As the name suggest, Panchkarma means Pancha Karma i.e. Five Methods or Five Operation in Ayurvedic Medicinal System. These are:

Nasya Karma

It is also known as shiroveraechan. A very important part of the panch karma therapy. Nasya karma is a procedure mentioned in ayurvedic texts regarding the diseases related to head, eyes, nose etc. i.e. in urdhv jatru gata roga. Nasya karma means administration medicine through the nostrils. Nostril is considered as the pathway to the brain.

Importance of nasya karma

The importance of administration of treatment through nostril has been practiced in India since ages. Nasal douching with the clean and pure water early morning is considered good for improving eyesight, prevents premature graying of hairs and hair fall. Purpose of performing nasya karma is to through out the vitiated dosha in the head region. Nasya karma is particularly advised in disease of head such as inflammation of nasal sinuses, diseases of eyes such as pains, inflammation, reddishness and weakness, diseases of ears and diseases of the upper throat. It has been regularly being prescribed in insanity.

Diseases in which nasya karma is used

Following are the diseases in which nasya karma is not to be given

The main function of the nose is to warm the air when it passes through the labyrinth of the intricate passage into the nose and also to filter the air of certain impurities contained in the atmosphere. If the air comes in contact with the epithelium of the lungs, without undergoing the process of drying and filtration, it is sure that it may cause an injury. To make the nose capable for inhaling nasya is also advised.

Timings of performing nasya karma

Usually nasya karma is to be performed in early morning for kapha related disorders. In pitta related disorders nasya is to be performed in the noon or mid day time. Evening is the time for treating vata related disorders.

Nasya is also advised in night time for certain disease s like excessive salivating, talking in sleep, grinding of teeth, greaning in sleep, difficulty in opening the eye lids, offensive breathe, karna naada (tinnitus aurium), hemiplegia, disease of head, swas roga (asthma), cough and excessive sleepiness.

It is to be kept in mind that before performing nasya karma, Snehan and swedan is to be done to the head region. Usually paanitaap sweda (application of heat with the heated palms) is to be done all over the head

Procedure of nasya karma

Before stating the main procedure one should always apply the oil on the head and then it is massaged and then it is warmed with the palms.

The patient is then laid down on a hard bench on his back and is bent bit backwards. Now the tumbler containing the medicine is put into hot water so as to warm the medicine. Now close one nostril and the medicine is put into other nostril and vice versa. The excess medicine that reaches his mouth is to be spitted out. A good massage to his feet, shoulders and head is to done. After the first administration of nasya, the head, cheeks, neck etc are again done with swedan. After this procedure is over the patient is advised Dhumapanam (medicated smoking). Patient should be kept in a clean environment where he is to be protected fro direct exposure to air, dirt and dust. Emotional stress should also be avoided. If the nasya is performed in a proper way the patient feels lightness on his head and has good sleep with out any discomfort.

Important points to be noted for nasya karma

1. Nasya karma may be at the most consecutively performed for seven days.
2. Nasya karma can be performed in both morning and evening in diseases like hiccups, tonsillitis etc.
3. After the completion of nasya karma one should take nutritious diet.
4. After completion of virechan nasya (avapeed or pradhamana) some oil drops are to be put into the nostril.
5. After the nasya is complete, the patient should lie down on the bed for at least half an hour.

Paschat karma of nasya karma

Following are the things that are to be performed after nasya karma.

1. Dhumapanam
2. Kaval and Gandusha
3. Life style
4. Dhumapanam

Dhumapanam is the inhalation of medicated smoke. It is employed in certain diseases i.e. kapha and vata disorders pertaining to head and neck. The patient is made to smoke through pipe, or through inhalation of dhum (fumes) or by specially prepared cigars.

It is also of three types

1. Snigdh
2. Madyam
3. Tikshan.

Procedure

The dhum is to be taken when the person is sitting erect with his mind attentive on the act. Usually dhum is sucked is taken through one nostril and the process is repeated in vice versa. If the dosha is situated in the head region or in the nose and if it moved from its seat (utklishta). In such a case person should smoke through nose. In contrast, if the dosha is firmly attached in the head or nose and is not moving, then he may take the smoke through the mouth. If the dosha is situated in the throat then, he should first take the smoke through the nostril and next through the mouth.

In all the cases, this inhalation of smoke should be left off through the mouth and never through the nose. The smoke is to be drawn in and then left off and this process is repeated three times on an occasion.

Herbs used for Dhumapanam

Shallaki, laksha, prithveeka, lotus, lily, nyagrodha bark, udumbara, aswatha, plaksha, lodhar, sugar, muklethi, suwarnatwak, padmakam, manjishtha and all the fragrants substavces excepts kushta and tagra. These are saman dravya (herbs), if after these still some doshas are left then administration of tikshan dhum is done.

Disease in which Dhumapanam is indicated

Disease or symptoms like cough, asthma, peenus, loss of voice, offensive breath, anemia, premature graying of hairs, ottorrhoea, discharge from eyes, excessive salivation, itching and pain in the eyes, ears and mouth, stiffness in these parts, sleepiness and sluggishness and hiccough. These symptoms or disease are prevented in a person who uses proper Dhumapanam.

Dhum may be applied to the ulcers and at that procedure it is called vranadhupnah (fumigation of the wound.)

Kaval and Gandusha

Gandusha means holding a mouthful of tailam or any decoction for a while after filling the mouth wit it.

Kaval means filling the mouth partially and gargling with it.

Gandusha is of for types

1. Snigdh Gandusha : it is done with oils. These are medicated with sweet, sour and saltish substances. It is useful in pitta disorders.
2. Saman Gandusha : it is done by decoction prepared with the bitter, astringent and sweet substance. It is useful in kapha disorders.
3. Shodhana Gandusha: it is done with the decoction etc. prepared with astringent and sweet substance. It is useful in vata disorder.
4. Ropana Gandusha: it is done with the decoction which is prepared with astringent and bitter substances. It is useful in ulceration of mouth.

Dravya (herbs) used in Gandusha

For performing Gandusha oils, ghee, milk, water mixed with honey, liquors, meat juice, cow’s urine, and dhaanyaamlam etc, mixed or unmixed with other herbs may be used. These herbs have rasa or the taste, as indicated the disease we are treating.

Sweet gingerly oil or meat juice may be employed for Gandusha daily by all the people, even they are not suffering from any disease also.

In mukh paak (stomatitis) or the ulceration of the mouth or in inflammation of any part of the mouth accompanied with burning sensation or in injuries caused in the mouth, Gandusha with honey, ghee and milk are very effective. If there is kapha in mouth, Gandusha with ksharodaka is very useful.

Life style

One should avoid cold water, curd; heavy food stuff and fatty food items. One should bathe with warm water. One should reside in cozy and warm environment. Atmosphere should clean without any dirt, dust and any kind of pollution. Any kind of emotional stress should be avoided. Traveling shold also be avoided.

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