Today’s modern world is ruled by inconsistent and unhealthy lifestyles, pollution, stress and irregular eating and sleeping cycles that have resulted in to respiratory issues, chronic sinusitis, migraines and difficulties in breathing.
While the modern and conventional medicine does has some quick fix solutions, but it is only temporary in nature. Ayurveda on the other hand offers a time tested wisdom of treatments and natural remedies that not only treats the symptoms. But it also addresses the root causes and identifies the reasons behind such issues and how can they be resolved in a sustainable manner.
The Panchakarma Treatments in Kerala have preserved the wisdom of Ayurveda over the centuries through generations and offer the most authentic and classical forms of Ayurvedic remedies that are designed to soothe the needs of the contemporary man. This is why people from various corners of the world visit Kerala for seeking authentic Panchakarma therapies such as Nasya and Basti that helps in treating sinus, migraines and breathing problems.
How Ayurveda Understands Sinus & Migraine
As per the Ayurvedic understanding issues with Sinus are related to imbalances because of the aggravated Kapha Dosha. Migraines are understood to be caused due to an imbalance of the Vata and Pitta Dosha and the breathing problems often occur because of the blocked Strotas that is channels.
When the accumulated toxins get deep seated in the head and nasal area, they block the air passages and therefore disturb the nerve function. This creates problems with the sinus, headaches, migraines, allergies, facial pain and even difficulty in breathing.
In Ayurveda these issues are treated holistically by first deeply analyzing the patient’s body constitution – Prakriti, identifying the imbalances and aggravations related to his doshas and then customizing the treatment to suit him the best.
What is the Nasyam Therapy?
The Nasya therapy is one of the five procedures of the Panchakarma treatment which is the ultimate detox therapy in Ayurveda. Nasyam basically involves administering herb infused medicated oils or herbal decoctions through the nasal passages of the patient.
In Ayurveda the nose is considered as the gateway to the brain. Therefore Nasya becomes a highly effective treatment to clear problems with the head, respiratory tract as well as the neck.
Types of Nasya
Basically there have been 3 types of Nasya treatment. The first one being the Pratimarsha Nasya which involves applying oil drops in the nasal passage. This is a gentle way of Nasya, tthe second one is the Shodhana Nasya that involves cleansing the nasal area. And the third type is the Bhimhana nasya which involves deeply nourishing the nasal passages to enhance the nasal functions.
Conditions Treated with Nasya
There are a number of conditions that are treated with Nasya such as sinusitis, allergies, loss of smell, dryness in the nasal area, snoring, insomnia and frequent cold and cough.
How is it performed?
The Panchakarma Therapies Kerala, includes Nasya as a core procedure. Usually the treatment begins by first massaging the face, neck and the shoulders area to boost blood flow. Then a herbal steam is offered to the patient to open up his nasal passages followed by administration of gently warmed herb infused oils. The patient is then asked to inhale these oils deeply and then onwards the mucus and deep seated toxins are expelled. This is also followed by gargling so that the toxins from nose and facial area can be completely removed.
Benefits of Nasya Treatment for sinus and migraine
Nasya helps in clearing the condition related to the nose. It removes excess accumulation of toxins and mucus. It offers relief in sinusitis, boosts flow of oxygen, prevents allergies, boosts memory, prevents infections, relaxes the nerve endings of the brain and enhances cerebral circulation.
What is Basti therapy?
Basti is often called as half of all treatments in the Panchakarma. This treatment basically involves administration of herb infused medicated oils or herbal decoctions through the medium of the rectum. This is a deeply effective treatment that helps balance the aggravated Vata dosha which helps in the smooth functioning of the nervous system, movement and also breathing.
Types of Basti
There are two types of basti. One is Anuvasana Basti or the oil enema. The nature of this treatment is nourishing and it is usually used for treating weakness and dryness caused by aggravated Vata Dosha. And the second category is the Niruha basti which is a decoction enema. This helps in deep cleansing and removal of accumulated toxins.
How Basti is effective for sinus and migraine
Even though Basti may not be administered through the nose. But it is a highly effective treatment that directly balances the Vata Dosha. It immediately relaxes the nervous system, enhances the gut brain connection and reduces the frequency of the migraines and also strengthens the respiratory muscles.
In Ayurveda, it is believed that all disorders related to the neurological functions originate with any imbalances caused in the Vata Dosha. Therefore, Basti becomes a highly effective treatment for sinus and migraine.
How Basti soothes breathing disorders
Even though Basti is performed in the lower body it is highly effective in breathing disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest area. The reason being that Basti balances the Vata Dosha directly and therefore enhances lung capacity, reduces inflammation and helps clear up the respiratory channels to boost breathing.
People Also Ask about Nasya and Basti Panchakarma Therapies
How many sessions are sufficient?
Like any disease the duration will depend upon the severity of the issue. But for Nasyam around seven to fourteen sessions offer excellent results and for Basti 8 to 14 sessions can help treat the root causes.
Can Nasya and Basti be combined?
Yes they can definitely be combined. Both of these treatments are effective in preventing migraines, improving breathing, clearing sinusitis and overall strengthening immunity.
In addition to seeking the treatments, people who are interested in learning about the ayurvedic treatments can join in Panchakarma therapist certification Kerala courses offered by state recognized Ayurvedic center that introduces the students to the authentic procedures of Ayurveda
