Summary:
In a procedure like Nasya, we must achieve the correct position before administration of any drug. We must keep in mind cervical support, neck stiffness & nasal passage positioning. If this is in line, the effect of Nasya will be as expected & without any other ill effects.
In my college days, while reading modern science books I used to compare how these books are full of pictures & illustrations & our ayurvedic texts are without pictures or diagrams.
While studying at my guru's place I realized that Ayurveda is more of a Guru shishya school of teaching. So the majority of knowledge is transferred from the guru to shishya in experience & practical ways, as in the many procedures like Panchkarma.
The practical approach of when to administer Panchakarma, when to avoid?
What are do's & don'ts?
A practical approach can only be learned under a teacher's guidance.
One such procedure is Nasya(intra-nasal administration of drugs).
Nasya is one of the Panchakarma procedures which I have learned from my guru.
It can be used in many medical conditions related to body & mind & it's a prime procedure for psychological & psychosomatic disorders.
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In Nasya, it's crucial to position the patient correctly to achieve the desired effect.
Any medicine which we put in the nose will have a direct effect on the brain(nervous system & all sense organs), thereafter it gives an effect on all the organs above the supra clavicular region (उर्ध्वजत्रु) as well as the whole system.
As it is said,
नासा हि शिरसो द्वारम् || "The nasal passage is the gateway to the head."
Hence it is crucial to position the patient correctly before administration of the Nasya so that drugs pass directly into the head.
In Ayurvedic texts, there is no picture or elaborate explanation to achieve the position of the head before putting the nasya.
This blog explains exactly how to position the patient correctly for Nasya & why it is essential.
Conventional way:
Routinely, we hang the patient's head at the edge of the bed to make the head tilt & make the nasal bridge vertical.
Or just put a towel roll under the head & tilt the head little. These positions are easy to achieve but have some drawbacks.
Drawbacks:
When a patient has cervical muscle stiffness these positions are difficult to achieve.
It is painful for the patient to maintain the position for a long when the head is hanging.
Long-term treatment damages the patient's cervical spine & musculature, particularly in aged patients.
If a towel is kept under the neck and the head is slightly tilted, the majority of drugs will go in the throat rather than to the head.
How to achieve a CORRECT position for the Nasya?
Look at the picture below.
A pillow has been put under the shoulder. A towel roll is placed to support the neck evenly. The knees are bent to ease out the spine. Note that the nose is vertical, allowing medicines to pass directly into the head.
Benefits:
Easy to position.
The neck is supported.
Can be given in a stiff neck or a neck person with cervical spondylosis.
Drugs hit the target organ i.e. head.
Any suggestions & comments are welcome.
Post your queries in the comment section, and they will be replied to at a convenient time.
To know more about how to do the Pradhaman Nasya click here.
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