Nasya is an Ayurvedic detox therapy in which medication in the form of oils, decoction, or powder is instilled through the nose.

As per Ayurveda nasal route is the best way to reach the brain. Hence any disorder occurring in these regions can be tackled more appropriately by the instillation of drugs through this route.

It aims at pacification of any disorder in the head and neck region. It is also called Shirovirechan, which implies the removal of toxins from the head region.

When to go for Nasya

• Headache
• Migraine
• Sinusitis
• Cervical spondylitis
• Facial paralysis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Psychological disorders

PROCEDURE

• Poorva Karma(Pre-procedure)

Snehana(oleation) and Swedana(sudation) are done over the patient’s head, neck, and face region. This helps in loosening the accumulated toxins in this region which are then expelled out by the upcoming Nasya therapy.

• Pradhan Karma(Main procedure)

After the poorvakarma, the patient is asked to lie down on the treatment table with his head and legs kept straight. His head is maintained at a lower position by keeping the pillow below the neck. Then the medicine is made to flow into one nostril, while the other is kept closed. The same procedure is carried out in the other nostril also. For the administration of the drug a Gokarna, cotton swab, or a dropper can be used.

• Pascha karma(Post-procedure)

After installation of the medicine the shoulder, neck, and face are gently massaged. The patient is asked to spit out all the impurities and medicine that reach his mouth.

Certain dietary, behavioral, and physical rules should be followed after Nasya.

The process of Nasya should be repeated for 7 days based on the instructions of the Ayurvedic medical practitioner.

Important drugs used for Nasya are

• Anu tail
• Ksheerebala(101) avarthi
• Dhanvantharam(101) avarthi