disease.	Dosage is only 2 drops.
Age	Can be given to a patient of age 7 to 80 years.	Pratimarsha Nasya can be given from birth to death.
Procedure	This should be performed under observation of an Ayurvedic physician.	Patients can do this without any assistance from anyone.
Complications	If given in overdose, complications can be seen.	No complications will be seen with Pratimarsha Nasya
Duration of action/effect.	It’s fast acting (Immediate effect). Results of treatment can be seen within a shorter period of time.	Pratimarsha Nasya also gives similar effects to that of Marsha Nasya if it is used for a longer period.
Benefits	Marsh Nasya is more beneficial to patients as compared to Pratimarsha Nasya.	Comparatively it’s less beneficial.

The Overall Benefits of Nasya:

When Nasya is performed correctly it can:

Enhances mental & sensory acuity.
Promotes mental clarity & emotional happiness.
Clears the nose & sinuses of obstruction.
Promotes cleansing & flow of lymphatic fluid.
Bestows a clear voice.
Promotes lightness of the body.
Soothes dryness in the nose.
Eliminates the symptoms of disease.

With continuous usage it can help in following:

Sense organs (Ears, Eyes, Nose, Tongue, Skin) become strong & well functioned.

Improves skin texture & complexion.
Stops or delays graying hair & alopecia. Hair doesn’t become gray, if you take nasal administration regularly.
Increases the flow of prana through Ida & Pingala naadis.
Strengthens the neck, shoulders & arms, chest become thick, well developed & bright.

Indications of Nasya:

Nasya is indicated for:

Diseases affecting the parts of the body above the shoulders such as headache, stiffness of the neck, facial palsy, migraine, hemicranias, locked jaws, torticollis, hoarseness of voice, dryness of the nose & mouth, unable to talk, difficult in moving arm & the diseases originated due to the vitiation of Vata.
Eye related disorders like conjunctivitis, reddish lines in the eyes, difficulty in opening the eyelids immediately after getting up from sleep.
Hemorrhagic disorders like bleeding from the nose (Epistaxis).
Hoarseness of voice, swelling, enlargement of oral glands.
Worms in head, tumors in head, rash & other skin diseases of head, epilepsy.
Coryza & the diseases originated due to the vitiation of kapha.
Chronic upper respiratory disorders.
Pigmentation (blackish & blue) on the skin, discoloration, premature wrinkles on the skin, graying of hair & baldness, diseases of the scalp.

Contraindications of Nasya:

Nasya should not be conducted to the persons:

Who have just taken water, alcohol, artificial poison & unctuous substances and food or desired to take.
Who has taken a head bath or desired to take.
Conducted venesection or having bleeding.
Acute coryza, urge to pass urine & stools.
After delivery, those suffering from coughs.
After conduction of emesis, purgation & enema.
During the unsuitable season, inauspicious days & sky is full of clouds.
Menstruating woman.
Acute indigestion.
Acute intoxication of all drugs, including alcohol.
Having wet hair 1 hour before/after the procedure.
Immediate stress, such as excessive exercise or emotional melt down.
Suffering from fever or other acute infections.
Pregnancy and postnatal period.

How to Do Nasya at Home?

Nasya can be administered by an Ayurvedic practitioner combined with Abhyanga (oil massage) of the head. Once you’ve received a session from an ayurvedic physician, then you’ll have the proper understanding of the procedure and Nasya treatments can be done at home on a daily basis or as prescribed.

Proper Procedure:

Wake up in the morning, wash face, eliminate bowel contents & cleanse the mouth.
Warm medicated oil or plain sesame oil by placing the oil in a glass dropper bottle & then placing the dropper bottle in a cup full of boiled water allowing the oil to heat from the transference of heat through the glass.
If doing Abhyanga then perform it now. If not doing full body Abhyanga then place a drop of oil on the fingers & gently massage the whole face specially the sinus cavities & around the eyes.
After facial massages, follow light sudation (take steams on face in minimal quantity. The main purpose here is to warm the sinus cavities for increased opening & penetration of the oil.
Lay down on your back with a pillow under your thoracic spine so your head is gently tilted back & your nose facing skywards.
Place 2 drops of the Nasya solution up each nostril (or as prescribed) & relax for 2-5 minutes while the oil penetrates the sinus cavities, lymphatic channels & the nervous system.
Rise to an upright position & inhale the Nasya drops so that you can spit it out through your mouth. Do not swallow the Nasya drops as this solution will now contain bodily toxins, doshas & other influences that you want to eradicate from the body.
Gargle & rinse the mouth out with warm water.
In this way, It should be repeated twice or thrice.
As there is some irritation of the mucous membranes, for some people there may be continual cleansing over the next couple of hours. This is a good sign of effective treatment & you should continue to spit out whatever comes up. If it lasts more than a couple hours then you should consult your qualified health practitioner for guidance.

Here are few medicated liquids which can be used for everyday for Pratimarsha Nasya at home:

Anu Taila
Panchendriya Vardhan Taila.
Til (Sesame oil) Taila.
Shatpaki or Sahastrapaki Bala Taila
Brihat Chagaladya Ghrita. Etc.

Disclaimer:

Above given article is only for knowledge and information purposes. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your ayurvedic physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. One can consult an ayurvedic physician & get good treatment for any abnormalities or ailments.