Nasya Dhoompana

Ashtang Hridya Sutra Sthan's 21st lesson "DHUMRAPAN VIDHI ADHYAY"

रक्तपित्तान्थ्य बाधिर्य तृट् मूर्छा मद मोहकृत् ॥४॥ धूमो अकाले अतिपीतो वा तत्र शीत विधिर्हितः

Nasya Dhumapana 

The term ‘dhumapana’ is derived from ‘dhuma’, meaning smoke, and ‘pana’, meaning to consume it is a practice in Ayurveda that involves inhaling medicated fragrant smoke from herbs, minerals, and other natural substances through one nostril, while the other is closed, and then exhaled through the mouth. This process is repeated through the other nostril.

The smoke is produced by burning a medicated wick (varti) containing herbs. This practice was part of the daily regimen (dinacharya) in ancient times, but currently, it is used as an Ayurvedic treatment procedure for managing certain conditions. Dhumapana can be used for the prevention and treatment of diseases in the upper clavicular region (urdhvajatrugataroga).

This practice is designed to keep the sensory organs healthy and prevent Dosha imbalances in the parts above the clavicular region, mainly related to Kapha dosha.

Benefits of Nasya Dhumapana

1. Cleansing of Sinuses: It effectively soothes the nasal passage and clears the sinuses to enhance breathing.

2. Heals Migraine and Headache: It relaxes nerves and reduces pain.

3. Clears Blocked Mucus: The massage, steam, and oil clear out mucus from the throat.

4. Treats Rhinitis: Nasya effectively treats rhinitis or a runny nose by reducing excessive mucus production and clearing the nasal passages.

5. Treats Respiratory Illnesses: It’s beneficial in treating prevalent respiratory illnesses like nasal congestion, allergies, chronic cough, sinusitis, rhinitis, COPD, asthma, and bronchitis.

6. Improves Immunity: Nasya improves our immunity and prevents any external infections.

7. Benefits of Dhumapana: Habitual inhalation of medicated dhuma can provide relief from cough, dyspnoea, rhinitis, disorders of voice, foul-smelling mouth, pallor of the face, hair issues, discharges from nose and ear, itching, pain, and loss of function of the ears, mouth, and eyes.

There are three types of Dhumapana:

1.    Snigdha Dhuma (Mridu): Lubricating, useful in Vata imbalance

2.    Madhya Dhuma: Medium strength, useful in Vata and Kapha imbalance.

3.    Teekshna Dhuma (Virechana): Strong, purgative, useful in Kapha imbalance.

The practice should be done at specific times such as after bath, brushing, eating, sneezing, sleep, and certain Ayurvedic procedures. However, it’s not suitable for persons suffering from certain conditions like bleeding disease, diabetes, blindness, and those who have undergone specific Ayurvedic therapies. Improper or excessive Dhumapana can lead to side effects like bleeding disease, blindness, deafness, excessive thirst, fainting, and delusion.

Mridu Dhuma and Madhyama Dhuma in Ayurveda: 

In Ayurveda, the practice of Dhumapana involves inhaling herbal smoke for therapeutic benefits

1.    Mridu Dhuma: 

This is a mild, lubricating smoke that should be inhaled at specific times1.

The indications for Mridu Dhuma are:

• Kshut: At the end of sneezing

• Jrumbhita: Yawning

• Vit: Defecation

• Mutra: Urination

• Striseva: Copulation

• Shastrakarma: Surgical operation

• Hasya: Bouts of laughing

• Dantakashta: Use of toothbrush 

2.    Madhyama Dhuma: 

Madhyama Dhuma, also known as medium strength smoke, is a part of Ayurvedic practice. It is useful in balancing Vata and Kapha imbalances.

The indications for Madhyama Dhuma are:

• At the end of the night

• At the end of meals

• At the end of Nasya therapy

3.    Virechana Dhuma and Dhuma Yantra

Virechana Dhuma is a type of Panchakarma treatment where a person undergoes controlled purgation for a specific amount of time. It is designed to flush out body toxins. The strong smoke should be inhaled at the end of sleep (Nidra), at the end of Nasya treatment, after applying collyrium (Anjana), after a bath (Snana), and after vomiting (Chardi).

Dhuma Yantra, or the smoking apparatus, should be prepared from the same material as an enema nozzle, such as metals like gold, silver, iron, etc. It should have three chambers and be straight. It should permit the entry of the thumb and a Kolasthi (seed of jujube fruit) through orifices at its root and tip respectively.

The length of the tube for different types of Dhuma are as follows:

• Mrudu (soft, Sneha) Dhuma: 24 Angula (width of one knuckle)

• Medium Dhuma: 32 Angula

• Strong Virechana Dhuma: 40 Angula

Note: An Angula is a measure of length in which twelve Angulas make a Vitasti or span. One Angula during the Maurya period is believed to be approximately equal to 1.763 centimeters. 

However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are the conditions and situations where Dhoomapana is not recommended:

1. Raktapitta: Individuals suffering from bleeding diseases.

2. Virikta: Those who have undergone Virechana therapy.

3. Udara: People with ascites or intestinal obstruction.

4. Meha: Those with diabetes or urinary tract disorders.

5. Timira: Individuals with blindness.

6. Urdhwa Anila: Those experiencing an upward movement of Vata.

7. Adhmana: Individuals suffering from flatulence or bloating.

8. Rohini: Those with a serious disease of the throat, such as diphtheria.

9. Datta Basti: Individuals who have been administered an enema.

10. Dietary Restrictions: Those who have just consumed fish, wine, curds, milk, honey, fats, or poison.

11. Head Injuries: Individuals suffering from head injuries.

12. Pandu: Those with anemia.

13. Jagarita: Individuals who have stayed awake at night.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new health regimen, including Dhoomapana.

Side Effects of Improper or Excessive Dhumapana

1. Rakta Pitta: Bleeding disease

2. Andhya: Blindness

3. Badhirya: Deafness

4. Trut: Excessive thirst

5. Murcha: Fainting, loss of consciousness

6. Mada, Moha: Delusion

In such cases, a cold regimen is recommended.

Nasya Dhumapana Method

Here’s the procedure for Dhumapana:

1. The patient sits in an erect posture with a calm mind.

2. Using Dhumnetra, the smoke is inhaled through one nostril while the other is closed. Three puffs are taken at one time.

3. The smoke is then exhaled through the mouth.

4. The same procedure is repeated through the other nostril.

5. Alternatively, the smoke may be inhaled and exhaled through the mouth.

It’s crucial to remember that the fumes should be exhaled immediately via the mouth in dhumapana.