Ayurveda, the holistic science of life, emphasizes on periodical bio-cleansing of the body to eliminate vitiated doshas. Nasya is one of the techniques of bio-cleansing (panchakarma) and is the unique therapeutic modality among the procedures for diseases affecting organs of the head (urdhwajathru vikaras).

Nasayam Bhavet nasyam: ‘Administration of medicines through nasal route is called ‘nasya’.

Nasa hi siraso dwaram tat vyapya thena hanthi tan’: ‘Nose is the gateway to the organs of the head and the effect of the medicine will spread to the vital organs and cure the diseases’.

Ayurveda suggests the medications administered via nose reach Sringataka marma. (Marmas are physiologically vital points in the body). It is the marma in the head (siramarma) formed by the union of blood vessels supplying blood to the nose, ear, eye and the tongue. Thus, the drug administered through nasya may enter the above blood vessels and purifies them. Hence the term sirovirechana (cleaning of the head) is also used to denote the process.

According to the anatomical description, nasal passage is the part where the cranial nerves, especially the olfactory receptors, are more exposed to the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. Besides, the nasal passage leads to paranasal sinuses and its mucosal epithelium is very sensitive to various stimuli. The absorption of the drug effect through the nasal mucosa will be rapid and the quantity of drug required to produce the desired result will be less. Moreover, the enzymatic inactivation that usually affects during the oral route administration can be avoided in this method of drug delivery system.

Since the nerves located at the nose have connection with hypothalamic-pituitary-pineal glands, the medication through the nasal rout will have its impact on the brain, too.

Nasya classification

Nasya is classified differently by various Acharyas. Charaka mentions about Navana, Avapidana, Dhoomapana, and Pratimarsa while Vagbhata classified it into Samana, Brumhana and Virechana.

Samana Nasya: It is a palliative nasya that cures the disease without eliminating the vitiated doshas. This is good mainly in conditions such as skin discoloration, hair loss and eye diseases. Decoctions of medicinal herbs and milk can be used for this purpose.

Bruhana Nasya: It is a rejuvenation type nasya and is indicated mainly to nourish and strengthen the organs in head, especially sense organs, and intellectual functions. It is also indicated in Vata predominant diseases of the head like migraine, loss of voice, diseases of the mouth, difficulty in opening yes, difficulty in lifting hand etc.

Virechana Nasya: It is elimination type nasya that expels the doshas from the head. Majority of Teekshana Nasya comes under this category.

Another category of Snehana nasya is marsa and prathimarsa based on the dose and strength of administration.

Marsa Nasya is the method of application of sneha (medicated ghee/oil) in its full dose of six to 10 drops. Its clinical implication is also very high.

Pratimarsa nasya can be performed on any person and is aimed at rejuvenating the sensory organs.

Nasya is also classified based on the parts of the medicinal herb used. They are the ones using phala (fruits), puspa (flowers), kanda, niryasa, patra (leaf), moola (root) and twak (bark).

Another classification is based on pharmaceutical preparation. They are churna (powder), Kshra (ash), madya (essence), sneha (oil), kalka, kwatha, mamsa (meat) and dhuma (fomentation).

Tailamevacha nasyardhe nityabhyasena shasyate

Sirasa; sleshmadhamatvat sneha swasthasya netare

‘Taila (medicated oil) is the best option for regular nasya practice in healthy individual, as head is the seat of Kapha.

Mode of action

The medicinal properties of the drug used in the form of nasya stimulate the vital centre in the brain and related structures. The nourishing properties of the drug rejuvenate the tissues. The medicines eliminate the vitiated doshas, remove congestion in blood vessels and clear the channels (sritas). The overall effect of nasya is correcting the neurovascular anomalies.

Restrictions

Nasya is not performed on people suffering from diseases such as chronic sinusitis, respiratory disorders, infective condition of the head, indigestion, coughs and acute fever.

Practical indication of nasya

The nasya with specific medicinal preparations are used mainly in clinical conditions like cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, hemiplegia, facial palsy, seizure disorders, mental disorders, head ache and ENT condition.

(By Dr P K S Nair, National Research Institute for Panchakarma, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur.)