Standardization of Bindu Pramana for Nasya

Introduction: Nasya (nasal administration of medication) is one of Dinacharya (daily regimen) mentioned by Acharyas. Two Bindu is considered the recommended dose of Pratimarsha Nasya (done as a part of daily regimen). Bindu is defined as the total quantity of liquid medicine that dribbles down when the first two digits of index finger (distal and middle phalanges) are dipped into it and taken out of the same. Considering the above definition of Bindu, it is evident that Bindu Pramana varies from person to person probably due to the variation in size of one's index finger and also viscosity of the liquid used for Nasya. Materials and Methods: A total of 405 apparently healthy subjects with body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 coming under the age group of 18–60 years were selected. The subjects had to dip their index finger up to middle interphalangeal joint in Anu Taila, Tila Taila, and Sarshapa Taila one after the other. The whole amount of Taila (oil) that dripped down after dipping finger was collected in a watch glass and sucked into calibrated syringe for further calculations. Results: The Bindu Pramana for subjects with BMI range within 18.50–24.99 kg/m2 was found to be 0.55 ml (12.4 drops) for Tila Taila, 0.57 ml (12.4 drops) for Anu Taila, and 0.56 ml (11.8 drops) for Sarshapa Taila. Conclusion: This study of standardization of Bindu Pramana for Nasya concluded that Bindu Pramana for subjects with BMI range within 18.50–24.99 kg/m2 is 0.6 ml which is approximately 12 drops for all three Taila.