Nasya in Ayurveda – the traditional Indian system of medicine nasya is the therapy where the oils, powders, or ghee are instilled through the nose. This treatment aims at cleaning the body by washing off the head and neck parts of toxins in the body. Nasya is one among the five major treatments called Panchakarma which is a specific scientific therapy aimed at regulating the three doshas namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas governing the health of a person.
Nasya is more beneficial for the treatment of diseases of the head, neck, and respiratory in nature. It is also generally prescribed by the practitioners of the Ayurvedic system of medicine for diseases like allergies, migraines, and sinusitis. This form of treatment is not only concerned with the manner in which one’s body is aligned but also deals with issues concerning the quality of one’s mind, the quality of one’s spirit, and the quality of one’s energy.
Nasya therapy has several benefits, mainly it helps the upper respiratory system to work better and maintain the doshas. Here are some of its key advantages:
Cleansing the nasal passages is one of the main objectives of nasya therapy but it may also be used to address respiratory problems. Nasya further opens up the blocked passages in the nose and improves the circulation of prana thus can be considered as one of the perfect ancient Ayurvedic cures for respiratory disorders as such sinusitis, asthma, and all chronic allergies. The major uses of nasya oils involve the addition of herbs with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant effects for healthy functioning of the respiratory tracts.
In Ayurveda, the basic principles of the human body are the tridoshas; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which should always be in a balanced state. Nasya helps sustain this harmony more so when addressing Kapha disorders such as nasal and bronchial mucous congestion. The therapy is especially beneficial to the respiratory system, it relieves the Kapha Dosha from the nasal passage and at the same time assists in balancing other doshas in the body in order to achieve Ayurveda’s balance.
One relatively hidden bonus of employing the remedy that is nasya therapy is that the skin stands to benefit from it. Nasya can help in the nourishment of the skin since it clears the toxins in the head and neck region which can be helpful in cases such as acne, dark circles, and also blotchiness. It has the effects of enhancing blood flow and stimulating healthy functioning of the lymphatic system which helps to rejuvenate skin tissues.
Nasya is beneficial as a procedure to cleanse the nasal cavities as they are said to be the door to the brain. Application of herbal oils or powders, various toxins from the head region are expelled helping to clean the mind and body. These diseases and disorders are usually related to toxin deposition in the body: This detoxification can help avoid frequent headaches, brain fog, and emotional problems.
Nasya is very efficient in cases with sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinus passages due to some infections or allergies. This type of therapy has a positive effect on alleviating inflammation and breaking up thick mucus and opening up the blocked sinus cavities the moment. With nasya practice, which should be done on a daily basis, those suffering frequent sinus complaints can actually lessen their symptoms or risk of flare ups.
Nasya therapy has a soothing impact on the mind and the body hence suitable for patients suffering from stress and anxiety. When the herbal oils are administered in this manner, they are said to activate the brain plus ease the tension in the head, neck, and shoulder area. Final outcome of all these is that working under reduced stress and having a conserved mental energy that is unclouded by unnecessary thoughts.
If you are a client experiencing regular headaches or migraine, then one perfect solution that you can try is having nasya therapy. When applied to the nasal channels, nasya unblocks the channels in the head and relaxes the nerves as well as helping to manage pain. This makes it an ideal substitute for the normal treatments for headaches which entail the use of drugs with side effects.
Some of the nasya remedies can be in different forms based on the disease being addressed, the constitution of the person, and the therapeutic goals. Here are the six primary types of Nasya treatments in Ayurveda:
Pradhamana nasya is the application of fine herbal powders through the olfactory organs. It is mainly prescribed for such illnesses as severe head, respiratory tracts, and mental fuzzy. This is an invigorating type of nasya and is advised for people with high kapha levels or those suffering from epilepsy drowsiness etc.
Out of the three, the most popular is Taila Nasya, which involves the use of medicine oils. These oils are chosen to suit the dosha type of the patient and the state of his health. It is prescribed for various purposes and conditions such as sinusitis, migraine, and nervous disorders. The oil is a lubricant on the nasal passage thus helping to eliminate toxins that have settled on the nasal passageway.
It comprehends the treatment whereby a set of herbal decoctions and medicated oils or a single medicated oil is augmented with certain preferred decoctions. They use it for ailments such as sinusitis, migraine, and other kinds of headaches, and in episodes of depression and other emotional instabilities. This blend improves the potency of a treatment as it treats the body and the spirit of an illness.
In Marshya nasya, the medication that is inserted into the nasal passage is ghee which is clarified butter. This type of nasya is very enriching and is used in many remedies concerning conditions of dryness such as clogged sinuses or dry lips. It is noteworthy that Marsha Nasya is efficient in encouraging the proper functioning of Vata.
Bruhana Nasya is in fact a tonic process that is employed to nourish the different structures of the human body tissues. To strengthen the tissues and to energize the nervous system medicated oils or ghee where strengthening herbs are added are employed. This is taken especially by those who experience fatigue or exhaustion or those who are generally debilitated.
In the case of certain disorders, mainly Pitta and Kapha doshas, the application of Shamana Nasya is applied to balance. It entails utilizing essential oils or aqueous solutions of herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the part, have a soothing impact on the mind, and assist in the rebalancing of the three humors. This type of nasya is advisable for people who suffer from anger high irritability or mental tension.
Read Also: How to reduce pitta dosha
The process of using nasya therapy should follow some standard format to get the maximum results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Cleansing the nasal passages is one of the main objectives of nasya therapy but it may also be used to address respiratory problems. Nasya further opens up the blocked passages in the nose and improves the circulation of prana thus can be considered as one of the perfect ancient Ayurvedic cures for respiratory disorders as such sinusitis, asthma, and all chronic allergies. The major uses of nasya oils involve the addition of herbs with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant effects for healthy functioning of the respiratory tracts.
Nasya therapy is a strong and orthodox Ayurvedic treatment that has many advantages, regarding the respiratory system, dosha balance, and other disorders such as sinusitis, stress, and migraines. Since there are various forms of nasya treatment, it can be adjusted to meet specific user needs, which makes nasya a comprehensive approach to the improved health of patients.
Thus, by receiving Nasya therapy, a person receives increased vital activity, improved respiration, and mental and physical balance. It is therefore advisable to seek the services of a qualified ayurvedic practitioner in order to make necessary recommendations that will generate the right kind of nasya to suit a given condition.
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Who is eligible for Nasyam therapy?
Nasyam therapy should help almost anyone but is particularly useful for those who have sinusitis, migraines, respiratory problems and fatigue of the mind. But it is always advisable to seek the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor to know the right treatment for the illness that you have.
Is Nasya treatment effective for respiratory conditions like allergies and sinusitis?
Yes, Nasya therapy has been found to be of great in the management and treatment of respiratory disorders such as allergies, sinusitis, and chronic nasal congestion.
How many types of Nasya are there?
There are six primary types of Nasya in Ayurveda: They are Pradhamana Nasya (Powder Nasya), Taila Nasya (Oil Nasya), Navana Nasya (Decoction Nasya), Marshya Nasya (Ghee Nasya), Bruhana Nasya (Nutritional Nasya) and Shamana Nasya (Pacifying Nasya).
What should I do before undergoing Nasya therapy?
It's better if the food consumed is a little tender, you should blow the nose through steam or by using a neti pot and the last is to do some breathing exercises such as pranayama or meditation before the session.
How often should you perform Nasya?
Usually, Nasya therapy does not need to be repeated very often and is prescribed by an experienced Ayurvedic doctor. Some patients can be encouraged to take nasya daily while others need it now and then or when the weather is cold.