Nasya

practicing Neti at home.

An effective Ayurvedic remedy for nasal cleansing is nasya. Nasya is one of the five purification methods in panchakarma therapy and is also commonly done as an Ayurvedic treatment on its own. One can get a professional nasya treatment by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, or do a simple nasya by themselves at home.

This Ayurvedic treatment is beneficial for all doshas, particularly Vatta and Kapha. Nasya is used for the maintenance of health as well as the prevention and treatment of ailments of the head and neck.




Whether it’s a full nasya treatment, or a daily dose of oil, there are many benefits to regular nasya therapy. Nasya helps to clear and lubricate the sinus passageways, relieving acute and chronic sinus problems such as allergies, mucous congestion, dry nasal passage, and snoring. Nasya also helps to relieve headaches, migraines, stiff neck, fatigue, insomnia, and stress related problems. It reduces anxiety, clears and strengthens the mind, and stimulates the nervous system.

Nasya also aids:
Sinus problems
Hormonal imbalances
Migraines
Chronic headaches
Lack of smell
Depression
Lack of enthusiasm
The treatment is best done over a series of 5 -10 sessions.


Nasya is praised in yoga because of its effects on concentration and meditation, as well as its lubricating action that soothes dry nasal passages (that have become dry from regular breathing practices; Pranayama.)
Nasya is completely safe for most people. It is very effective due to its rapid absorption into the mucous membranes of the sinus passages. The active herbal ingredients are much more effective when absorbed through the nasal passage than when taken orally.

Nasya can be done with oil, plant extracts, medicinal powder or with herbal smoke. In this article we will only discuss the nasya method of using oil, as it is the most common form of the different nasya therapies. Suitable oils are very easy to find.

During this treatment, a special medicated oil is inserted in the nostrils, followed by a herbalised steam compress and massage.
How to do a Nasya Treatment:
•    First massage your face, concentrating specifically on the cheeks and forehead, where the sinuses are located. The more vigorous the massage, the more it will loosen the mucous and toxins in sinuses. Applying cream or oil during the massage will make it more comfortable.
•    Next, apply steam to the face for 2-3 minutes. A hot towel is adequate to provide the necessary heat to open the sinus passages.
•    To administer the oil, tilt your head back. This is easiest if you are lying on a bed with your head hanging off the side. The nostrils should be pointed toward the ceiling.
•    It is easiest to administer the drops of oil with an eye dropper or a bottle with a built in dropper top.
•    Administer a drop into one of the nostrils. Plug the other nostril and make sure to inhale deeply, as you need to draw the oil deep into your sinuses. Take a few deep, slightly forceful, inhalations. When this is done correctly you will feel a tingle or slight burn in your forehead.
•    Repeat in the other nostril, one drop at a time.
•    If your nasal passage is very dry or clogged you may need to administer more drops. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, it may take a higher dose of oil to get the desired results. One may need up to 6 - 10 drops in each nostril, however it is advised to add the drops slowly - especially if it is your first time doing nasya. Also take into consideration that a 'drop' will be different, depending on the bottle you are using.
•    Remain with the head tilted back for a few minutes to allow the oil to penetrate fully. During this time you can massage the forehead, cheeks and bridge of the nose with firm pressure.
•    Soon it will feel like need to blow your nose – don’t! To expel the mucous and toxins, sit up and suck the oil in deeper, drawing it out through your mouth. To do this correctly you may need to make some unpleasant sounds. This may seem a little unappealing at first, but it is essential and in time it will feel more natural.
•    Within 20 minutes, all mucous, toxins and extra oil will be expelled.
•    Avoid exposure to cold and wind after nasya therapy, and do not wet the head for at least 30 minutes after the treatment.
Small Dose Nasya for Daily Use:
It is recommended to use a small dose of 2 drops in each nostril everyday, for the maintenance of health. To administer the drops, use the method above. You may continue to get a slight cleansing reaction as you administer the drops daily. Effects and benefits will be more delayed than with a full treatment, but results will be accumulative as you do this daily.

Considerations:
Make sure you use a high quality oil. You can purchase medicated oils, which are generally a sesame oil base with herbs cooked into it. The herbal ingredients increase the medicinal properties of the nasya therapy. There are a variety of medicated herbal oils available from Ayurvedic suppliers such as  Banyan Botanicals.

Alternatively you can use plain sesame oil. It has less medicinal properties, but will lubricate the passage and still provide many of the healing benefits of nasya therapy. Be sure to choose plain, natural sesame oil. Do not use cooking oil.

It is best to do nasya either in the morning or the afternoon. Do not administer a large dose nasya if you have just eaten.

Do not administer nasya if:

you are suffering from fever
you are suffering from acute rhinitis
you are suffering from extreme fatigue
you have recently given birth
you are fasting
you have taken drugs or alcohol on that day

A nasya treatment is not to be performed on young children or on the elderly.

Nasya works best in conjunction with neti. If you have a lot of congestion and mucuos, you may want to alternate nasya with neti. Be aware that too much neti can cause drying of the nasal passage, so it is important to perform regular nasya to keep the nasal passage well lubricated.

Our prices:

One nasya treatment: $45.00
Package of 5 treatments: $180.00