Administration of drugs through nasal route is called as Nasya, which are in the form of decoction, herbal juices, herbal paste, oil, ghee etc.
Nasya is considered as the best procedure because Nasa (nose) is considered as a direct gateway of head. It is used in the treatment of Urdhwajatrugata Rogas largely. All the disorders pertaining to eyes, ears, nose, or head i.e. regions above the clavicle are considered as Urdhwajatrugata Roga. It’s sphere of action is not only limited to above the neck but also whole body.It stimulates whole nervous system, cranial nerves and also maintains the function of endocrine glands.
It is the only procedure that nourishes the sense organs directly. Medicines administered through nasal route absorbs directly through blood vessels thereby, bypasses the digestion mechanism and act quickly. Age mentioned for performing Nasya Karma is between 7 years to 80 years.
Different types of Nasya Karma are described in Ayurveda.
There are six main types of nasya, as listed below.
1. Pradhamana Nasya (cleansing nasya)
In Pradhamana Nasya, fine Churna form of drug is administered into the nostrils of the patient with the help of special Nadiyantra (tube like instrument) in the head-low position in a patients suffering from Chronic sinusitis. It is also called as Dhmapana. It is a form of Shodhana Nasya(cleansing nasya).Epilepsy, Poisoning, sudden unconsciousness and any other diseases related to brain are treated through this method.
2. Brumhana Nasya (nutrition nasya) uses ghee, oils and medicated milk and is used mainly for vata disorders. It is said to benefit conditions resulting from vata imbalances such as vata-type headaches, migraine headache, dryness of voice, dry nose, nervousness, anxiety, fear, dizziness, bursitis, stiffness in the neck, dry sinuses and loss of sense of smell.
3. Avapida Nasya: Nasya consisting of extract of a drug administered through nasal passage.This cleanses and soothes the paranasal sinus area.It is usually employed in insomnia, headache, anxiety.
4. Navana Nasya: It is administered by instilling the drops of a medicated oil in the nose. Navana is generally a Sneha Nasya and known generally as Nasya.Usually used in Vataja siroroga, timira, keshapata, dantapata, mukhasosa like conditions.
5. Marshya Nasya: It is curative in nature, quick acting and highly potent. It consist of more Sneha dravyas and only done once or maximum twice in day. The dose range from 4 to 10 drops.
6. Prati Marshya Nasya: is application of just two drops of nasal oil, multiple times a day. it is a form of mini detoxification done throughout the day.
Indications for Nasya:
Stress
Emotional imbalances
Stiffness in the neck & shoulders
Dryness of the nose
Sinus congestion
Hoarseness
Migraine
Hemicrania
Headache
Convulsions
Facial paralysis.