Introduction:-  नासायां प्रणीयमानं औषधं नस्यम् ।। S.Su. 29/3

Nasya Karma is a therapeutic measure where the medicated oil, Kvatha, Svarasa, Curna etc.                  are administered through nose to eliminate the vitiated Dosha situated in sira for the treatment of                  Urdhvajatrugata Vikāras.

Mode of Action of Nasya:-

 नासा हि शिरसो द्वारं तत्रावसेचितं औषधं स्रोतः शृंगाटकं प्राप्य व्याप्य मूधोनं नेत्रश्रोत्रकण्ठादि शिरामुखानि च मुंजादीषिकां इवासक्तां ऊर्ध्वजत्रुगता वैकारिकों अशेषं आशु दोषसंहतिं उत्तमांग गदापकर्षति । A.S.SŪ. 29/3

  • Nāsā is the gateway to Sira.
  •  The drug administered through nostrils reaches Śrungāṭaka (a Sira Marma by Nasa Srota)From modern point Pharmaco-dynamic consi. Moreover blood,that human brain 
  • Distributed in the Murdha (brain), Siramukha (opening of the vessels etc.) of Netra (eye), Karna (ear), Kantha (throat) etc. are min on boroug. 
  • Scratches the morbid Dosha from supra clavicular region completely just like the removing Munjā grass from its stem.

   From modern point of view:- 

  • There is no such direct Pharmaco-dynamic consideration between nose & cranial organs. 
  • Moreover blood, brain barrier is a strict security system that human brain has.
  • The nose is used as a route of administration for inhalation of anesthetic materials.
  • Nasal administrations of leutinizing hormone & calcitonin are found to be equally effective as intravenous infusions in maintaining blood concentrations. 
  • It was claimed that the concentration of drug in C.S.F. was very high to that when administered intravenously.

 Scientists of the Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi have proved after experiments that drug administered through nose shows effective action in the brain. So it can be concluded that there is a very close relation between Brain & Nose.

Effect on drug Absorption & Transportation : Keeping the head in lowered position & retention of medicine in naso pharynx, helps in providing enough time for local drug absorption.• Any liquid soluble substance has greater possibility for passive absorption directly through the cells of lining membrane.• On the other hand, massage & local fomentation also enhances the drug absorption .

The later course of drug transport can occur in two ways-

  •  By general systemic circulation
  • Direct pooling into the intracranial region.
  • The second way is more of interest. This direct transportation can be assumed again in two paths, viz.
  •  By vascular path (Facial vein & ophthalmic vein)
  •  Lymphatic path (reach direct in C.S.F)
  • Olfactory Pathway
  • Effects on Neuro-Vascular Junction , Neuro-Endocrine Level, Neuro-Psychological Level.
  • Indications:-
  • Stiffness of head(Sirostambha)
  • Pain in nose(Nasa sula)
  • Hemicrania(Ardhavabhedaka),Headache(Sirasula)
  • Facial Paralysis,Bell's palsy(Ardita)
  • Neck pain and Cervical diseases(Greevaroga)
  • ENT diseases (Akshi,Nasa,Gala,Karna ,and Mukha roga)
  • Goitre(Galaganda)
  • Contraindication: In all patients Nasya should not be given on Durdina (Rainy day) or in Anitu (unsuitable time).
  • who had taken oil,Ghee, Alcohol,head bath, indigestion,Fatigue due to coitus,chronic poisioning cases.
  • Suppressed natural urges.
  • During bad day,bad season.
  • Dosage of Nasya:-
  • Snehana Nasya-  8,16,32 drops in each nostril (Hrusva,Madyam,Uttam matra)
  • Sodhana Nasya- 4,6,8 drops.
  • Marash Nasya- 6,8,10 drops.
  • Avapida Nasya -4,6,8 drops.
  • Partimarash Nasya- 2,2,2 drops.
  • Pradhamana Nasya- 3 Muccyuti(Pinch) powder.

By:- Dr. Nitin Kumar.

MD in Medicine, BAMS, PGDEMS, DIHM, CCPT.