PRATIMARSHA NASYA: The Ayurvedic Gateway to Wellness

Nasya is one among the pancha Shodhana procedure (fivefold detoxification therapy). "Nasaya Praniyamanam Oushadam Nasyam" means the procedure in which drug is administered through the nose is known as Nasyam.

Nose is one among the important route of drug administration in Ayurveda. By nasal administration, bioavailability of drug is 100%, absence of hepatic first-pass mechanism, rapid drug absorption and quick onset of action. It can be administered even in an unconscious patient.

According to Acharya Charak: "Dwaram Shiraso hi Nasa tena tad Vyapya Hanti tan" which means the Nose is the gateway for the Head and the medicine administered through the nose spreads there and cures all the diseases originated from there or residing there.

Pratimarsha Nasya

So Nasya is beneficial in alleviating diseases of head, neck and other systemic diseases. Among all types of Nasya karma, Pratimarsha nasya is one which is advised on a daily basis as part of Dinacharya (daily regimen).

Procedure:

Here a small amount of oil is instilled into the nostrils in all the seasons. As Navana nasya is of two types (Shodhana and Shamana), Pratimarsha nasya acts as both without causing any complications.

• Dose: 2 bindu (drops) in each nostril.
• Method: The patient should sit or lie in a comfortable position with the neck extended. The medicated oil is heated indirectly on a warm water bath. Then the index finger is dipped up to the second phalanx and the oil is dropped into both nostrils one by one.

Time of Administration:

Acharya Vagbhata has explained 15 different times when Pratimarsha nasya should be used:

Benefits of Pratimarsha Nasya

According to Ashtanga Hrudaya, Pratimarsha nasya is beneficial from birth to death like Basti karma. It gives all the benefits of Marsha nasya (classical nasya) if used daily. Unlike other nasya types, in Pratimarsha nasya no specific pre-operative or post-operative regimen is followed. So, it can be practiced without the fear of complications.

Indications:

• Kshata (injury)
• Childhood and old age
• Sukumara (delicate persons)
• Untimely rain / excessive thirst
• Dryness of mouth
• Diseases above the clavicle
• Premature wrinkling and greying of hair

Respiratory Health: Pratimarsha nasya is very good for respiratory disorders. As most communicable diseases start with symptoms like cold, cough and flu, practicing Pratimarsha nasya can help prevent them.