Dr M V Subramanyam,

Professor and Head of the PG Dept. of Shalakya tantra,

S D M College of Ayurveda,

HASSAN,

KARNATAKA.

Nasya Therapy in Pratishyaya (Colds)

In general indications of Nasya, Pratishyaya has been mentioned by Acharyas. However the actual stage of the disease at which Nasya can be applicable is mentioned by these references. Whenever Pratishyaya has progressed to a stage where the sputum is ghana, it is called as Pakwavastha (purulent). For every disease there are three methods of approach for its cure viz Apakarshana, Prakriti vighata, and Nidana parivarjana. Each ranks equal importance in the therapy.

In Pratishyaya Nasya (Apakarshana) can contribute 33.33% of total therapy. This is true in real sense so far as Virechana Nasya is concerned. In conditions like chronic sinusitis this aspect has to be thought in prima facie. Nasya is well to do with Vatika Pratishyaya if we analyze the disease with proper Doshic discrimination (Amshamsha kalpana). In most of the Nasyas which are indicated in Pratishyaya Chikitsa should be in Taila (oil) form ideally  - though Ghrita is also mentioned. Of all Tailas, Tila Taila (sesame oil) is thought to be ideal as it possess Srotosodhaka property.

Inspite of Vatika Pratishyaya, Nasya is also indicated in Sannipatika, Kaphaja and Paittika Pratishyaya. Nasya in Pratishyaya can be either Vairechanika or Snaihika as far as pediatric age group is concerned. It is a quite common symptom that dryness of the mouth and pharynx is probably due to Nasal obstruction (Sringhatak sosha). In such conditions Nasya is indicated while dealing with the Pratishyaya in Charak Samhita Chikitsa sthana.

One of the principal uses of Nasal drops in the conditions like coryza, vasomotor rhinitis, and sinusitis is nothing but decongestions. The decongestive effect may be bringing down by vasoconstriction. Most of our Nasya drugs if it is in Taila media medicated with Mrudu Dravyas will satisfy following conditions which are needed for a decongestant.

?    It prompts reliable action.

?    A secondary or rebound congestion should not occur.

?    Side effects due to systemic absorption should be minimal.

?    The duration of action should be fairly long so that frequent application doesn?t become necessary.

?    The solution or preparation applied should not be irritant or harmful to the cilia.

Second method of Nasal decongestion in clinical practice is provision of humidification in Nasal passage according to Harry Beckman pharmacological principle. No doubt Nasya with medicated oil will serve the same purpose for relieving the feeling of fullness in the head by proper breath in an atmosphere saturated with moisture.

From the different studies (Potiroli, E. A. et-al 1983 and Berquist et-al 1979) it is well proved that systemic absorption can happen even through the mucous membrane of the nose. If the Nasya is given in oil media the absorption rate can be improved as mucous membrane is much more lipophilic but here absorption of active ingredients of test drugs is still debatable.