Nasya is the nasal administration of medicinal herbs, decoctions and oils. Different types of substances are used to treat many various ailments. Nasya oil is herbal infused oil which is nurturing and nourishing, alleviating numerous discomforts that occur above the clavicle area.
The therapy cleanses and opens the channels of the head, thereby improving the process of oxygenation (prana), which has a direct influence on the functioning of brain. The therapy is beneficial if done on a regular basis, because it keeps the eyes, nose and ear healthy. It also prevents the early greying of hair and bear.
Nasal medication is especially described for the treatment of diseases of the parts above the shoulders;
Nose is considered as the gateway for the head, spreading through this, the nasal medication reaches all the parts of the head and neck and cures the diseases of respective region.
According to the functions the Nasya karma is of 3 types.
- Virechana nasya
- Brihmana nasya
- Shamana nasya.
Also, according to the quantity of the Nasya karma used it is of 2 types.
- Marsha nasya
- Pratimarsha nasya.
Pre-Procedure :
Some dry fomentation with the help of warm cloth is given to the forehead and then the patient is asked to lie down with little head low position. The legs are little lifted up.
Main Procedure :
Warm medication is instilled in each nostril and the person is asked to inhale deep into the head. He is asked to spit it out, if it comes in the mouth.
Post procedure
Gentle massage with oil is given on the back of the neck, shoulders. Exposure to the cool air is to be avoided. Smoking of the herbal cigarettes is also to be advised to some persons.
How Does Nasya Treatment Work?
The medicaments administered through the nostrils pervade into the nervous (Brain) and venous system (Blood circulation) present in and around the nostrils.
Then they evacuate the morbidity present or distributed in nearby area. Thus it relieves the blockage of the channels and the diseases are cured effectively. Medicated oils / juices / powders stimulate the vital centres of brain to overcome specific diseases. Nasya treatment does not cause any serious side effects when performed by an experienced therapist. However, it is recommended to not undergo Nasya After heavy meals or Shirodhara. Get rid of ENT problems.
What are the benefits of Nasya Treatment?
Nasya Ayurvedic treatment cleanses, purifies and strengthens the nasal passages, allowing you to breathe fully and easily again. Due to its many benefits nasyam is a recommended remedy for congestion, allergies, sinusitis, headaches, migraine, cervical spondylosis, hair fall, premature greying of hair, rhinitis and other nasal infections.
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.
Mental Health :
Medication administered through nasal cavity act on the specific area of brain to improve mood and emotions.
Apart from the above mentioned benefits Nasya as a Daily Routine can relieve you from
- Hoarseness of voice and stuttering or slurred speech
- Stiffness in the head, neck, throat, teeth and jaw area (TMJ)
- Headaches and migraines
- Earaches and any pain in nose and throat
- Known to improve conditions such as Rhinitis (runny nose)
- Relieve mental and emotional stress, anxiety, fear and negativity
- Positively impact higher cerebral and sensory organs (eyes, nose, ears, skin and tongue)
- Neuro muscular conditions
- Prevents facial paralysis, goiter, tonsillitis, convulsion and motor disorder.
- Prevents loose teeth, gingivitis and diseases of the oral cavity.
- Strengthening the hair as well as prevent white/grey hair
- Firming veins, joints, tendons, and ligaments of the neck
- Reduces the chances of eye disorders due to old age
- Cleansing, for indications such as sinusitis, nasal congestion, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease (Kapha blockages)
- Nutritive, for indications such as insomnia, loss of smell, dizziness, vertigo, nervousness and fear (Vata disorders)
- Balancing, for indications such as conjunctivitis, alopecia, psoriasis of scalp and neck, and nose bleeds (depends on the dosha)
- Lubricating, for indications such as neck pain, dry eyes, hair loss, earache, sensitive teeth and neck pain (depends on the dosha)
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Bruhana Nasya
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Bruhana is translated as building, and this Nasya method is used just for that. Since this is considered an anabolic treatment, it is typically useful for most Vata and prana vayu imbalances, while contraindicated for many Kapha disorders.
Common herbs used for Bruhana Nasya include many rasayana (rejuvenation) herbs
Indications for Bruhana Nasya:
- Vata imbalances
- Nervous System disorders
- Dry sinuses or throat.
- Headache due to dryness or constriction.
- Dry sinuses or throat.
- Sleep issues.
- High stress levels
- Mental exhaustion
- Restless mind
- Anxiety, worry, fear and insecurity
- Inability to concentrate
- Tinnitus
- Stiffness in the neck, jaw and shoulders
- Dizziness, spaciness or vertigo
- Post-cleanse rejuvenation therapy when indicated
Contraindications for Bruhana Nasya:
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
- Congestion
- Foggy, dull mind
- Overall heaviness
- Most Kapha disorders
- High stress levels
- Mental toxins
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Shamana Nasya
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Shamana means pacification and this Nasya type is used to pacify specific doshic imbalances. A Vata imbalance will often have a oi; base infused with grounding herbs used for Kapha Shamana
Indications for Shamana Nasya :
- Most Vata imbalances such as anxiety, worry, sleep issues, dryness, debility, emaciation and epilepsy can be pacified using the proper Vata Shamana Nasya
- Most Pitta imbalances such as headaches, temporal migraine, psoriasis, eczema, nose bleed, MS, excessive heat, rashes, hot-flashes, anger and inflammation can be pacified using the proper Pitta Shamana Nasya
- Most Kapha disorders such as chronic sinus issues, congestion, dull mind, sluggishness, slow digestion, depression and lack of motivation can be pacified using the proper Kapha Shamana Nasya
Contraindications for Shamana Nasya :
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
- No others if the substance used is indicated for the specific imbalance and body type
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Navana Nasya:
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Navana Nasya is a lubricating Nasya application and is typically done with medicated oils for their unctuous quality. It is a form of snehana or oiliation therapy and can be used during cleanses (if indicated) or as a daily treatment. This Nasya can include the Bruhana Nasya or the Shamana Nasya. It is said to reduce stiffness in the neck, increase mental clarity and intellect, reduce dryness and remove obstruction in the nasal passage.
Indications for Navana Nasya:
- Dryness in the eyes, nose or throat
- Most Vata disorders
- Emotional imbalances including anxiety, worry, stress, fear, anger and hyper-skepticism
- Mental rejuvenation
- Nervous System disorders
- Sleep issues
- Ear ache
- Oiliation therapy for cleanses or daily needs
- Hair loss
- Nasal polyps
Contraindications for Shamana Nasya :
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
- No others if the substance used is indicated for the specific imbalance and body type
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Shodhana Nasya:
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Shoshana Nasya is a cleansing treatment and is done using dry herbs (no oil base). Ideally one would use dry, powdered herbsdepending on one’s healthcare needs.
This can be a very intense treatment and should only be done with the guidance of a trained Ayurvedic physician
Indications for Shodhana Nasya :
- Kapha disorders such as chronic sinus issues, congestion, runny nose, inflammation in the nasal passage and a dull, foggy mind
- Poor appetite, slow metabolism, sluggish digestion
- Nasal or sinus infection
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Brain tumor
Contraindications for Shodhana Nasya:
- Pregnancy
- Up to one month postpartum
- Menstruation
- If proper guidance and knowledge is not available
- Chronic cough
- Dryness in the nasal passage or throat
- Most Vata types and Vata imbalances
- Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
- Emaciation, weakness or debilitation
Once you find out the proper Nasya type that is beneficial for you, then it is time for application! Nasya can be done at various times during the day, according to your needs, current imbalances and desired outcome.Something that will always remain the same however, are these major contraindications of all types of Nasya