Words: Drs Mohita BOHRA & Gyanendra D SHUKLA
Anidra [insomnia] is a disorder characterised by difficulty in proper sleep and restlessness. In the condition patients fail to sleep, experience a feeling of tiredness and wake up early, etc. Fatigue, inability to focus, grogginess and irritability, etc., are major issues that persist with insomnia. According to modern science any imbalance in the level of GABA, dopamine and serotonin may lead to insomnia. Causes of anidra may also include consumption of ruksha ahara, overexertion, or fasting, anxiety, and other diseases, etc.,
Sleep arises when sensory impulse slows down, or is terminated, and when manas is disconnected from the external environment, Gyanindriya and karmindriya influences relaxed condition — they cumulatively induce sleep. The withdrawal of sensory awareness and initiation of the sleep mechanism helps the brain to transit into sleep state. Contrary to this, nidravikara is associated with various conditions, including gauravam, jrumbha, klama and nidrataisava, etc.,
Poor concentration, lack of co-ordination, gastrointestinal issues and unhappiness, etc., are also associated with insomnia. Nidra is a crucial aspect linked to happiness — it also provides mental relaxation. Nidra occurs when tamoguna combines with the kapha, leading to the detachment of indriyas and manas. This cycle is governed by svabhaviki nidra and disruption of this cycle leads to the condition of anidra.
There are various approaches that offer therapeutic benefits in insomnia and nasya is one such approach that provides several advantages in anidra.
Role Of Nasya In Anidra
In anidra vata dosha medications offer vata–shamaka effect. This may be recommended for pacifying doshas associated with anidra. Nasya karma works best to facilitate transportation of the drug through the nasal route. The procedure involves sthanika abhyanga for purva karma — this helps to alleviate vata and fatigue. This relaxes the body and mind to bring state of sleep. Acharyas suggest that oiling the head region is useful for inducing sound sleep. Swedana also performs the role of purva karma to increase local circulation and facilitate maximum absorption of the drug.
Pradhana karma is a procedure in which nasya dravya is instilled into the nostrils, while keeping the patient’s head in tilted position. The process facilitates the drug’s transportation into the brain to stimulate olfactory neurons. Avichchhina dhara means a continuous stream of oil that should be maintained while administering the drug through nostril to ensure that appropriate volume of the drug reaches the site of action.
Nasya dravya reaches the shringataka marma through the vital point connected to the siras of nose and throat. The drug remains in upper part of cavity — this further stimulates olfactory neurons and removes the vitiated doshas. This can have a profound effect on the body since it is connected with the higher centres of the brain. The irritation of nasal route by nasya dravya stabilises the mind and helps to induce sleep. The olfactory nerve related to the sleep-regulating centers and hypothalamus, thus, induce mental calmness after receiving medication through nasya.
Vata prakopa primarily leads to sleeplessness; nasya, especially brihana type relives vata as well as provides relief in urdhvajatrugata vikara. The drugs administered as nasya penetrate and perfuse the brain cells, correct circulation of prana, affecting cerebral and sensory centre, to induce sound sleep. Harita stated that the centre of sleep is located in the upper nose. Nasya therapy affects this centre and imparts soothing effect. This therapy reduces stress and initiation and helps to keep the mind relaxed and calm. Drugs through nostril administration act on the neurotransmitters [serotonin and dopamine] and, thus, reduce grief and fear which are associated with insomnia. Nasal route is effective for drug delivery since it facilitates drug absorption and also nourishes the brain cells. Drugs through this route increase tarpaka kapha and balances the morbid doshas. Drugs, when absorbed through the nasal route, reach the vascular pathways via nasal mucosa — this process stimulates the olfactory bulb and the brain centre to induce sleep. Ancient texts suggest various nasya dravyas for the management of anidra; these dravyas work differently in the management of insomnia.
Specific Nasya For Anidra
Acharya Vagbhatta recommended brimhana nasya for addressing nidranasha especially geriatric insomnia, since drugs used in this approach pacify vata dosha and dhatu
Kshaya.ksheerabala taila is also used for managing vataja disorders including sleep disturbance. This taila strengthens the nerves and possesses anti-stress properties. Sida cordifolia also exhibits anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sedative effects. Bala taila induces sleep by regulating GABA- benzodiazepine receptors positively. Nasya with brahmi ghritam helps to cure conditions like unmada and atatvaabhinivesha. Brahmi ghritam used as brain tonic acts as a neuro-activator. It enhances mental activity, and the lipophilic nature of Ghritam facilitates absorption of the drug to the brain centre. Ghee also acts as medhya agent to pacify brain function. This formulation nourishes the brain; pacifies vata dosha and kapha dosha. They alleviate stress and improve quality of sleep.
Conclusion
Anidra, recognised either as a disorder, or symptom of other conditions, is associated with heaviness in body and head, headaches, and drowsiness. Ayurveda offers several treatments for anidra, including sirahtarpana, akshitarpana, brimhana chikitsa, and nasya. Nasya karma can be particularly effective in treating anidra as it enhances the bioavailability of the drug through the nasal route, thereby improving its efficacy. The therapy helps alleviate vata and kapha imbalances by delivering medications through the nostrils, which stimulate the olfactory neurons and improve sleep quality. Medications, such as Ksheerabala taila, brahmi ghritam, jatamamsi taila, ashwagandha taila, and shankhapushpi taila are commonly used in nasya for their sedative, calming, and neuroprotective properties. These substances help balance the neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are often disrupted in insomnia.
