Ayurveda, as you might know, is an amazing, ancient system of medicine and my newest love affair. For years I studied Ayurveda informally with my teacher, Arun Deva. I remember very vividly one lecture he gave where he spoke about kapha, it’s qualities of unctuousness, grounded-ness, stability. At one point he just says, “Fat is love.” As simple as a sentence this is… it kinda blew my mind and has never left me. Now I study Ayurveda formally and have gained many more insights about why he said what he said… One of Ayurveda’s core principles is the concept of Sneha. Often translated as "love," "affection," or "oiliness," Sneha plays a major role in the understanding of human physiology and health within Ayurvedic literature. According to Ayurveda, the human body is seen as the ultimate expression of sneha, embodying both its physical and metaphysical dimensions. The term sneha originates from the Sanskrit root "snih," which means "to love" or "to be attached." In a broader sense, sneha encompasses the ideas of unctuousness, lubrication, and tenderness. Charaka, one of the principal contributors to Ayurvedic literature, states in the Charaka Samhita: "Sneha is indispensable for the human body, as it is responsible for the unction, softness, and moisture of tissues, promoting strength and stability." (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Chapter 13, Verse 15) Physical Aspects of Sneha Physically, sneha refers to the oily and unctuous substances within the body, such as fats and oils. These substances are crucial for various physiological processes. They lubricate joints, enhance skin health, and facilitate the smooth functioning of internal organs. Fun fact, 20+% of the human brain is cholesterol. The use of oils in Ayurvedic treatments, such as abhyanga (oil massage) and nasya (oil application in the nose), is a practical application of this principle, aimed at balancing the doshas (bodily humors – kapha, pitta, vata) and promoting overall well-being. The Sushruta Samhita, another foundational text of Ayurveda, elaborates on the physical benefits of sneha: "The application of sneha, both externally and internally, nourishes the body, enhances complexion, improves strength, and imparts longevity." (Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 24, Verse 30) The regular use of oils, both in diet and therapy, is seen as a means to maintain the body's optimal condition and prevent the onset of diseases. Metaphysical Dimensions of Sneha "The essence of sneha is to nourish and protect, similar to the way love nurtures and sustains life." (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Chapter 30, Verse 26) Beyond its physical attributes, sneha holds a significant metaphysical dimension in Ayurveda. It symbolizes the inherent love and compassion that should permeate one's life and interactions. The human body, being the perfection of sneha, is seen as a vessel of love and empathy. This is reflected in the Ayurvedic emphasis on nurturing relationships and fostering a compassionate attitude towards oneself and others. In recognizing the human body as the epitome of sneha, Ayurveda not only underscores the importance of augmenting physical health with the therapeutic and dietary use of oil but also elevates the values of love, affection, and compassion as integral to a fulfilled and healthy life. Nasya: Oiling of the nose Nasya, one of the five purification procedures in Ayurveda, involves the administration of medicated oils through the nasal passages. This ancient practice is designed to cleanse, nourish, and protect the nasal passages and, by extension, the mind and body. Ayurveda views the nose as the gateway to the brain and consciousness. The Charaka Samhita describes nasya as a vital treatment for ailments related to the head and neck. Charaka states, "The nose is the gateway to the head, and nasya is the best treatment for all head-related diseases." (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Chapter 5, Verse 56) The Sushruta Samhita also highlights the benefits of nasya, particularly in terms of maintaining the health of the head and sensory organs. Sushruta notes, "Nasya therapy cleanses the head region and improves the functioning of sensory organs. It enhances mental clarity and strength." (Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 40, Verse 21) These texts collectively emphasize that nasya is integral to maintaining and improving the health of the head, neck, and sensory organs. Furthermore, our relationship to the senses and the health of the sense organs dictates the onset of or the avoidance of disease. Read that again. Modern scientific research has started to also understand several of the benefits attributed to nasya, providing a fascinating intersection between ancient wisdom and contemporary science. Benefits of Nasya Oil Application
1. Clearing Sinus Congestion One of the primary benefits of nasya oil is its efficacy in clearing sinus congestion. Ayurvedic texts suggest the use of nasya for treating sinusitis, rhinitis, and other nasal blockages. Modern research supports this, indicating that the intranasal application of oils can reduce inflammation and mucus production. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that certain herbal oils used in nasya have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help alleviate sinus congestion and prevent infections (Patel & Patel, 2020). 2. Improving Respiratory Function Nasya oil application is believed to enhance respiratory function by clearing the nasal passages and reducing the risk of infections. The Charaka Samhita mentions that regular nasya can prevent respiratory diseases by maintaining clear and healthy nasal passages. Modern science has shown that essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, commonly used in nasya formulations, have bronchodilatory effects, helping to open up the airways and improve breathing (Perry et al., 2019). 3. Enhancing Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function Ayurveda posits that nasya can improve mental clarity and cognitive function. This is based on the belief that the nasal passages are directly connected to the brain and the prana (life force) entering the body. According to the Sushruta Samhita, nasya helps in calming the mind and enhancing concentration and memory. Contemporary studies have shown that the intranasal delivery of certain herbal oils can have neuroprotective effects. For example, a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that intranasal administration of certain essential oils can improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Schuwald et al., 2013). 4. Balancing Doshas In Ayurveda, nasya is considered a vital procedure for balancing the doshas, particularly vata and kapha. The Charaka Samhita emphasizes the role of nasya in removing excess doshas from the head and neck region, thereby promoting overall health. Modern research has shown that maintaining a clear nasal passage can improve the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which in turn helps balance physiological functions (Brown, 2018). 5. Preventing and Managing Headaches Nasya is also prescribed for the prevention and management of headaches. The Sushruta Samhita mentions that nasya can be beneficial in treating various types of headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. Recent studies have found that certain essential oils used in nasya, such as lavender and peppermint, have analgesic properties that can help reduce the severity and frequency of headaches (Göbel et al., 2017). References 1) Brown, R. P. (2018). The Healing Power of the Breath: Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Enhance Concentration, and Balance Your Emotions. Shambhala Publications. 2) Göbel, H., Heinze, A., Heinze-Kuhn, K., & Petersen, M. (2017). Efficacy of peppermint oil in migraine headache. Journal of Headache and Pain, 18(1), 14. 3) Patel, D., & Patel, M. (2020). Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of herbal oils used in Ayurveda for nasal administration. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 250, 112500. 4) Perry, R., Terry, R., Watson, L. K., & Ernst, E. (2019). Is lavender an anxiolytic drug? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 4, 338. 5) Schuwald, A. M., Nöldner, M., Wilmes, T., Klugbauer, N., Leuner, K., & Müller, W. E. (2013). Lavender oil-potent anxiolytic properties via modulating voltage dependent calcium channels. PloS One, 8(4), e59998.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorDesert-Dwelling, Life-Loving, Globe-Trotting, Food-Adoring, Yoga Educator, Health Coach. Passionate, affirming, intuitive listener and guide for those seeking more health and happiness in their own Journey! Archives
August 2024
Categories
|