Article: ROLE OF NASYA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER: A REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1006112

Pages: 1-3

Author: Poonam *, Sanjay Gupta, Alok Kumar Srivastava, Deshraj Singh, Parul Sharma

Abstract: There is significant increase in the incidence of mental diseases in the present era throughout the world and anxiety being one of them. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) the most prevalent psychiatric illness in the general community, is characterized by persistent, excessive and unrealistic worry associated with muscle tension and impaired concentration, insomnia etc. It is most frequent disorder in primary care and associated with a significant economic burden owing to decreased work productivity and substantial reduction in quality of life. In Ayurveda, various psychological disorders are mentioned which shows some similarity with anxiety disorder. Chittodvega seems to be nearest correlation for this disease entity. It is listed under Manas Dosha Vikara along with emotional disturbance. Being an alarming disease, GAD requires effective management. The other treatments available for GAD are limited to anti-anxiety and sedative agents and gives only symptomatic relief with lots of side effects. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach, can be helpful in such situation. Ayurveda has mental health promoting and brain nutrients like Medhya drugs which are highly effective in various mental disorders.  Among the five Shodhanas, Nasya is the one capable of expelling the Doshas from the Urdhvanga or the head.  As mentioned in Charaka Samhita, nose is the gateway of the head. The therapy is highly effective in curing a number of diseases pertaining to the head and manas

Keyword: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Chittodvega, Medhya, Shodhanas, Nasya