A REVIEW ON MODE OF ACTION OF NASYA KARMA

Sudipana Sarkar*, Rajeev G. Dole and Jagruti Richhariya

ABSTRACT

Nasya karma is a therapeutic procedure where the powdered durgs or sneha dravya; processed with different drugs; is administered through nose. It is particularly useful in the treatment of diseases occurring in the organs situated above the clavicle. Nasa (nose) being the pathway of shira (head), the drugs administered through nasal route reaches to brain and acts on higher centers of brain controlling different neurological, endocrinal and circulatory functions and thus showing local as well as systemic effects. According to Ayurveda any drug administered through this route strikes shringataka marma and is conveyed to vessels supplying netra, shrotra, kantha etc. and eliminates vitiated doshas. Hence an effort has been made through this review work to find out the probable mode of action of Nasya karma as an alternative route of drug administration for local and systemic action.

Keywords: Nasya, Nasa, Shira, Urddhva-jatru, Ayurveda.