| Administration
of medicines through the nose either to subside congestion
or to expel vitiated Doshas out of the body systems is known
as Nasya Karma or Shirovirechan. The word Shirovirechan literally
means method of purification of the systems above clavicular
region. The medicines, which are used for this procedure,
include oil, pastes, powders, plant juices, decoctions, infusions,
as well as inhalation of medicinal smoke. Since the nose is
the main orifice, connected directly to brain, nasal cleansing
is considered very effective for ailments of the head including
the five sense organs (Indriyas). In this procedure, the aggravated
Doshas above the region of clavicle (in the head and neck)
are eliminated through the nose. Before beginning with the
nasal therapy, the preparatory procedures such as localized
Snehan (Oleation therapy) and Swedan (diaphoresis) should
be applied on the affected area.
Indications
This therapy is specially advised for head and neck diseases
such as dental disorders, tonsillitis, diseases of eye, facial
paralysis, baldness, graying of hair, etc.
Contraindications
Persons suffering from digestive disorders, fever, coryza;
immediately after physical exertion; pregnant women and persons
who have recently undergone oleation therapy, should not take
Nasya therapy.
Procedure
If medicinal powders are used, these should be used as insufflation.
Nasal drops are put in the dose of 2-3 drops in each nostril
after making the patient lie down. The medicine, which enters
throat, should be spitted out along with cough.
Post Nasya procedure
After Nasya karma, smoking of medicinal cigarettes (Dhuma
Pana) is advised. Patient is advised to drink warm water and
eat light diet; to remain in a place, which is not very breezy.
Complications of improper Nasya Karma
When nasal therapy is not given properly, it causes heaviness
of head, coryza, rhinitis, headache and other diseases of
eye, ear and head.
Pratimarsha Nasya
It is given with medicated oils and it is given every day
to healthy individuals. It works as nutrient for eyes, ears
and nose. Nasal insufflation is given for purification of
Doshas, which are accumulated above clavicular region.
|
