Errhine

Meaning of Nasya:

Nasya means expulsion of malas or dosas through the nasal route. This is achieved by pouring the medicines into the nostrils.

Nasya removes toxins accumulated in whole of the head and neck.

Nasya can be done twice a day for 7 consecutive days.

Link with Doshas:

It is considered the best procedure for elimination of Kapha toxins from whole of the head and neck. This procedure also helps in elimination of Vata toxins from whole of the head.

Uses:

It is used to cure the Vata and Kapha diseases of scalp, hair, eyes, nose, ears, tongue, skin, brain, mind and most directly for any Vata and Kapha issues of the sinuses.

Some of the examples of such issues are:

• Oily and itchy scalp
• Dry Scalp and brittle hair
• Dandruff (both dry and oily)
• Hairfall
• Congested and swollen eyes
• Ptosis (drooping of eyelids)
• Tremors in eyes or paralysis 
• Excessive earwax
• Drying of ears - pain and perforation
• Vertigo
• Deviated septum
• Decrease in sense of smell
• Mucous accumulation in sinuses - resulting in Kapha type of headache
• Mucous accumulation in throat
• Cracking and pigmentation of the tongue
• Excess salivation and thick white coating of the tongue
• Dullness of mind
• Decrease in memory
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Lock jaw
• Goiter or enlargement of glands
• Facial paralysis
• Vata type of headache
• Stiffness in neck
• Numbness of nerves
• Pain in fingers, weakness in arms

Types of Nasya (on the basis of the quantity of the medicines used):

• Marsha Nasya - Large dose of medicine is introduced through the nasal route. The quantity of the medicine varies between 6-10 drops on each side of the nostril. Because of high dose, the positive impact of this is visible very quickly. (6 drops - Heena matra, 8 drops - Madhyama matra and 10 drops is Uthama matra)
• Prati Marsha Nasya - Small dose of medicine is introduced through the nasal route. The quantity of the medicine used is 2 drops on each side of the nostril. It can be done even after meal but is not suitable in extreme cold or high doshic imbalance or in case of pregnancy.

Types of Nasya (on the basis of the type of the medicines used):

• Nasya - Nasya done with oil is simply referred to as Nasya.
• Avapeedaka Nasya - This is done using juice derived from a plant. For example - From juice of ginger root.
• Pradhamana Nasya - This is done using medicinal powders. For example - Snuff powder
• Dhuma Nasya - This is done using medicated smoke. For example - Smoke from burning turmeric powder.

Common oils for Nasya:

• Anu Taila
• Ksheerabala Oil 
• Ksheerabala 101
• Kumukumadi Thaila - Used in skin issues such as pigmentation etc.
• Brahmi Ghrita - Used in weakness of brain

Pre-Nasya Measures:

• Before nasya, oleation and fomentation therapy is done.
• This procedure is done on empty stomach, either in the morning or in the evening. In case of small dose, it can be done twice a day also.
• Head wash and face wash should not be done prior to Nasya.
• There should be no strong winds or exposure to cold in the place where Nasya is being done.
• Oil to be used should be made lukewarm.

Method:

• Lie on the table.
• Face massage is done with the objective of loosening the toxins accumulated all over the head.
• Steam is given to the face while covering the eyes and head. 
• Now, tilt the head backward while keeping the neck straight.
• Close left nostril and put the medicine in the right nostril. Inhale deeply so that the medicine goes deep inside.
• Now close the right nostril and put the medicine in the left nostril. Inhale deeply.
• Massage face, palms and feet in order to ensure maximum absorption of the medicine.
• Eventually all the toxins will start coming in the throat. 
• Make sure to sit up and spit the toxins out. Do not blow the nose. Only spit out the toxins from mouth.
• Gently massage the face again. Some toxins might again come to the throat which must be again spit out.
• After this process is complete, gargling should be done with the following:
  • Lukewarm salt water - anyone can use this
  • Dhuma Pana (Medicated smoke inhalation) - if the toxins that are expelled have Kapha dominance
  • Lukewarm oil gargling - if too many Vata toxins come out (these toxins can be foamy, dark or might be in the form of dryness of the mouth and therefore not be visible)

Post-nasya Measures:

The measures that need to be taken after nasya include:

• Do not go out in the sun, cold, windy weather or in a polluted environment.
• It is advisable to take as much rest as possible throughout the day.
• Diet to be taken when hungry: food which is light, warm and lubricating.

Should not be done in the following cases:

• Childhood, old age, debility
• Pregnancy, post-delivery
• Very thin or very obese person
• After alcohol consumption
• It should also not be done if the person plans to consume alcohol soon after the treatment
• In case of any poison intake
• One in the state of very high anger
• Bleeding anywhere all over the body (including menstruation)
• Suffering from runny nose or acute rhinnitis
• One who has just eaten
• On the same day when any other Panchkarma procedure is done
• Not to be done right before or right after head bath and face wash (minimum gap of 40 minutes is recommended)
• Pitta aggravation anywhere in the head (inflammation or nose bleeds, pitta type of headache or extreme anger)
• Nasya is one of the procedures that is prohibited completely during pregnancy regardless of the stage of pregnancy

How to measure the success of Nasya:

• There is a change in the breathing, that is it becomes more comfortable and seems to be happening without a feeling of being obstructed.
• Sense organs get sharper, that is their functioning seems to improve.
• Mind becomes active.
• The quality of the voice improves and the quality of the sleep also improves.
• Lightness of head, eyes and body.

Other visible benefits of Nasya:

• Muscles of shoulder, neck, face and chest become strong and well-developed.
• It prevents graying of hair and preserves the glow and health of hair.
• Diseases of various organs on the face will reduce or will be cured. 
• It also strengthens veins, arteries, ligaments, joints and tendons.
• Face looks more cheerful.
• It is especially beneficial in the cases of paralysis, cervical spondylosis, sinusitis and migraine.

Complications visible when the process of Nasya is overdone:

• There will be an increase in the secretions happening from eyes, ears, nose etc.
• Inflammation and irritation are felt.
• The skull starts to dry out and becomes dehydrated resulting in pain and dizziness. Fainting might also occur.
• Aggravation of Vata dosha.

Should Nasya be done by fully healthy person?

• Yes 
• By doing Nasya, a healthy person can experience various benefits, especially including the improved sharpness of our senses.
• In fact, a daily mild Nasya is recommended for all wherein 1-2 drops of the oil are put in the nose every morning and/or evening. This type of Nasya does not need any preparatory procedures to be done prior to the process.

References:

Primary Source: School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes