Nasyam Panchakarma: Errhine Therapy

Nasya is a Sanskrit word that means “related to nose”. Nasyam is one of five – along with Virechana, Vasti, Vaman and Raktmokshana – Panchakarma body cleansing therapies.

During Nasyam, medicated herbal oil is administered to the body through the nasal route. Nasyam addresses disorders in the head and neck regions, especially ailments related to the ear, nose and throat. These may include cholesteatoma, dysphagia, ear Infection and gastric reflux. During nasyam, massage is performed on the upper portion of the body, including the forehead and the ears.

Types of Nasyam

Different types of Nasyam therapy are described in Ayurveda. It must be noted, however, that not all are practised in the current era or, if they are at all, with modifications. The Nasyam therapy varies with the type and quantity of herbal medicine used.

Virechana Nasyam: Ghee or herbal oil is poured down the nasal passage. Also known as cleansing Nasyam or Shodhana Nasyam, it helps to immediately rid imbalances in the doshas from the head region.
Pradhamana Nasyam: Dried powder – generally dried brahmi powder – is administered into the nose through a tube.
Brahmana Nasyam: Also known as Snehana Nasyam, this involves pouring meat juice, or a mixture of medicated oil and camphor, plant extracts, resin and gum, into the nose.
Shamana Nasyam: Also known as Sedative Nasyam, this involves pouring palliative medication, milk, herbal decoction or tea into nostrils. It is used for treating pitta-related disorders such as skin discolouration.
Dhuma Nasya: Medicated fumes are inhaled through the nose and exhaled through the mouth. It typically addresses problems associated with the nose, ears, eyes and throat.

What Happens During Nasyam?

Like other Panchakarma procedures, Nasyam is done in 3 steps:

The patient’s head is massaged with medicated oil. This is followed by fomentation to help loosen mucus in the mouth, sinuses, throat, lungs, stomach and intestines, and open the pores of the skin to enable oil on the head and face to penetrate deeply into the tissues.

The patient lies straight on the table with face upwards - a pillow or towel rolled under the neck - and arms and legs extended. Fomentation with a warm compress is performed to trigger mild sweating. Medicine is administered into each nostril, followed by a mild massage of the neck, palms, ears, shoulders and soles.

The patient inhales medicated herbs, and gargles with lukewarm water (to expel medication from the throat). He or she then inhales medicated fumes from the nose and exhales through the mouth to clear the congestion in the nasal channels. A 3- or 7-day treatment is prescribed according to the condition.

How Nasyam Works

The nasal cavity is divided into 2 parts by the nasal septum and it consists of 3 main regions: nasal vestibule, olfactory region and respiratory regions. The first step in the absorption of the drug is mucosal absorption.

The medications administered through the nostrils pervade the nervous (brain) and venous (blood circulation) systems in and around the nostrils. As the toxic substances here are eradicated, the process helps to relieve blockage in the channels and rid discomfort effectively.

Benefits & Indications of Nasyam

Nasyam, when combined with other Ayurvedic procedures, can contribute to the management of neurological and psychological problems.

Nasyam purifies the head region and nasal passages to alleviate headaches, migraine, sinus disorders, asthma, high blood pressure, facial paralysis, hormonal imbalances and more.
It stimulates the hypothalamus, which releases hormones and regulates emotions, hence reduces feelings of stress.
Nasyam increases immunity.
Nasyam helps to eliminate spasms in the nose and treat dyspnoea and asthma.
It nourishes sensory organs and defends against signs of ageing and hair loss.