Nasal Instillation (Nasya)

Nasya is the procedure of instilling liquid or powdered medicines, most commonly medicated oils, into the nostrils. According to Ayurveda, the nose is the gateway to the head (Nasa hi Shiraso Dvaram); therefore, Nasya plays a vital role in the prevention and management of diseases of the head and neck region.

Regular practice of Nasya produces lightness in the head, improves the sleep–wake cycle, enhances the sense of smell, and provides a feeling of clarity and pleasure. It is also beneficial in improving vision and helps in preventing premature greying of hair, hair fall, and facial wrinkles.

Pratimarsha Nasya

The Pratimarsha variety of Nasya involves the instillation of two drops of oil in each nostril. This form of Nasya is safe, gentle, and recommended for daily practice as a health-promoting measure.

Benefits of Nasya

• Prevents and treats disorders of head and neck

• Improves clarity of mind and sensory functions

• Regulates sleep and awakening cycle

• Enhances vision and sense of smell

• Prevents premature greying of hair and hair fall

• Delays ageing changes such as wrinkles

Research Evidence

• Research studies suggest that Nasya Karma is effective in the management of cervical spondylosis, indicating its therapeutic potential in musculoskeletal disorders of the neck region.

Eye Applications (Anjana)

Anjana, commonly known as Kajal or Surma, refers to the application of medicated pastes or powders to the eyelids. According to Ayurveda, Anjana is an important daily regimen for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. It also enhances the beauty and attractiveness of the eyes and face.

Anjana helps in cleansing the eyes, removing secretions, and preventing eye disorders. Classical texts recommend its use in appropriate quantity and frequency under proper guidance.

Materials Used for Preparation of Anjana

Traditionally, Anjana is prepared using herbal and natural substances such as:

• Jasmine buds

• Almond shell

• Castor oil

• Ghee

These ingredients possess soothing, nourishing, and protective properties for ocular tissues.

Benefits of Anjana

• Maintains eye health and improves vision

• Cleanses eyes and removes ocular impurities

• Prevents common eye disorders

• Enhances the aesthetic appearance of eyes

Cleaning of Eyes (Akshi Sinchana)

 The cleansing of eyes with water is known as Akshi Sinchana. This practice helps in removing collected dust, dirt, and environmental pollutants from the eyes and supports better vision and ocular comfort.

Experienced Ayurvedic physicians recommend the use of Triphala decoction or infusion for eye wash due to its beneficial effects on ocular health.

Triphala – Constituents

• Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan)

• Bibhitaki (Belleric myrobalan)

• Amalaki (Indian gooseberry)

Method of Preparation of Triphala Decoction / Infusion

1. Take 2–3 pinches of Triphala powder.

2. Add it to one glass (150–200 ml) of clean water in a glass vessel at night.

3. Cover the glass with a lid and keep it overnight.

4. In the morning, after cleaning the teeth, filter the water.

5. Wash the eyes using this filtered Triphala water by:

   • Gently splashing the water onto the eyes, or

   • Using eye cups available in the market.

Benefits of Akshi Sinchana

• Cleanses the eyes and removes impurities

• Reduces eye strain and irritation

• Helps in maintaining clear vision

• Prevents common ocular disorders

Research Evidence

• Research studies suggest that Triphala acts as an effective drug in maintaining ocular health and helps in the management of various ocular disorders.

• Regular use of Triphala as part of the daily regimen may help in promoting disease-free ocular health.

Tongue Scraping (Jihva Nirlekhana)

Jihva Nirlekhana refers to the practice of cleaning the tongue to remove the coating formed due to accumulation of impurities and undigested food particles (Ama). Ayurveda strongly advocates tongue scraping as an essential component of daily oral hygiene.

Tongue scraping should be performed using suitable instruments made of metals such as silver, copper, or stainless steel. In the absence of a tongue scraper, soft bristles of a toothbrush or chewed twigs of Neem may also be used carefully.

This practice should ideally be carried out after tooth brushing in the early morning.

Benefits of Tongue Scraping

• Helps in maintaining proper oral hygiene

• Assists in removal of undigested food particles and toxins from the tongue

• Prevents bad breath (Mukha Daurgandhya)

• Enhances the sense of taste (Rasa Jnana)

• Promotes overall oral and digestive health by stimulating digestive enzymes

Maintenance of Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene in Ayurveda includes practices such as brushing of teeth (Danta Dhavana), tongue cleaning (Jihva Nirlekhana), and gum massage. These practices help in maintaining cleanliness of the oral cavity, preventing oral diseases, and supporting overall digestive health.

Brushing of Teeth (Danta Dhavana)

Danta Dhavana refers to cleaning of teeth and gums using a toothbrush, herbal powders, or twigs of medicinal plants. According to Ayurveda, brushing of teeth at least twice daily is considered the best practice:

• Once in the early morning after evacuation of natural urges

• Second at night after taking food

Traditionally used tooth sticks (Danta Kashtha) include:

• Neem (Azadirachta indica)

• Babul (Acacia arabica)

• Khadira (Acacia catechu)

• Pilu (Salvadora persica)

These plants possess antimicrobial, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

After brushing, the teeth and gums should be gently massaged using the index finger and thumb to improve local circulation and strengthen gums. This should be followed by tongue scraping using a tongue cleaner to remove accumulated coating and toxins.

Benefits of Danta Dhavana

• Maintains oral cleanliness and freshness

• Prevents dental caries and gum diseases

• Strengthens teeth and gums

• Supports proper digestion by improving oral health

Research Evidence

• Research studies indicate that regular tooth brushing prevents subgingival plaque formation, thereby reducing the risk of periodontal diseases.

Sipping of Water and Washing of Hands, Feet and Face

(Achamana and Pani, Pada & Mukha Prakshalana)

Achamana refers to the practice of taking water in small sips. It helps in cleansing the mouth and oral cavity, removing residual impurities, and maintaining adequate moisture of the oral tissues. Achamana is traditionally performed after waking up, before and after meals, and during daily activities to promote purity and alertness.

Pani, Pada and Mukha Prakshalana denote washing of the hands, feet, and face with water. This practice removes dirt, sweat, and dryness of the skin, provides a feeling of freshness and cleanliness, and helps maintain personal hygiene. According to Ayurveda, cleanliness (Shaucha) is essential for both physical health and mental clarity.

For this purpose, fresh, clean running water is advised. During winter season, lukewarm water may be used to prevent excessive dryness and discomfort.

Benefits

• Maintains oral hygiene and freshness of mouth

• Prevents dryness and accumulation of impurities

• Enhances personal cleanliness and comfort

• Promotes alertness and mental freshness

Research Evidence

• Studies show that proper hand hygiene is effective in preventing gastrointestinal infections and, to a lesser extent, respiratory infections.

• Appropriate foot-washing practices may help prevent Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) by reducing fungal contamination and maintaining skin integrity.

Toilet Practice (Shaucha Vidhi / Malotsarga)

After waking up in the morning, one should observe whether the food taken on the previous night has been properly digested. According to Ayurveda, it is essential to evacuate bowels after awakening. Timely evacuation of urine and stools helps in maintaining normal physiological functions and prevents accumulation of toxins (Ama).

Improper bowel evacuation or suppression of natural urges (Vegadharana) may lead to several disorders such as abdominal colic pain, cutting pain in the anal region, retention of feces and flatus, distension of abdomen, and disturbance of Apana Vata. Hence, attending nature’s call at the appropriate time is an important component of Dinacharya.

Benefits of Proper Shaucha Vidhi

• Maintains digestive and excretory health

• Prevents accumulation of toxins (Ama)

• Regulates Apana Vata

• Prevents anorectal and gastrointestinal disorders

Research Evidence

• Research studies suggest that highly infrequent bowel movements may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in both men and women.

• Regular bowel habits are associated with better gut health and reduced risk of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.