Nasa has been considered as the gateway of Shirah and to uproot the deep seated morbid doshas Nasya therapy has been recommended by almost all the Acharyas. Urdhvajatrugata Rogas and their management have a special place in Ayurveda. Shirah being the prime seat of knowledge and also the prime controller of the entire body has been termed as Uttamanga. Hence, the diseases occurring in the Urdhvajatru have been very clearly highlighted in the Ayurvedic classics along with their management. Nasa is considered to be that Indriya, whose functions are not only limited to respiration but is also considered as a pathway for drug administration. In Ayurveda, special procedure called Nasya has been mentioned.

Ayurvedic Review

Etymology:

The word ‘NASA’ is derived from the root ‘Nasru’. With addition of suitable suffix, the word Nasa is formed.

Definition & Synonyms:

Nasa is described as the seat of Ghranendriya i.e. sense of smell.

Amarkosha mentioned the synonyms of Nasa as Nasika, Ghranam, Gandhavaha, Ghrana.

Embryology:

Acharya Charaka while explaining the embryology of organs in a pregnant woman states that Sarva Indriyas are developed during the third month of Garbhavastha. In Garbhopnishada it is mentioned that Mukha (oral cavity), Nasa (nose), Akshi (eyes) and Shrotra (ears) are developed in sixth month of pregnancy.

Anatomy:

In Ayurvedic literature, there is no detailed description of Nasa Sharira at one place like the anatomical description of other organs, whereas Nasa is included among the five Gyanendriya.

Acharya Sushruta has considered Nasa as Pratyanga. Similarly while enumerating the external orifices of the body; he has also considered two nostrils among the main nine external orifices.

Nasa is comprised of,

Bones - 3
Peshi - 2
Dhamani - 2
Siras - 24
Marmas - 2

Definition of nasya:

In Ayurveda, the word Nasya has been taken specifically to mention the root of administration of the drugs.

Sushruta Samhita

As stated by Sushruta medicines or medicated oil administered through the nose is known as Nasya.

Aruna Dutta & Bhava Prakash

According to them all drugs & measures that are, administered through the nasal passage are called Nasya. Sharangdhara & Vaghbhata are of same view.

Acharya Sushruta has mentioned the length of Nasika as 2-1/3 Angulas. Acharya Dalhana the commentator of Sushruta Samhita clarifying about the length of each nostril as Tribhag Angulas i.e. 1-1/3 (inches). Angulas in length as far as horizontal plain is concerned.

Acharya Sushruta told that 2 Dhamanis are present in the nose, which is responsible for Gandhajnana. This may be the Olfactory nerve pair, which is the sensory Cranial nerve responsible for Olfaction.

Sushruta, while explaining the 24 Siras classified them into four groups of six each as Vatavaha, Pittavaha, Kaphavaha and Raktavaha.

Acharya Charaka has given only short description of Nasa Sharira. He has mentioned only one nasal bone. Further he has also described Nasa as a sense organ.

Table: Indications of Nasya according to Season

Time Schedule:

Table: Navana Nasya Schedule 51

Footnotes
1. GUIDE -Dr. Sipra Sasmal (MD.), Professor and HOD.
2. CO-GUIDE- Dr. A.K.Singh(MD), Professor and Principal.