Nasya Karma is a therapeutic procedure of Ayurveda in which herbs, medicated oils and Ayurvedic drugs are administered through the nose or nasal route to treat various disorders. According to Ayurveda, Nasya Karma can balance all three Doshas. However, the leading role of Nasya is to pacify aggravated Vata Dosha in the body. As the nose is the direct passage to the brain, Nasya Karma can vastly improve the functioning of the respiratory system and nervous system in the body. Therefore, Ayurveda mentions Nasya as a part of the Panchakarma therapy as well as Dinacharya or daily routine.
What are the Various Types of Nasya Karma?
There are various methods to do Nasya Karma based on the techniques and medications used. The type of Nasya therapy to be chosen highly depends on the medical conditions and diseases of the patient. Some of the Nasya therapies are:
- Marsha and Pratimarsha Nasya: In both Marsha and Pratimarsha Nasya, medicated oils are administered through the nasal passage. However, Marsha is done to cure diseases, whereas Pratimarsha is done to prevent diseases in the body.
- Pradhamana Nasya: In Pradhaman Nasya, Chruna or powder of Ayurvedic herbs and drugs are inhaled through nostrils using a Nadi Yantra.
- Avapida: In Avapida Nasya, the juice extracts of Ayurvedic drugs are administered through nostrils. It is highly effective in the treatment of neurological disorders, mental disorders, anxiety, etc.
- Dhooma Nasya: In Dhooma Nasya, medicated fumes are inhaled through the nostrils and exhaled through the oral route. It is effective in the treatment of nose and sinus related disorders.
- Nasapana: In this Nasya therapy, medicated oils are administered through the nasal passage to treat various diseases and disorders in the body.
What are the Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Nasya Karma?
Strengthens Nasal Passage: Nasya Karma helps to clean, purify and strengthen the nasal passage and help to boost the overall respiratory health of the person.
Treats Cervical Spondylosis (Manyastambha): Cervical spondylosis is a Vata-Kapha disorder. Nasya Karma is effective in pacifying both Vata and Kapha and therefore, is an effective treatment for the disease.
Prevents Allergic Rhinitis (Anurjata Janita Pratishyaya): Nasya Karma ensures that the medicated oils reach the mucosal lining of your nose and blocks any contact with the allergens, thereby preventing allergic rhinitis.
Treats Frozen Shoulder (Apabahuka): Frozen shoulder is also a Vata disorder. Nasya Karma helps to provide nourishment to the tissues and alleviate the aggravated Vata, thereby relieving frozen shoulders.
Relieves Psychosomatic Disorders: Psychosomatic disorders are diseases that involve both mind and body. Nasya Karma provides nourishment to the brain and helps to alleviate stress, thereby relieving the symptoms of psychosomatic disorders.
Treats Myopia (Timira): Myopia is an eye disorder caused due to aggravated Vata and Pitta in the body. Nasya Karma affects all Indriyas or sense organs as well as pacifies Vata Dosha, thereby effectively helping in the treatment of myopia.
Treats Chronic Sinusitis (Dushta Pratishyaya): Nasya is an effective therapy to treat and prevent chronic sinusitis. The medicated oils and herbs administered in Nasya Karma helps to heal the sinus region of the nose and treat the disease.
Cures Facial Paralysis (Ardita): Nasya Karma helps to stimulate the sensory organs and reduce mental exhaustion, thereby improving symptoms of facial paralysis.
Reduces Hair Fall (Khalitya): Nasya helps to nourish the hair follicles, which aids in reducing excess hair fall. It is also beneficial in preventing premature greying of the hair.
Cures Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka): Medicated decoctions administered through the nasal passage can nourish the brain and vastly help to cure migraines and prolonged headaches.
Strengthens Sensory Organs: The nose is connected to all the sensory organs of the body. Therefore, Nasya is an effective therapy to strengthen the health of all Indriyas or sense organs.
How to do Nasya at Home?
According to Ayurveda, Nasya is a part of Dinacharya, and therefore, should be done regularly. You can easily do Pratimarshanaysa at home every day. It is advised to do it in the morning for the best results. To do Nasya at home:
- Warm some cow’s ghee.
- Lie down comfortably and tilt your head slightly upwards.
- Hold your breath. Then, pour 2-2 drops of ghee in each nostril and inhale it.
- Stay in this position for some time and then get up.
Takeaway:
Nasya Karma is a highly effective Ayurvedic therapy that can help alleviate various diseases and disorders of the body. It helps to pacify Vata Dosha, strengthen the respiratory system, boost the nervous system and stimulate all the sensory organs. Therefore, it is one of the best therapies to include in your daily routine.
This article is reviewed by Dr. Ashwini Konnur
