Nasya(Nasal Detox)
Nasya is the type of panchakarma where the herbal medications are administered through the nose. Ayurveda considers head (siras) as one of the trimarmas (three vital parts of the body). Since the nose is considered to be the gateway of head, nasya is the route through which cleanse is done for organs and imbalances which are above the shoulder in the body.
NASYA is done both as a samana (balancing) and sodhana (cleansing) procedure.
Based on the dose administered, Nasya can broadly be classified into two types.
MARSHA NASYA
Usually, marsha nasya is referred as nasya as this the cleansing nasya. Here, after preparing with a marma massage and steam, herbal combinations are administered to each nostril. Here….
PRATIMARSHA NASYA
This is a gentler form of nasya, in other words nasal drops. Ayurveda recommends daily use of nasal drops for healthy eyes, ears, nose, oral cavity, throat, hair and face. This is…
MARSHA NASYA
(Nasya for therapeutic use)
Usually, marsha nasya is referred as nasya as this the cleansing nasya. Here, after preparing with a marma massage and steam, herbal combinations are administered to each nostril. Here herbal combinations are given at high doses as compared to pratimarsha nasya (for regular use) as this helps to eradicate the vitiated doshas in the head.
PROCEDURE OF MARSHA NASYA
- The nasya begins with a marma massage on head, upper back, face (sinus massage) and upper chest with specific herbal oils that address individual imbalances. Massage helps to move phlegm, improve circulation, lymphatic drainage and calms nerves.
- Then steam is applied to dissolve phlegm and boost the effects of massage.
- Then the prescribed dose of herbal combination is poured slowly into the nostril drop by drop.
- After allowing sometime to eliminate the phlegm coming, herbal smoke (dhoomapana) is given to dry up the excess phlegm. Gentle gargling with herbal tea is also recommended for added benefits.
PRATIMARSHA NASYA
(Nasya for daily use)
This is a gentler form of nasya, in other words nasal drops. Ayurveda recommends daily use of nasal drops for healthy eyes, ears, nose, oral cavity, throat, hair and face. This is a procedure that can be done on a day-to-day basis without the supervision of an Ayurveda practitioner. Usually medicated herbal oils like Anu taila, sesame oil or ghee is administered to each nostril.
PROCEDURE OF PRATIMARSHA NASYA
- The patient is made to lie down in a supine position with the head and neck lower than the rest of the body.
- Two drops of the selected oil are dropped to each nostril.
- Then the nose is pinched and the patient needs to blow the oil in.
- The phlegm and oil are brought to the throat and spit out from there.
- No post-procedural routines are mentioned for this type of nasya.
DISEASES INDICATED
- Mainly indicated for EAR, NOSE AND THROAT disorders
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Facial palsy
- Paralysis
- Stiffness of the neck
- Pigmentation on face
- Insomnia
- Improved clarity of senses
- Sinusitis
- Cervical spondylosis
- Headaches
- Frozen shoulder
- Premature graying of hair
- Acne vulgaris
- Improving eyesight and memory
- Prevention of wrinkles
BENEFITS OF NASYA:
One of the main objectives of Nasya is to eliminate excess phlegm timely so that it doesn’t cause further problems. Blockage by excess Kapha resulting in poor nourishment is one of the root problems to many disorders of head and neck like sinusitis, neck pain, frozen shoulder, hair loss and many more. Nasya also helps to nourish fatigued nerves and thereby supporting nerve pains and neurological disorders and other problems related to the nervous system. Ayurveda says that nasya helps to boost the circulation to the brain and pituitary gland, thereby providing support to many neurological and hormonal issues.
Dosha targeted: Kapha, Vata and Pitta located in the head.
Multiple sessions are recommended for long term sustainable benefits