Critical Review On Nasya Karma

Abstract

Nasya karma is the special Panchakarma procedure where the drug is administered through Nasal Route. The medicated drug that is put into nostril moves in the channels up to the sringataka marma(Sira Marma) and spreads to whole of the interior of the head(Brain) and to the junction where all the channels related to the eyes, ears, oropharynx situated together thus shows influence on shiras by removing out the accumulated vitiated doshas localised in shiras of all sinuses in the skull.This action of Nasya karma is known as sirovirechana. According to Vagbhatacharya the nasal passage is considered as the Channel for head (brain) i.. e “Nasa Hi Siraso Dwaram’’. Therefore, Nasya Karma pacify all accumulated doshas and related diseases. Nasya Karma is a therapeutic procedure in which the medicated oils, Swarasa, Kwatha or Churna is administered through nasal cavity to eliminate the vitiated Doshas situated in Sira (Brain) for the treatment of urdhwa Jatrugata Vikar. The First Cranial nerve (olfactory nerves) are connected with the higher centers of the brain i.e., limbic system which contains amygdaloidal complex, hypothalamus and basal ganglia. so, the drugs administered through nose stimulate the higher centers of brain which in turn alters the endocrine and Central nervous system functions, by controlling the doshas. The medicated drug also enters into the systemic circulation, intracranial region by lymphatic and Vascular Pathway. The present review article is compiled from many articles and research papers collected from different websites along with related materials from ancient ayurvedic classics.