Dinacharya Nasya

Dinacharya Nasya

Nasya is one among the Panchakarma (5 Purification therapies) procedures where the medicine is instilled through the nostrils. The nose is the only route through which the medicine reaches the head. Nasya helps in purifying the area above the neck.

The nose is the gateway of the head through which the medicine reaches and clears the sense organs. It is also described as a procedure that can be done on a daily basis for maintaining health and preventing diseases.

What are the benefits of Nasya?
Ayurveda scholar ‘Charaka’ has explained the benefits of Nasya as the following -

1. He who practices Nasya will be devoid of diseases of eyes, ears and nose.
2. His hair will remain healthy, lustrous and black and will not be affected by greying of hair.
3. He will be devoid of hair fall and will have clear sense organs.
4. Delayed ageing
5. Gives strength to upper limbs

Classification of Nasya

On the basis of Purification, nourishing and restraining scholar ‘Charaka’ has classified Nasya into five types.

Type of Nasya Explanation

1) Navana Nasya It can either be nourishing or purificatory. Navana is administered by instilling drops of a medicated oil in the nostrils. It is indicated mainly due to Vitiation of Vata Dosha. It can also be used for frozen shoulder, premature wrinkles, hair loss, dry mouth and diseases of eyes.

2) Avapida Nasya In this type, extract or juice of a drug is instilled into the nostril. It is indicated in conditions like poisoning or toxicity. Also in conditions like mental disturbances, neurological disorders, unconsciousness, delusion, anxiety etc.

3) Dhumapana Herbal smoking

4) Pradhamana Nasya In this type herbal powder is instilled in the nostril. This type of Nasya is mainly for purifying therapies.

5) Prathimarsha Nasya This is the safest administration of Nasya therapy. It is devoid of any complications. Here oil is instilled into the nostril and can be done on daily basis. It is preventive in nature and the dose is generally 2 drops in each nostril.

This is just one classification of Nasya. In addition to this various scholars have given different classifications of Nasya.

Among all the classifications the most popular is Marsha and Pratimarsha Nasya.

Check out the major differences between these two below.

Marsha Nasya 

Curative in nature
Age and season-specific
The dose is 10, 8 and 4 drops classified as Uthama, madhayama and hina matra respectively.
May have complications if not performed by an experienced practitioner.
Quick acting
Prathimarsha Nasya

Preventive in nature
Can be performed in all seasons and for all age groups
The dose is 2 drops
Devoid of complications.
Slow acting
Procedure of Nasya

As I have already mentioned Prathimarsha nasya can be performed as part of a daily regimen by individuals themselves. One can lie down in an appropriate position and instill 2 drops on each nostril immediately after brushing in the morning.

Marsha Nasya has got a detailed procedure which is described below. This is for educational purposes and you must consult a qualified practitioner.

The appropriate time to give Marsha Nasya is dependent on the season. 
In Grishma Ritu (Summer season) Nasya has to be administered before noon. 
In cold seasons like Shishira and Hemanta Ritu, Nasya is administered in the noon. 
In Varsha Ritu (rainy season), Nasya is administered when the sky is devoid of any clouds and clear.
After the bowels have been cleared, the patient is made to lie in a supine position. Mild Oil massage is done in the head, forehead, face and neck. After that mild sudation is done either with hands or a towel dipped in hot water. Then the person is asked to close one nostril with his finger, and medicine is instilled into the other nostril. He should inhale the medicine through one nostril.
Afterwards, the person is given medicated smoking and asked to gargle in Saltwater. Ideally, the process is done for 5-7 days. During these 7 days, the person has to follow certain restrictions in diet and regimen.

Things to be avoided when doing Marsha Nasya 
1. Cold water
2. Improper diet
3. Dust and fume
4. Oils and ghee
5. Sun and heat
6. Alcohol
7. Head bath
8. Traveling
9. Anger
10. Sleep

Features of adequate Nasya
• Lightness in the body
• Lightness in the head
• Good sleep
• Physical wellness
• Mental wellness
• Clarity of senses

In short, Nasya when done in a proper way has numerous benefits and will result in health and rejuvenation.

Dr. Arya Krishna B.A.M.S.
Ayurveda Consulting Physician & Educational Co-ordinator
BE MIND BODY SKIN
Subject Matter Expert
At Home With Ayurveda (UK)