Nasyam -Nasal Instillation Therapy 

Nasya therapy stands as a therapeutic modality within Siddha Ayurvedic medicine, meticulously designed to purify and revitalize the head and neck region. This procedure entails the deliberate administration of medicated oils or powders into the nasal cavity, thereby orchestrating the expulsion of toxins and surplus mucus from the sinuses, throat, and cranial region.

The administration of Nasya therapy is strategically aligned with three overarching objectives:

 1. **Cleansing Purpose:**

   - Nasya is employed with a primary focus on purgation, aiming to expel impurities, toxins, and accumulated mucus from the targeted anatomical sites. This cleansing function aligns with the foundational principles of Ayurveda, promoting the restoration of equilibrium within the body.

 2. **Palliative Purpose:**

   - As part of its therapeutic spectrum, Nasya Karma serves a palliative role, offering relief from specific ailments affecting the head and neck. By addressing symptomatic concerns, this facet of Nasya underscores its application in mitigating discomfort and promoting well-being.

 3. **Rejuvenative Purpose:**

   - Beyond cleansing and palliation, Nasya therapy assumes a rejuvenative role, aiming to invigorate and replenish the vital energy of the head and neck region. This rejuvenation aligns with Ayurvedic principles of holistic health, seeking not only the absence of disease but the optimal well-being of the individual.

 Impact of Nasya in the human body.

The potential mechanisms of action of Nasya therapy encompass multiple physiological levels

ü  At the level of Blood circulation:

ü  At the level of lymphatic channels including CSF

ü  At  the  level  of  neuroendocrinal  and  neurovascular stimulation

ü  At the level of neuropsychological levels

level of Blood circulation

Nasya treatment involves the administration of medicinal substances through the nasal passages, allowing absorption through the nasal mucous membrane. Once absorbed, these medicines enter the facial vein, which lacks valves, enabling them to flow in reverse direction to the cavernous sinus and reach the brain and meninges. Techniques such as lowering the head, elevating the lower extremities, and applying warmth to the face influence the blood circulation in the head and face, causing momentary hyperemia. This momentary increase in blood flow stimulates efferent vasodilator nerves on the superficial surface of the face. Consequently, there is a fall in arterial pressure due to vasodilation. The increased pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compresses arteries in the brain, leading to transient ischemia. The body responds with the Cushing reflex, causing a subsequent rise in arterial pressure. This reflex results in the creation of more fluid in the intracranial space, leading to increased transfusion of fluid into brain tissue. The dynamic impact of Nasya treatment on blood circulation and pressure changes may influence the efficacy and action of the administered drug.

 level of lymphatic channels including CSF

Nasya formulations encompass a judicious combination of water-soluble and lipid-soluble active constituents. The aqueous constituents are absorbed through the mucous membranes, including the nasal and olfactory mucosa, while lipid-soluble components find assimilation through nerve endings, notably the trigeminal and olfactory nerves. This distinction is noteworthy, as lipid-soluble drugs, by nature, exhibit a more expeditious absorption profile compared to their water-soluble counterparts. The lipid-soluble substances adeptly traverse the epithelial membrane, facilitating prompt access to the lymphoid tissue, thereby engendering a swift and efficient circulation through the lymphatic channels—an advantageous attribute. Concurrently, an additional avenue for drug absorption is afforded through the extended arachnoid sheath extending from the brain to the submucosal region of the nose

level  of  neuroendocrinal  and  neurovascular stimulation

The stimulation of the peripheral olfactory system during the Nasya Karma procedure presents an additional avenue for therapeutic impact. The peripheral olfactory nerves function as chemoreceptors, identifying the chemical characteristics of particles introduced into the nasal passages. These chemoreceptors transmit the received stimuli to the olfactory bulbs, initiating a cascade of signals to higher centers, including the hippocampus, limbic system, and hypothalamus.

Further downstream, these stimuli reach the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, influencing the endocrine and nervous systems. Adjacent nerves known as terminal nerves, running alongside the olfactory nerves, are connected to the limbic system, including the hypothalamus. Both the limbic system and the hypothalamus play a pivotal role in regulating endocrine secretions, with the hypothalamus serving as a crucial integrator of both endocrine and nervous system functions

level of neuropsychological levels

 

The nerves in the nose, including those linked with our sense of smell (olfactory nerves), are connected to a part of the brain called the limbic system, which includes the hypothalamus. This brain network not only influences hormone release but also plays a role in human behavior. According to a study by Cowley and colleagues in 1975, certain drugs given through the nose can affect immediate psychological functions. This impact is thought to happen through the olfactory nerves, influencing the limbic system. In the context of Nasya Karma, this means substances administered through the nose may not only influence hormones but also have a direct impact on our immediate psychological responses through the limbic system.

 

Indication

Nasya mainly indicated for diseases above shoulder (head and neck region)

 1. **Sinus Congestion and Sinusitis:**

   - Nasyam is commonly used to address sinus congestion and sinusitis by promoting drainage and relieving inflammation in the nasal passages.

 2. **Migraines and Headaches:**

   - The therapy is indicated for individuals experiencing migraines or headaches, as it aims to alleviate pain and discomfort in the head region.

 3. **Allergic Rhinitis:**

   - Nasyam is beneficial for managing allergic rhinitis by reducing nasal inflammation and improving respiratory function.

 4. **Nasal Congestion and Blockage:**

   - It is recommended for conditions causing nasal congestion and blockage, helping to clear the nasal passages and improve breathing.

5. **Neurological Disorders:**

   - Certain neurological disorders, especially those affecting the head and sensory organs, may benefit from Nasyam due to its impact on nerve stimulation.

6. **Hair and Scalp Issues:**

   - Nasyam is sometimes indicated for addressing issues related to the hair and scalp, promoting overall scalp health.

 7. **Eye Disorders:**

   - Conditions affecting the eyes, such as dry eyes or certain eye disorders, may find relief through Nasyam.

8. **Memory Enhancement:**

   - Nasyam is believed to have positive effects on cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity.

 9. **Facial Paralysis (Ardita):**

   - In Ayurveda, Nasyam is also indicated for certain cases of facial paralysis (Ardita) to promote nerve function and circulation in the affected area.

10. **Preventive Health Maintenance:**

    - Nasyam can be employed as a preventive measure to maintain overall health, especially during seasonal changes, to strengthen the respiratory and sensory systems.