If you’re a fan of Ayurvedic medicine, then you have probably heard of nasya oil. However, if you’re an Ayurveda rookie, you might be wondering just what this oil is and what it can do for you.
Nasya finds its roots in the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, which dates back over 5,000 years. It is one of the traditional components in the practice of Dinacharya, or daily Ayurvedic routine and has been revered as a therapeutic practice believed to balance the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—the three bio-energies that govern the body and mind and dictate our level of health and immunity.
How Does Nasya Work?
Nasya involves the gentle administration of herbal oils, ghee, or medicated substances into the nasal passages and provides nourishment and balance by lubricating, cleansing, and opening the nasal passages. In Ayurveda, the nose is often considered the gateway to consciousness and is a vital entry point for prana – the life force. In Ayurveda, when our prana becomes unbalanced, it can widely affect our neurological and physiological functions, which can result in colds, stiffness, headaches, migraines and more. Important to stimulating the body’s natural functions and regenerating tissue, nasya oil is one of Ayurveda’s best practices as it helps prana flow more freely.
The Many Benefits of Nasya Oil:
- Clarity of mind: Some of the oils used in nasya oil are said to enhance focus, concentration, and induce a heightened sense of awareness.
- Respiratory well-being: Nasya supports respiratory health by lubricating the nasal mucosa, facilitating clearer breathing and providing a shield against allergens, environmental impurities.
- Stress relief: Since the nasal passage is a gateway to the brain, Nasya influences the neurological system and can have a soothing effect on the nervous system, contributing to stress reduction and emotional balance.
- Sinus support: People who are prone to sinus issues can find relief in the gentle, therapeutic practice of nasya because it helps alleviate congestion and soothe inflammation.
- Holistic detoxification: In Ayurveda, nasya is considered a potent but natural detoxification tool because it eliminates accumulated toxins and supports the body’s natural cleansing processes.
How to Do Nasya at Home:
If you’re able to lie down:
- Lie comfortably on your back and tilt your head back with your nostrils pointing up towards the sky. If you are lying on a bed, you may hang your head off the edge of the bed or place a small pillow beneath your neck for support.
- Place 3 to 5 drops of nasya oil in each nostril. Administer the oil, drop by drop, circling the inside perimeter of the nostril, thoroughly coating the nasal membranes.
- Take a big sniff in, then rest for a few minutes allowing the nasya to penetrate.
If lying down is not convenient:
- Place a drop of nasya oil on your pinkie finger and carefully insert it into the nostril.
- Gently massage the inner walls of each nasal passage.
- Alternate left and right nostrils until each nostril has received a total of three applications of oil.
When to do Nasya:
It is recommend to use nasya oil no more than two times per day—once in the morning and once in the evening. Administering nasya oil in the morning can help you feel awake and energized. It can also clear out mucous accumulated during the night or add lubrication to dry nasal passages from excessive heat during the winter. Practicing nasya before bed also offers the added benefit of promoting relaxation and sound sleep.
Curious to try nasya? Here is a link for my favourite oil blend!
Tags: Ayurveda
