Nasyam is an Ayurveda Therapy that has direct impact on the nervous system and gets rid of the toxins/ doshas collected in the sinuses or shiras. In Ayurveda, the primary function of nose is considered not just breathing but also the administration of medicines. Nose is considered to be the entry to head, thus all ailments in organs above the collarbone can be treated through the nose. It is used for treatment of ailments related to the nose, throat, sinuses and head.
Diseases Treated: Migraine, chronic cold, paralysis, rheumatism, arthritis, spondylosis and other psychosomatic diseases. Here the face, shoulders and chest are massaged gently with certain herbal concoctions and oils. A measured quantity of medicated oil or herbal extracts, as prescribed by the physician are administered into the nostrils via inhaling.
The mucus coating inside the nose are lined with numerous nerve endings and these medicated oils affect directly on them to calm down the Vata. It is to be administered on an empty stomach, 1 hour prior to or after physical activity.
The 6 different types of Nasyam Therapies include:
• Virechna Nasyam (cleansing): Here instead of medicated oils, dry powder such as Brahmi or Jatamasi is administered in the nostrils with the help of tubes. It is primarily used to treat kapha Imbalance causing ailments such as headaches, drowsiness, parkinson’s, epilepsy, etc.
• Bruhana Nasyam (nutritive): Medicated milk/oil/ ghee such as shatavari ghee, ashwagandha ghee are administered through the nose to balance primarily vata doshas. Used to treat vata type headaches, anxiety, migraines, dryness etc.
• Shamana Nasyam (sedative): Herbal medicated liquids/ oils and teas are administered through the nore. It is primarily used to balance pitta and kapha doshas such as hair thinning, psoriasis, conjunctivitis etc
• Navana Nasyam (decoction): Fresh juice and medicated decoctions administered through the nose. Primarily used to balance vata-pitta or kapha-pitta doshas.
• Marshya Nasyam: Ghee/oil is applied to the nostrils with the help of finger. It is accompanied by a gentle massage and results in relaxation.