Nasya refers to the administration of medication via nostrils. Vamana, Basti, Virechana, Raktamokshana, and Nasya are the five kinds of Panchakarma that are explained in Ayurvedic texts.
Today, respiratory diseases like chronic cough and congestion are prevalent due to the high pollution levels in the environment. The prevention of these diseases in Ayurveda is possible through Nasya therapy.
A Nasya treatment that involves using high-quality ingredients infused in the correct proportion and carried under the supervision of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner supports respiratory health. It cleanses, strengthens, and purifies the nasal passages.
What is Nasya Panchakarma Therapy?
The treatment is for stabilizing and clarifying senses, particularly that of sight, smell, taste, and hearing. The treatment is often related to Vata imbalances and treating respiratory congestion or migraine headaches.
In the Nasya Panchakarma therapy, herbal oils, ayurvedic formulations, and medicated powder are delivered via the nostrils. They get absorbed by the blood vessels and move into the circulatory system.
They impart a calming sensation on the nerves when they arrive at the nervous system. Thus, it minimizes stress and triggers sound sleep. This therapy also slows down the process of aging and premature greying of hair.
Different Kinds of Nasyam in Ayurveda
- Virechana Nasya
In this type of Nasyam, herbal oils or ghee are poured through the nasal passage. It works to cleanse toxins and remove those that gather in a person’s head or throat. The Virechana Nasya eliminates the doshas from a person’s head almost immediately. It is also called Shodhana Nasyam or cleansing Nasyam.
- Pradhaman Nasya
In this treatment, rather than oils, dry powders get administered in the nose through a tube. It treats conditions like hoarse voice sinusitis, nasal congestion, and severe illnesses like tumors and cervical lymph.
- Snehana Nasya
It is also known by the name of Brihmana Nasya. The treatment administers medicinal oils blended with camphor and plant extracts. The treatment is apt for those with dry sinuses, nose, bursitis, stiffness in the neck area, and a loss of sense of smell.
- Shamana Nasya
This treatment uses milk, medicinal oils, and other decoctions to treat conditions resulting from Pitta imbalance and blood vitiation. It eliminates premature wrinkles, grey and thinning hair, skin discoloration, eye diseases, and the like.
- Pratimarshya
It’s a form of Nasya treatment suitable for opening deep nasal tissues and alleviating anxiety and stress. Pratimarshya is ideal for people of all age groups. You can get this treatment in any season and any time of the day. This therapy is performed post a head massage, oil pulling, and after applying collyrium, a medicated eyewash.
When Does Nasya Therapy Take Place?
This therapy is ideal for people having vitiated Kapha dosha. It works best when it’s performed in the morning. Those who have vitiated Pitta should do this therapy in the mid-afternoon. People who have vitiated Vata should do it in the evening.
In winters, the therapy gets performed during mid-day, and in summers it is practiced during the evening. In the autumn and spring seasons, experts practice the Nasyam therapy before noon.
According to Ayurveda, the treatment should be performed two times a day in the morning and evening for treating conditions like hoarse voice, stiff neck, hiccups, and aggravated Kapha.
Nasya helps enhance immunity as well as overall health. An effective Nasya treatment is conducted by a physician only after carefully selecting material.
This material is chosen only after a thorough evaluation of the person’s body constitution, how balanced their doshas are, and the current phase of the pathology. Only a trained Ayurvedic practitioner can carry out this process to bring the desired results.
