NASYAM TREATMENT: THE PANCHAKARMA AYURVEDIC DETOXIFYING THERAPY
Nasyam therapy is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves administering medications and herbal extracts through the nasal cavity to treat different complications affecting the region above the shoulder. It is an essential part of the five detoxification therapies in Ayurveda called the Panchakarma treatment. When carried out systematically, Nasya treatment can work wonders to control migraine headaches, sinusitis, congestions in breathing, infections, and various other problems.
In Nasyam Panchakarma therapy, the herbal oils, medicated powder, and Ayurvedic formulations that are delivered through the nostrils are absorbed by the blood vessels and make their way into the circulatory system. As they effectively reach the nervous system through nerve endings in the nasal cavity, they have a calming effect on the nerves; they reduce stress and anxiety, and promote restful sleep. Moreover, Nasyam therapy is also known to slow down the aging process and early graying of hair.
Types of Nasyam
Virechana Nasyam: This method involves pouring down ghee or herbal oils down the nasal passage to clear off toxins and eliminate the same accumulated in the throat or head. Also known as the cleansing Nasyam or Shodhana Nasyam, this method acts to get rid of the doshas immediately from the head region.
Experts hail Virechana Nasyam as an efficient way to treat Kapha-related problems like headaches, skin diseases, cysts, colds, eye diseases, swelling, itching, and stiffness.
Pradhamana Nasyam: In this type of Nasyam treatment, dry powders, instead of oils are administered into the nose using a tube. It is effective in the treatment of conditions like sinusitis, hoarseness of voice, nasal congestion as well as chronic diseases like tumors and cervical lymph.
All forms of Nasya treatment aim at alleviating Kapha-related disorders from the body, and hence, all of the therapies are commonly a form of Virechana Nasyam. Another form of the Virechana Nasyam is the Shirovirechana Nasyam, which uses herbs with strong potency.
Snehana Nasyam: Also called Brihmana Nasyam, the Snehana Nasyam administers medicated oil mixed with camphor or other plant extracts into the nose. It works best for dry sinuses, dry nose, stiffness in the neck, bursitis, and loss of sense of smell.
Shamana Nasyam: This form of Nasya treatment uses milk, medicated oils, decoctions, and teas to treat disorders caused due to Pitta imbalance and vitiation of blood. It can prevent premature wrinkles, graying and thinning of hair, discoloration on the face, diseases of the eyes, etc.
Pratimarshya: The Pratimarshya form of Nasya treatment is an excellent therapy for opening up deep nasal tissues and relieving stress. It is suitable for individuals of any age and can be given in any season in the morning or evening. Pratimarshya therapy is generally performed after a head massage, oil pulling, applying collyrium.
How is Nasyam performed?
The Nasyam treatment procedure is hassle-free and does not take more than half an hour. This nasal cleansing treatment involves a simple procedure that stimulates the nerves and functions of the brain.
The masseurs will first massage the patron from the shoulder in the upward direction. The medicine is then extracted as per the necessary dosage advised and poured into the nostrils so that the client may inhale. While the client is being asked to breathe in the medicinal extract, the masseurs continue to massage the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palms, and feet.
Generally, the following arrangements have to be made to perform Nasyam treatment:
A dedicated room for performing Nasyam therapy that is free from dust and draft and has a comfortable chair and table.
An appropriate herbal oil or powder, such as Trikatu powder or Anu tail or Marichaydi tail. There should be enough of it for the induction and management of the therapy.
The right instrument to give Nasyam Ayurvedic treatment. Therapies like Snehana, Pratimarsha, Avapeeda require a dropper to administer the herbs and oils. In the case of Pradhamana Nasyam, a long pipe of 10.5 cm is required.
An assistant, towels, napkins, dressing materials, spitting pots, and a bowl.
A blockage in the nasal passages can obstruct the flow of prana to the body and the head. The Nasyam treatment process prevents the choking of the nasal passage, thus, relieving one from congestion due to sinuses.
Usually, Nasyam Ayurveda therapy is performed in the following three steps:
Purvakarma
Patrons seeking Nasya treatment are first assessed by qualified Ayurveda practitioners to evaluate if they are fit to receive this treatment. Ayurveda experts carry out the diagnosis for the Nasyam Ayurveda therapy as per the eight-fold or ten-fold examinations also called the Asthavidha Pareeksha and Dashavidha Pareeksha respectively.
Post assessment, the most suitable herbal formulation for use in the therapy is decided. Depending on the condition of the individual, i.e. rogi bala (strength of the individual) and rog bala (severity of the problem), medicated oil, ghee, or powder may be used. Generally, Anu tailam is the preferred herbal oil for Nasyam therapy.
Patrons are asked to complete all their routine activities and are given a light diet an hour before the procedure. The individual will then be advised to lie down on the massage table in a comfortable position with extended hands and feet. For the initial 3-5 minutes, a mild massage with Bala oil followed by mild sedation with cotton dipped in warm water is given on the face, neck, and forehead.
Pradhan Karma
The head is then lowered to a hanging position so that it is not excessively flexed or extended. The foot is slightly raised, and the eyes are covered with a clean cotton cloth.
The Ayurveda practitioner then drops the warm herbal formulation into the nostrils. This procedure must be carried out with the help of proper instruments. Following the Nasyam Panchakarma therapy, a mild massage of the palms, soles, and shoulders are done. The individual is then asked to turn to the side to draw the herbal formulation into the throat and spit it out into the spitting pot.
Paschat Karma
During this step, the individual is asked to lie down. The head, cheek, and neck are then subjected to mild sedation followed by herbal smoking and gargling to expel out any residual oils or medications in the throat.
Post completion of the therapy, clients are recommended a light meal taken in conjunction with lukewarm water. However, the patrons must avoid smoke, dust, alcohol, traveling, sleeping during the day, and cold water.
Precautions
Ayurveda recommends messaging with lukewarm oils in the right quantities. Patrons must avoid speaking, laughing, and sneezing during the procedure.
Care must be taken to avoid swallowing the herbal concoction during the procedure. The herbal oil administered through the nose must be drained out along with the mucous and morbid doshas so that none of it is left behind. In case of any discomfort during the procedure, one must sprinkle cold water on the face avoiding the head.
Duration
Nasyam therapy works best for individuals with vitiated Kapha dosha when done in the morning. In the case of vitiated Pitta, experts recommend performing the therapy during midday, and for vitiated Vata, in the evening.
Nasyam therapy is practiced at midday during the winters and in the evening during the summers. On rainy days, it is performed whenever there’s sunlight. As a routine detoxification therapy, Nasyam therapy is given before noon in the spring and autumn seasons.
For the treatment of conditions including stiff neck, hiccups, hoarse voice, and aggravated Kapha, Ayurveda recommends performing Nasyam therapy twice a day in the morning, as well as in the evening. For other health problems, the Nasya treatment can be done every two days, a week, or in a gap of 21 days. It is advisable to seek the advice of your Ayurvedic health practitioner for optimum results.
Benefits of Nasyam
Detoxification of the body by administering oil through the nasal passage during the Nasyam therapy has a lot of benefits (like the ones mentioned below) as the body is free of toxins accumulated in the throat, nose, and head. Nasyam:
- Effectively treats headaches, migraine, and conditions like cervical spondylosis.
- Strengthens the immune system and the sense organs.
- Stimulates the centers of the brain that regulate emotions and relieves stress.
- Improves skin complexion, hair health, and texture, and prevents premature greying.
- Nasyam benefits brain function and may help in the management of paralysis.
- Helps in the treatment of disorders that occur with age like muscle and joint pain.
- Enhances the sense organs’ activity and protects the individual from brain diseases.
- Smoothens your nasal passage; treats nasal allergies and polyps.
- Removes toxins from the head and neck area.
- Prevents goiter, tonsillitis, and motor disorders.
- Alleviates chronic pain.
- Cures insomnia.
- Prevents aging and thereby graying of hair.
- Relieves from pain in the ear, head, and throat.
- Relieves tension from the neck and shoulder region.
- Relieves from toothache and other dental problems.
- Other conditions that Nasyam therapy helps with include hemiplegia, paraplegia, diseases of the eyelid, Multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Is Nasyam Treatment Effective?
Experts recommend Nasya treatment to patients diagnosed with ENT diseases or ophthalmic problems. The purpose of availing this treatment is that it helps to get rid of the toxins from the patient’s head and neck regions. Other areas in which this therapy can be applied include psychiatry, dentistry, and neurology.
Conclusion
Nasyam therapy is a safe and effective detoxification therapy that offers immense health benefits when done systematically. At Govardhan EcoVillage, a panel of certified Ayurveda practitioners, therapists, doctors, and physicians work together to propose a personalized therapy plan for you and guide you on the journey towards holistic healing and well-being.
Nasya Treatment FAQs
Who is eligible for Nasyam therapy?
Anyone can go for Nasyam therapy to get rid of disorders affecting the region above the shoulder, such as ear or throat pain, migraines, etc. People looking to detoxify and cleanse their skin will also be benefited from the therapy.
Who is not eligible for Nasyam therapy?
Individuals suffering from a serious or chronic illness shouldn’t opt for Nasyam therapy. Besides, Nasyam therapy is also not recommended for pregnant women, during menstruation, or after asthma or heart attack.
You must also avoid undergoing Nasya treatment therapy sessions if you suffer from serious health disorders or any form of infectious disease.
Are there any side-effects of the therapy?
Nasyam therapy is a safe and effective Ayurvedic treatment with no side effects. However, you may experience a burning sensation in the throat when the oil goes down through the nostrils. These symptoms are not serious and go away after a while.
What are the post-treatment guidelines?
Immediately after the Nasya treatment, one should avoid rinsing the hair and blowing the nose.
How long does it take for one to resume their normal activities?
As it is an Ayurvedic therapy, one can go back to their usual activities right after the therapy session ends.
Are the results of the therapy permanent?
Nasyam therapy produces excellent results, but permanent results cannot be obtained from the therapy sessions alone. The desired, lasting result requires a sustainable lifestyle built on the back of healthier choices. However, frequent therapy sessions as per the guidance of your Ayurveda practitioner can help to produce long-lasting results.
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