Nasya (Intranasal Therapy)
in Bengaluru
Nasya is the therapeutic administration of medicated oils, ghee, powders, or fresh juices through the nasal passages. In Ayurveda, the nose is considered the doorway to the brain (Nasa Hi Shiraso Dwaram). It is the primary Panchakarma therapy for all disorders related to the head, neck, and senses.
Clinical Benefits
- Bypasses the blood-brain barrier via olfactory and trigeminal neural pathways
- Clears congestion and reduces inflammation in the paranasal sinuses
- Relieves severe trigeminal nerve sensitization (effective for migraines)
- Strengthens sensory organs (vision, smell, hearing)
- Delays premature graying of hair and hair fall
Clinical Procedure
1. Preparation (Purvakarma)
- • Patient undergoes gentle facial massage (Mukha Abhyanga) focusing on the sinuses and marma points
- • Steam inhalation (Nadi Sweda) is applied to the face and neck to loosen deep-seated Kapha
- • Patient lies comfortably with the head slightly tilted back (approx. 45 degrees)
2. Main Action (Pradhana Karma)
A specified number of drops (varying from 2 to 10+ depending on the type of Nasya) of lukewarm medicated oil (e.g., Anu Taila, Ksheerabala) is instilled into each nostril. The patient inhales deeply, and the physician massages the face, forehead, and neck to aid absorption.
3. Post-Therapy (Paschatkarma)
- • The patient is asked to spit out any secretions or oil that reach the throat
- • Gargling with warm water and turmeric (Kavala/Gandusha)
- • Inhalation of medicated smoke (Dhumapana) to clear residual Kapha
- • Avoidance of cold air, dust, and cold water for the remainder of the day
Patient FAQs
How does putting oil in the nose help my neck pain?
The nasal mucosa is highly vascular and located close to the base of the brain and cervical spine neural pathways. Nasya with Vata-pacifying oils directly nourishes the cervical nerves and reduces spasms in the neck musculature, providing relief for cervical spondylosis.
Will the oil go into my lungs?
No. The procedure is done with a specific head tilt, and the patient is instructed to draw the oil backward into the nasopharynx and spit it out through the mouth. A trained physician ensures it does not enter the trachea.
Protocol Details
Primary Indications
Contraindications
- Immediately after consuming food or alcohol
- Acute fever, severe cold, or active respiratory infection
- Pregnancy (first trimester)
- Children under 7 or elderly over 80 (unless using mild Pratimarsha Nasya)