Scope of Ayurvedic Nasal Instillation Therapy (Nasya Karma) in Cosmetology: A Review

Abstract

Cosmetics has become an important & influential part of human’s daily life in today’s world due to one’s tendency for self-care & regard as it boost their confidence and self-esteem. The increase in daily use of these various cosmetics has also garnered a lot of increased demand in pharmaceutical industry; resulting into various harmful & chemical drug practices for monetary gain also leading to lots of side effects of such cosmetics on human skin. The beauty ailments that commonly affect people are hair fall, greying of hairs, dandruff, acne, melasma, minor skin and oral disorders. These problems are not only difficult to treat but also requires a lot of expenses too. Ayurveda has mentioned various methods to tackle these problems as Ayurvedic scholars has put heavy weightage on importance of beauty; external as well as internal in both male and female and has described treatments for these ailments in ancient texts such as Nasya Karma [Ayurvedic Nasal Instillation Therapy]. Nasya is one of famous Panchakarma procedure used for management of above mention cosmetic ailments. It is a procedure in which herbal drug [oil/decoction/extract/powder] is instilled through nasal route and is highly appreciated for its therapeutic value in diseases related to Urdhava-Jatrugata [above clavicle region]. In this article, we have discussed various types and probable action of Nasya Karma [Ayurvedic Nasal Instillation Therapy] in these disorders and how this single Ayurvedic procedure can be a one stop solution for multiple beauty ailment and can be helpful in reaching the goal of enhancement of beauty with assurance of safety and prevention from any harmful effect.