Errhine therapy is an Ayurvedic nasal therapy that expels toxins through the nasal route by administering medicines into the nostrils. Primarily targeting Kapha and Vata imbalances in the head and neck region, it's beneficial for various conditions affecting the scalp, senses, sinuses, and mental faculties. This therapy can be performed daily in mild form for healthy individuals, or therapeutically for 7 consecutive days with proper preparation and aftercare. The procedure is contraindicated in several specific conditions, especially during pregnancy.
What is Nasya or Errhine Therapy? 💫
Nasya refers to the therapeutic administration of medicines through the nasal route to expel (waste products) or . This is achieved by pouring medicinal substances into the nostrils, effectively removing toxins accumulated throughout the head and neck region.
Treatment duration: Can be performed twice daily for 7 consecutive days
Dosha Connection ⚖️
Primary benefit: Best procedure for elimination of toxins from the entire head and neck
Secondary benefit: Helps eliminate toxins from the head
Therapeutic Applications 🌡️
Nasya effectively treats Vata and Kapha-related conditions affecting:
Hair and Scalp:
Oily and itchy scalp
Dry scalp and brittle hair
Dandruff (both dry and oily)
Hair fall
Eyes:
Congested and swollen eyes
Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
Eye tremors or paralysis
Ears:
Excessive earwax
Ear dryness, pain and perforation
Vertigo
Nose and Sinuses:
Deviated septum
Decreased sense of smell
Sinus congestion causing Kapha-type headaches
Mouth and Throat:
Mucous accumulation in throat
Tongue issues (cracking, pigmentation)
Excess salivation and thick white coating on tongue
Mental Faculties:
Mental dullness
Decreased memory
Nervousness and anxiety
Other Conditions:
Lockjaw
Goiter or glandular enlargement
Facial paralysis
Vata-type headache
Neck stiffness
Nerve numbness
Finger pain and arm weakness
Types of Nasya 🧪
Based on Quantity:
Type
Dosage
Characteristics
Marsha Nasya
6-10 drops per nostril
Large dose with quick results<br>- 6 drops: Heena matra (mild)<br>- 8 drops: Madhyama matra (medium)<br>- 10 drops: Uthama matra (strong)
Prati Marsha Nasya
2 drops per nostril
Small dose<br>- Can be done after meals<br>- Not suitable in extreme cold, high doshic imbalance, or pregnancy
Based on Medicine Type:
Type
Substance Used
Example
Nasya
Oil-based
Standard oil nasya
Avapeedaka Nasya
Plant juice
Ginger root juice
Pradhamana Nasya
Medicinal powders
Snuff powder
Dhuma Nasya
Medicated smoke
Turmeric smoke
Common Medicinal Oils 🍃
Anu Taila - General purpose
Ksheerabala Oil - General purpose
Ksheerabala 101 - Enhanced potency
Kumkumadi Thaila - For skin issues like pigmentation
Brahmi Ghrita - For brain weakness
Pre-Nasya Preparation 🔄
Before the procedure:
Undergo oleation therapy (application of oils)
Undergo fomentation therapy (heat application)
Note: Should be done on empty stomach (morning or evening)
Avoid head wash and face wash prior to treatment
Perform in an environment free from strong winds and cold
Warm the oil before use
Nasya Procedure 👃
Lie down on a table
Receive face massage to loosen accumulated toxins in the head
Receive steam to the face (eyes and head covered)
Tilt head backward while keeping neck straight
Close left nostril and instill medicine into right nostril
Inhale deeply to draw medicine inside
Repeat with left nostril, closing right nostril
Receive massage on face, palms, and feet to maximize absorption
As toxins move to the throat, sit up and spit them out (do not blow nose)
Receive gentle facial massage again
Spit out any additional toxins that reach the throat
Complete with appropriate gargling:
For everyone: Lukewarm salt water
For Kapha-dominant toxins: Dhuma Pana (medicated smoke inhalation)
For Vata-dominant toxins: Lukewarm oil gargling (indicated by foamy/dark toxins or mouth dryness)
Post-Nasya Care 🌱
General Guidelines:
Avoid exposure to sun, cold, wind, or pollution
Rest as much as possible throughout the day
Eat light, warm, and lubricating foods when hungry
Contraindications ❌
Nasya should not be performed in cases of:
Childhood, old age, debility
Pregnancy (strictly prohibited at any stage)
Post-delivery period
Very thin or very obese individuals
After alcohol consumption
Before planned alcohol consumption
After poison ingestion
During states of extreme anger
Any type of bleeding (including menstruation)
Runny nose or acute rhinitis
Immediately after eating
Same day as other Panchakarma procedures
Right before or after head bath/face wash (minimum 40-minute gap recommended)
Pitta aggravation in the head (inflammation, nosebleeds, Pitta-type headache, extreme anger)
Signs of Successful Therapy 🌟
More comfortable, unobstructed breathing
Sharper sensory function
Increased mental alertness
Improved voice quality and sleep quality
Lightness in head, eyes, and body
Additional Benefits 💪
Strengthened muscles in shoulders, neck, face, and chest
Prevention of premature graying
Preserved hair health and glow
Reduction in facial organ diseases
Strengthened veins, arteries, ligaments, joints, and tendons
More cheerful facial appearance
Especially beneficial for: Paralysis, cervical spondylosis, sinusitis, and migraine
Complications from Excessive Nasya 🚫
Increased secretions from eyes, ears, and nose
Inflammation and irritation
Skull dryness and dehydration causing pain and dizziness
Possible fainting
Aggravation of Vata dosha
Should Healthy People Undergo Nasya? 🤔
Yes - healthy individuals can experience various benefits, especially improved sensory sharpness
Daily mild Nasya (1-2 drops of oil every morning/evening) is recommended for everyone
This preventive form doesn't require preparatory procedures
References
Primary Source: School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this website are purely informative and educational and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a certified healthcare professional for advice.