E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Role of Nasya Karma

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 10 October
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Role of Nasya Karma in Ardhavabhedaka - A Review

Swati1*, Gupta A2, Kirti3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.8.10.30

1* Swati, Post Graduate Scholar, Post Graduate Department Of Panchakarma, Ch Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar , New Delhi, India.

2 Arun Gupta, Professor and Head, Post Graduate Department of Panchakarma, Ch Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, New Delhi, India.

3 Kirti, Post Graduate Scholar, Post Graduate Department Of Panchakarma, Ch Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar , New Delhi, India.

Migraine is a disorder characterised by recurrent moderate to severe headaches that interfere with work, social activities, and family life. This is a big health concern among people aged 20 to 50. Migraine is the second most common type of headache. There are numerous varieties of Shiro Rogas reported by Acharyas in Ayurvedic scriptures. The clinical characteristics of Ardhavabhedaka among them are strikingly similar to those of migraine. Similar to how analgesics, which have negative effects on other organs, are typically taken for migraine. Therefore, an Ayurvedic method to treating this ailment is presented in this article. Nasya is kind of Panchkarama treatment for body cleansing a used in Ayurvedic medicine. Administration of drug by the route of nasal cavity is termed as Nasya. It purifies and opens the head's pathways, which enhances Prana's oxygenation process and positively affects how the brain functions. Acharya Charaka mentioned “चतुःस्नेहोत्तमा मात्रा शिरःकायविरेचनम्” as treatment modality of Ardhavabhedaka. Brihat Dashmoola Taila mentioned in Bhaishjya Ratnavali as Abhyanga, Pana and Nasya in Shirorogadhikara chapter with special indication to Ardhavabhedaka.

Keywords: Ardhavabhedaka, Brihat Dashamoola Taila, Migraine, Nasya, Shiroroga

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Swati, Post Graduate Scholar, Post Graduate Department Of Panchakarma, Ch Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar , New Delhi, India.
Email: 		Swati, Gupta A, Kirti, Role of Nasya Karma in Ardhavabhedaka - A Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(10):190-194.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2736

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-08-09 2023-08-21 2023-08-31 2023-09-08 2023-09-17
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None declared Nil Yes 23.55

© 2023by Swati, Gupta Aand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Migraine is a disorder characterised by recurrent moderate to severe headaches that interfere with work, social activities, and family life. This is a big health concern among persons aged 20 to 50. Migraine is the second most common type of headache. Acharya’s describes numerous different types of Shiro Rogas in Ayurvedic teachings. Ardhavabhedaka's clinical characteristics are very similar to Migraine. In Sutrasthana, there are five varieties of Shirorogas, according to Acharya Charaka[1]: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja, and Krimija. In Siddhisthana, he also listed four other Shirorogas: Shankhaka, Ardhavbhedaka, Suryavarta, and Anantvata. Shirorogas are classified into eleven types, according to Acharya Sushruta[2]: Vatika, Paittika, Kaphaja, Sannipatika, Raktaja, Kshayaja, Krimija, Suryavarta, Anantavata, Ardhavbhedaka, and Shankhaka. The word Ardhavbhedaka is made up of two parts: Ardha and Avbhedaka. Ardha denotes half or half side, Ava denotes a poor prognosis, and Bhedaka denotes agony that is breaking, perforating, or bursting out. However, Acharya Vagbhata referred to it as a Bheda of Vataja Shiroroga. "Ardhethu Murdha: Ardhavabhedaka, so Ardhavabhedaka.[3] Ardhavabhedaka symptoms appear in the lower portion of the head. Acharya Chakrapani, a Charaka Samhita commentator, explained the phrase Ardhavbhedaka by saying "Ardha Mastaka Vedana.[4]" It is Vata-Kaphaja illness, according to Acharya Charaka and Madhava. Tridoshaja illness, according to Acharya Sushruta. There will be a cutting and churning sort of pain in half of the head, cervical area, brows, temporal portion, ears, eyes, and frontal part, which is quite similar to Migraine.[5] The headache is typically unilateral (affecting one half of the head), varying in strength, frequency, duration and lasting from 2 to 72 hours. There are signs of Pitta Dosha involvement, which can be described as follows - when Pitta and Prana Vata combine, sensations such as nausea and burning are experienced.[6] It is connected with sensory, motor and emotional abnormalities in some cases. Our Acharyas elaborated on the Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen). However, as time has passed, many changes have occurred, which are unavoidable in living style, social and religious practises, and manners, all of which have an impact on the Tridoshas. Ardhavabhedaka

is predisposed by nutrition, current lifestyle, irregular diet habits, fermented, pickled foods, baked items, chocolates, dairy products, and changes in sleep pattern such as awakening at night owing to night chores and resting during the day.

Samprapti

The Samprapti of an illness is significant since the therapy approach is mostly focused on Samprapthi Vighatana. It appears from the time Nidana is consumed till the ultimate stage of the disease.

Samanya Samprapti: The use of Nidana components aggravates the Vatadi Doshas, which further vitiates the Rakta in the vessels of Shiras and generates different forms of Shirorogas according on the Dosha dominance and manifests the relevant symptoms.

Vishista Samprapti: The causative elements vitiate either Vata alone or Vata in conjunction with Kapha, causing Ardhvabheadaka.[7] Ardhavabhedaka is classified into two types: Kevala Vatajanya and Vatakaphajanya. In both forms, Vata is the primary Dosha, however in the latter, Kapha is the primary Dosha. As a result, the likely Samprapti can be deduced from existing information in various Shirashoola scenarios.

Sanchaya

The majority of the Nidanas described cause Vata Sanchaya in its Udbhava Sthana. If they are linked with Kaphakara Nidanas, Kapha Sanchaya and Vata occur.

Prakopa

Continuous exposure to Nidanas causes Vata Prakopa, either alone or in conjunction with Kapha Dosha.[8]

Prasara

Due to Madyapana, Amla Sevana, Pratapa, Santapa and Chinta Adhikya the circulating Prakoopita Dosha performs Dooshana of the Durbala Rasadhi Dhatu’s. The Nidana’s, including Vyayama, Ushna, Teekshn Ahara, and Vegadharana cause Prasara of Doshas from Koshta Shakha, Marmasthi Sandhi, and particularly Siras of Shiras.[9]

Sthana Sanshraya

Due to Shirovaha Sroto Vaigunya, the Doshas get Sthanasanshraya in Shiras, notably in Manya, Bhru, Shankha, Akshi, Lalata, and Karna Pradesha.[10]


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Vyakta

When Dosha-Dooshya’s become lodged in Shirogata Srotas, the sickness manifests as symptoms. Vata damages the Siras of Shiras, causing Shaithilyata, Akunchana, and Purana causes Rakta Dusti, resulting in vascular disturbance in the form of Shoola in Shiras' Ardha-Parshwa.

The episodic nature of Ardhavabhedaka can be attributed to exposure to Manasantapa (stress/tension), excess intake of sour food articles, exposure to sunlight and excess sound, travelling, and so on.

Samprapthi Ghataka

Dosha - Vata, Vata-Kaphaja or Tridoshaja

Dushya - Rasa, Rakta

Rakta is a Dushya in Shiroroga because Charaka mentioned "Shiro-Ruk" in "Shonitaja Roga".[11] He has said unequivocally that the vitiated Doshas exaggerate Rakta in Shira to produce Shiro Roga. Rakta is thus the primary Dushya in Ardhavabhedaka.

Srotasa - Raktavaha Srotasa

It is related to Siras of the head, which are blood arteries in the head. Shirogata Sira is mentioned by Acharya Charaka in illnesses of the head. He asserted that the Dushita Doshas will impact Rakta along with Sira in Shirah to make Shiroroga. On this premise, Raktavaha Srotasa in Ardhavabhedak's involvement can be deduced.

Srotodushti - Sanga, Vimarga-Gamana

Agnimandya - Jatharagnimandya, Rakta - Dhatvagnimandya

Jatharagnimandya is caused by etiological elements such as Atyashana and Adhyashana. Raktadushti is required for the pathogenesis of Shiro-Roga. As a result, Rakta Dhatvagnimandya can likewise be deduced.

Manya, Bhru, Shankha, Karna, Akshi, Lalata, Ghata, Hanu, and Shirogata Sandhi are regarded Vyakti Sthana of Ardhavabhedaka.

Udbhava - Amashaya, Pakvashya

Marga - Abhyantara

Svabhava - Ashukari


Adhisthana - Shirah

Vyaktisthana - Shira and its attachments like Manya, Bhru, Shankha, Karna, Akshi, Lalata, Ghata, Hanu and Shirogata Sandhi can be considered as Vyakti Sthana of Ardhavabhedaka.

Rupa of Ardhavabhedaka

Rupa of Ardhavabhedaka can be grouped into following two categories-

1. Pratyatma Linga of Ardhavabhedaka - In Ardhavabhedaka Roga, all the Acharyas have described one thing common i.e., Vedana in Ardhe-Shirsha. So, the Pratyatma Linga of Ardhavabhedaka must be "Pain in the half of the region of head."[12]

2. Samanya Lakshana of Ardhavabhedaka -

  • Cutting and churning pain in half of the region of Manya, Bhru, Shankha, Karna, Akshi and Lalata.[13]
  • Tearing and throbbing intensity of pain with Bhrama.[14]
  • The disease develops either at the interval of fortnight (15 days) or 10 days or a month and subsides of its own accord. If the disease lasts for advanced, it may destroy the sight and the hearing.[15]

Discussion

Samprapti is weak in Dosha Kriya Kala. Samprapti is weak or progressing slowly in the first three levels of Kriya Kala. Only the doshas are steadily expanded till they overflow and reach other regions of the body. These stages are referred to as Dosha Kriya Kala. Because of the weaker Dosha Kriya Kala, Samprapti Vighatan is easy.

As Acharya Charaka mentioned “चतुःस्नेहोत्तमा मात्रा शिरःकायविरेचनम्” as treatment modality of Ardhavabhedaka.[16] Brihat Dashmoola Taila mentioned in Bhaishjya Ratnavali as Abhyanga, Pana and Nasya in Shirorogadhikara chapter with special indication to Ardhavabhedaka.[17] Here Brihat Dashmoola Taila was used as Nasya.

Probable mode of action of Brihat Dashamoola Taila

Among the 10 Dravyas of Dashmoola 5 Dravyas (50%) have Vata-Kapha Shamak property, 4 Dravyas


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have Tridosaghna property and 1 Dravya has Vata-Pitta Shamak property. It means, in Dashmoola all Dravyas have Vata Shamak property and 9 Dravyas have Vata-Kapha Shamak property. Therefore, it will be a potent Vata Dosha Shamak, Vata-Kapha Shamak and Tridoshaghna compound. Thus, over all it pacifies Vata, Vata-Kapha Dosha or Tridosha and Ardhavbhedaka being a Vata Pradhana Vyadhi (Vata-Kapha-Ch. or Tridoshaja Su.), there is every possibility of Samprapti Vighatana of Ardhavbhedaka Roga.

Ushna Virya, Katu Rasa and Tikta Rasa have Deepana-Pachana Karma, which causes Amapachana and thus provides proper metabolism and ultimately balances the Agni.

Ushna Virya has Deepana - Pachana, Virechana, Vilayana property, which softens and liquefies the morbid Doshas which are ultimately expelled out due to Virechaka Karma. Laghu Guna and Tikshna Guna have Sroto-Shodhaka property, which helps in expelling the morbid Doshas. These Guna also have the property of Urdhavabhaga-Doshaharatva, which breaks the Samprapti at Prasaravastha, where Vata alone or Kapha along with Vata causes Urdhavaga Pravriti of vitiated Doshas.

Probable mode of action of Nasya Karma

Nasya Karma is a procedure in which liquid medications and herbalized oils are ingested through the nose. Since the nose is the entrance to the head, if it is used consistently, it can effectively treat many head-related disorders. It purifies and opens the head's pathways, which enhances Prana's oxygenation process and positively affects how the brain functions. The head is the Indriya and Kapha Dosha's ruler. It affects the Kapha Dosha. In Nasya Karma the medicine is put into nostril, moves in the channels upto the Shringataka and spreads to whole of the interior of the head and to the junction place where all the channels related to eyes, ears and throat situated together, thus shows influence on Shiras by removing out the accumulated Doshas localized in Shiras i.e., from all sinuses in the skull, the action known as Shirovirechana. The olfactory nerves entering olfactory mucosa of nose carry the sheaths dura, arachnoids and pia with them. They directly enter into the brain. Olfactory straie are extensively connected to the limbic system stimulation can nourishment of nerve ending through Nasya alters the pathology of migraine.[18]

Conclusion

People suffer from painful diseases like Shirogata-Roga every day as a result of using medications, tobacco, alcohol, irregular eating habits, sleeping disorders, painkillers, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, steroids, suppressing urges, mental stress, and depression. Since the nose is the entrance to the head, if it is used consistently, it can effectively treat many head-related disorders like Ardhavbhedaka. Ardhavbhedaka is Vata Pradhan Tridoshaj Urdhavjatrugata Vyadhi. Brihat Dashmoola Taila having Tridoshaj eliminating properties and Nasya Karma is the best treatment modality in Urdhavjatrugata Roga as mentioned by Acharya Charaka.

References

1. Shastri SN. Kiyantshirsiya Sutra 17/6. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharti Academy; 2018. p. 330.

2. Shastri SN. Trimarmiyasiddhi 9. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharti Academy; 2018. p. 1065.

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6. Shastri KA. Vatavyadhi Nidana 01/34. In: Sushruta Samhita of Maharshi Sushruta. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018. p. 299.

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8. Shastri KA. Shirorogavigyaniyaadhyaya 25/15. In: Sushruta Samhita of Maharshi Sushruta. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2012. p. 166.

9. Shastri SN. Trimarmiyasiddhi 9/75-76. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharti Academy; 2018. p. 1067.


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10. Shastri SN. Trimarmiyasiddhi 9/75-76. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharti Academy; 2018. p. 1067.

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12. Tripathi B. 23/7. In: Ashtanga Hridyayam of Srimadavaghbhata. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishtana; 2003. p. 726.

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14. Shastri KA. Shirorogavigyaniyaadhyaya 25/15. In: Sushruta Samhita of Maharshi Sushruta. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2012. p. 166.

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17. Kaushik KP. Shirorogaadhikar 729. In: Bhaishjya Ratnavali; p. 1024.

18. Vishwas S, et al. Efficacy of Nagarksheera Nasya in the Management of Migraine: An Analytical Review. European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018;5(5): Available from: http:/www.ejbps.com


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