In Ayurvedic medical literature, the head is considered to be the prime organ due to various reasons. The head is the seat of all major senses. It also provides the location of the control unit of the body – Brain!
If the anatomy of the head is taken into consideration, there’s an intricate complication that resides in the way it is designed! In order to decrease the heavy weight of the head due to the skull bones that protect the Brain, there are many sinuses that are distributed throughout the head. These sinuses also regulate the internal atmosphere where the Brain is situated.
However, sinuses are prone to many issues, like infections, inflammations, and blockages. Therefore, special considerations should be done in order to ensure the sinus health. This aspect of health care is dealt with in detail in the classical textbooks of Ayurveda!
NASYA – application of medicines through the nostrils is a time-tested treatment procedure in a wide range of health issues.
Anatomically, the nose has a rich blood supply which allows easier and faster systemic absorption of the drugs that are administered through this pathway. This technique is thus utilised to its best in treatment of several conditions like post-stroke management, facial palsies and even for neuro degenerative diseases!
Ayurvedic classics advise Nasya in two different types based on the dosage and nature of uses:
The nature of drugs used through the nasal route may also differ based on the health conditions. Sometimes Swarasa (freshly prepared juices from herbal drugs) may be used; sometimes medicated oils; sometimes medicated milk may be used.
There’s a special procedure called Dhmapana or Churna Nasya where powder medicine is blown into the nose. This is limited to certain specific health conditions which require an immediate reflux to be triggered.
Dhuma Nasya or Dhumapana is variant of Nasya where medicated smoke is administered through the nose.
All these types of Nasya can be made strong or mild and dry or unctuous by altering or adding specific ingredients to the combination of drugs used. Such decisions are solely based on the clinical picture and will be decided by an expert Ayurveda Doctor.
Benefits:
Improve sinus health, prevents infections, enhance respiratory immunity, improves complexion, removes anosmia and enhance smell perception, stimulates the nerve endings and provides an indirect nourishment to the brain, regulates circadian rhythm and promotes good sleep.
Contraindications:
Generally, Nasya is contraindicated during an ongoing sinus infection. But during certain phases of infections some special kinds of Nasya can be done with extreme medical supervision. Marsha Nasya should be done with a lot of restrictions owing to the higher dose of medication that are administered. Therefore, those who are on the treatment of Marsha Nasya should refrain themselves from strenuous activities and physical exercises.
Nasya is considered to be an anti-ageing procedure when used with the proper medicines at proper dosage. This can regulate the melatonin clock of our brain, thereby promotes a healthy ageing process!
