Nasyam is the instillation of herbal medicines through the nostrils. Its impacts are very diverse. It removes mucous clogs, cleans and clears the head channels, and also stimulates the brain cells and central nervous system. It is one among the five Panchakarma treatments.
It is commonly used to treat diseases like paralysis, Parkinson's disease, complex headache, acute sinusitis, diseases of the head, neck and nose, Bell's palsy,Arthritis, and cervical spondylosis.
Nasyam is also a powerful rejuvenative therapy. Extended treatments give wonderful results for good health management. It stimulates the brain cells and promotes intelligence and memory power; prevents ageing, refreshes oral cavities, and improves hair growth. The sensory organs become stronger, immunity builds up and the person becomes cheerful and brisk. Betterment of sound quality and skin texture are also the benefits of doing nasyam.
The treatment commences with the preconditioning of the person's body. This is a short oil massage of the head, face, and neck followed by brief steaming. Next, the person lies down comfortably with his neck slightly raised and head lowered. Drops of the warm medicine are poured into each of his nostrils and he is made to inhale deeply, while the other nostril is kept closed with the thumb. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes and to get effective results it is continued for 7 to 14 days.
While in curative treatments, mostly a single strong dose of nasyam a day is sufficient; in wellness therapies, it could go up to 15 mild doses per day.
Renowned oils such as fortified Ksheerabala, Anuthailam, and Karpasasthyady are commonly used for the instillation. These oils are a mix of very potential healing herbs, decoctions, milk, and ghee. These include bael, vitex, myrobalan, sida, nut grass tuber, guggul, cardamom, roots of bael, cinnamon, sarasaparilla, sesame oil, goat's milk, rainwater, etc.
The sida plant has strong properties that strengthen the human nerves. Sesame oil, rich in linoleic acid, has high therapeutic benefits. Nut grass tuber, cardamom,Konch, and bael have specific properties that loosen the mucous.
The doctor may also advice the person to carry out other Ayurvedic treatments along with Nasyam. Internal herbal medicines like Kashayam (decoction), Lehyam (semi-solid), and Choornam (powder) etc. are also given as a part of the treatment.
