Nasya

The nose is the direct route to the brain and also the doorway to consciousness. It is the entrance for prana, the life force, which comes into the body through the breath.

-Dr. Vasant Lad

Nasya therapy is an ayurvedic treatment in which oil is administered to the sinuses through the nasal opening.

The delicate mucous membranes of the nostrils and sinuses, as well as the Eustachian tubes of the ear, require lubrication to remain healthy and balanced. When these areas become dry or irritated one might experience a number of conditions such as neck, shoulder, or jaw pain, headache or migraines, sinus pain or congestion, allergies, dryness, nose bleeds, insomnia, or even emotional distress such as depression or anxiety.

Daily practice of Nasya has been known to clear out congestion, decrease the chance of becoming sick, improve the quality of the voice, strengthen vision, and promote mental clarity.

Benefits

Nasya Therapy nourishes and detoxes the head and neck area and cleanses and strengthens the nasal passage to enhance breathing and relieve related conditions.

Cleanses sinuses
Heals migraines and headaches
Expel mucus build-up
Improves voice
Increase mental function
Releases toxins
Protect the eyes
Remove mental fog
Improve overall ear, nose, & throat health

What to expect?

Nasya is performed while lying face-up on a treatment table. In the privacy of a treatment room, you will dress down and lay on the massage table between the sheets.

Nasya therapy starts with three rounds of massage to stimulate the lymphatic system, relax the body, and open the sinuses. This massage starts with the upper back and neck. Long strokes on the sides of the neck are performed to stimulate and open the lymphatic system to ensure proper drainage of sinuses takes place. Marma points are held on the chin, cheeks, and brow. Followed by a gentle massage and lymphatic flushing of the jaw, cheeks, forehead, and bridge of the nose. At the end of each round, a warm towel is placed over the face (around the nose) to warm up the sinuses.

Once this is complete I will direct you scoot to the top of the table and place your head on the headrest, which has been tilted down. This places the head in a slightly declined position allowing easy administration of the Nasya oil.

I will then ask you to take a deep breath through your nose and exhale out your mouth and hold your breath at the bottom of the exhale. Once you have fully exhaled I will hold your left nostril closed and administer a few ml of oil into your right nostril and ask you to inhale through your nose.

After a few breaths in through the nose and out the mouth the process is repeated on the left nostril.

Once complete, I will return your head to a neutral position and step out of the room. A warm wet towel will be provided to remove excess oil from your face. Take your time sitting up and remain seated for a few moments. It's common to feel a little dizzy or disoriented for a few moments after sitting up.

Post Treatment

After receiving Nasya you may feel dizzy or disoriented for a few moments.

You could experience a feeling of peace, centeredness, or increased calm for the remainder of the day.

It is common to feel a little tired or a bit of fatigue as your body processes all of the lymphatic fluid and excess sinus fluid that has been flushed.

Be sure to drink plenty of water after your treatment to avoid dehydration.

If you feel tired, honor that feeling and take time to relax and slow down. Know that your body is asking you for time to recover.

Daily Nasya

When Nasya is performed at home on a daily basis it has been shown to noticeably enhance the health and quality of the sinuses, eyes, and throat.

Daily Nasya is done best after the shower. You can add a few drops to each nostril and inhale while rubbing the sides of your nose and forehead.

Alternatively, Nasya oil can be dripped onto the pinky and rubbed into the nostrils that way. This method soothes the tissues of the nose without getting into the sinuses.

Not all Nasya Oils are created equally. Though they should all be made from a sesame oil base, the herbal infusion may vary. Because of this, it is recommended to try out several brands.

My personal favorites are 'Super Nasya' from the Ayurvedic Institute and Banyan Botanicals brand 'Nasya Oil'.

When looking for a brand be sure that they are using quality and ethically sourced ingredients to ensure you are getting the best for your health and the sustainability of the herbs.