Clinical importance of Nasya with Tila Taila in the management of Nidranasha (Primary Insomnia): A case study

Introduction: Aging is a natural physiological process which is characterized by gradual weakening of metabolic process. Ayurveda has considered Jara as a natural and inevitable process as well as natural disease. One of the common problems seen in geriatric group is Insomnia which impairs cognitive and physical functioning and is associated with a wide range of impaired daytime functions across a number of emotional, social, and physical domains. Globally, the prevalence of insomnia has been reported in the range of 12%–40% in the older population aged >65 years whereas it has been reported to be 82.17% in India which is a common troubling problem in the elderly individual. 

Materials and methods: A 64 years old female patient presented with disturbed sleep at night, fatigue, lack of concentration, loss of interest in day today activity for 2 years. The line of treatment focused on this case is Nasya with Tila taila 4ml each nostril for 7 days. RESULTS: There was a visible and significant improvement seen in sleep pattern and were assessed using Athens Sleep Questionnaire (ASQ). The ASQ shown significant improvement from 21 (Before Nasya) and 11 (After Nasya). 

Discussions and conclusion: In Ayurveda Nidranasha which is included in 80 Nanatmaja Vata Vikaras. As per fundamental principles kapha is predominant dosha during childhood, pitta during the adulthood and Vata Dosha during old age. In aged the prana and Udana Vata gets vitiated which results in derangement of Bhuddhi, Smritihrasa, Varnaviparyaya, Balakshaya. Tila Taila has a property of Madhura Rasa, Madhura Vipaka, Balya and RasayanaKarma which is Vataghnesha Uttam administered as Nasya through Nasal route reaches Sringataka Marma eventually spreads in Murdha through micro intra cranial circulation. The Tryosine amino acids and other essential component present in Tila has been directly connected to the serotonin activity of brain also in the production of Melanin which leads to improvement in Sleep and anti-aging effect on brain.