Nasyam
Nasyam therapy is a process wherein the drug is administered through the nostrils. Since the nose is the gateway of the head, the therapy is highly effective in curing a number of diseases pertaining to the head, if it is performed systematically. The therapy cleanses and opens the channels of the head, thereby improving the process of oxygenation which has a direct influence on the functioning of brain. The therapy is beneficial if done on a regular basis, because it keeps the eyes, nose and ear healthy.
Method:
Prior to Nasyam, Snehapanam and Swedanam should be done to the patients. This helps loosen the adhesive doshas, thereby facilitating the subsequent elimination. After the Purvakarma, the patient is asked to lie down in a bed with his/her hand and legs kept straight. The warmed medicine is then made to flow into one nostril, while the other is kept closed. The same process is carried out in the other nostril also. For the administration of the drug, a Pichu (cotton swab) or Nadi (tube) may be used (dropper can be used as well). The sole, shoulder, neck, ear and palm are gently massaged after the administration of the drug. The impurities and medicines that reach the mouth must be spit out. Swedanakarma (sudation) should be repeated after Nasyam.
Therapeutic value:
The diseases that are treated under Nasyam therapy are as follows: • Aphonia • Bronchitis • Cataract • Catarrh and chronic coryza (inflammation of mucous membranes in nasal cavity) • Diseases of mouth, nose, ear, eye and head • Diseases of the eyelid • Dryness of the nose • Facial paralysis • Frozen shoulder • Hemicrania (persistent unilateral headache) • Hoarseness of voice • Hysteria • Migraine • Multiple sclerosis • Parkinsonism • Seminal disorders • Shoulder pain • Sinusitis • Stammering • Stiffness in the head, neck, teeth and jaw • Tetanus • Tonsillitis • Toothache and other tooth disorders • Uvulitis
Dhoomapanam
This method of treatment involves inhaling and exhaling of medicinal smoke. It is a fine treatment for various sinus and respiratory diseases. Acute sinusitis, asthma, sneezing, infections
of the lower respiratory tract, cough etc., are treated using Dhoomapanam.
The removal of mucous toxins also rejuvenates the person's mental status and provides him/her with ample freshness. The smoke helps to dry the excessive mucous and lowers pain-causing inflammations of the sinus cavities and respiratory tract. The herbs and spices used here have special properties to act against these mucous wastes. Spices and herbs such as horse gram, long pepper, Guggul, Aconite, Albizzia tree, cardamom seed, turmeric, lac stick, garlic, licorice, etc., are finely ground and mixed with oil and ghee. It is then made into a pencil form, dried in shade, and further used for the smoking.
Method:
The treatment "Nasyam" or nasal application of herbal oil is done prior to Dhoomapanam and forms the initial part of this therapy. It is done to drain out the excessive mucous clogs. The next step is the inhalation part. Inhalation is done using a special tube of defined size and exhalation is done only through the mouth. The process is repeated 8 to 15 times in a day and continued for up to 4 days for effective cure.
Therapeutic value:
The outcome of such continuous treatments shows positive results in stopping sinusitis and certain respiratory ailments. The inflammations are reduced, recurrence of the disease is prevented, and production of excess mucous is also stopped. Effective as a cure for the following symptoms: • Acute sinusitis • Asthma • Sneezing • Infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts • Cough • Rhinitis • Nasal polyps • Headaches