Nose is a doorway to the brain, mind and consciousness.
As the term Nasya indicates, this is a nasal procedure. In this procedure, Ayurvedic oil or ghee is ingrained through the nostrils. It is a therapy for the nose, sinuses, throat and head.
Nasya is the nerve centre of medicinal herbs, ghee, decoctions and oils. Different types of substances are used to treat various aliments. The oils generally used for Nasya are Desi cow ghee and Anu Taila. One can also use natural Ayurvedic oils with herbs like Brahmi, Basil (in small quantities), etc. this herbal infused oil is both nurturing and nourishing, and supports the sinus, nose, throat, and head. It is a balancing formula for all doshas, especially vata, and has been traditionally used to lubricate the nasal passages, improve the voice, and support clear vision.
Prana, the vital life force, enters our bodies through the breath. Lubrication of the nasal passages with herbal oil provides subtle moisture to the air we breathe and affects the higher cerebral faculties and sensory organs which promotes clarity of perception and stimulates memory. Nasya also enhances cerebral circulation, restoring and balancing prana in the body.
Nasya is an Ayurvedic method of treatment for headache, sinusitis, migraine, ear, nose and throat in which medicated powder, juice, or herbal oils are applied through the nostrils. This is very effective in removing toxins from the scalp and also helps in purifying organs. The healing oils and powders used in this treatement energize important centres of your brain that control your emotions.
This therapy is carried out in three stages –
Poorvakarma: Preparatory procedures that tune the body to accumulate toxins present in full complement of its organs to the alimentary canal nearest site of excretion/elimination.
Pradhanakarma: The second stage is the most important in which the cool healing oil or ghee flows through your nostrils. Healthy and proper breathing is crucial to ensure right pran flow to the body and head. Nasya protects and relaxes the nasal passage and helps reduce of the sinuses.
Paschatkarma: In the final stage your mouth will be cleaned with lukewarm water and you will be given medicinal smoke to inhale. Post treatment care includes diet regimen and bringing the patient back into normal diet and lifestyle.
Treatment follows few simple steps. You will need to lie on your back and keep your head leaned back so that your nostrils are faced upwards. You can put a pillow or towel under your neck for support. Put 5-10 drops of warm, saturated oil in each nostril, drop by drop. WARNING: The temperature of the oil should not exceed the body temperature; otherwise it may damage the mucous membrane or the nasal cavity.
The various herbal oils used in this therapy are anu, shadbindu, marichiades and others. Some herbs commonly used in therapy include: Vidanga, Hing, Apomorag, Tulsi, Gourmand and Maricha.
After you apply drops of medicinal oil, cover your left nostril with your thumb and inhale through the right. Now cover your right nostril with your index or middle finger and exhale through the left. After repeating this action for a while, you will need to stay back and relax. The healing oils and powders used in this process stimulate important centers of your nervous and venous systems and thus reduce blockage in the canals of overcoming diseases.
Who is eligible for treatment?
Anyone can have Ayurvedic treatment. Especially if they suffer from sinusitis, migraines, mental disorders, ear or throat pain. This particular treatment is also effective in detoxifying the skin.
Who is ineligible for treatment?
This therapy is not for you if you suffer from a serious illness, such as fever or infectious disease. Nasya is not recommended during menstruation or pregnancy, during or immediately after an asthma attack or heart attack.
Are there any side effects?
There are no side effects of this Ayurvedic treatment. It is effective and safe. However, when the oil goes down your throat, you may feel burning or irritation in the throat and all over your face. These are common symptoms and go away after a while, without many complications or serious side effects.
What are the post-treatment guidelines?
After Nasya therapy, there are several things to keep in mind: do not wash your hair immediately after treatment, do not blow your nose immediately after Nasya.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery after treatment does not take much time because it is an Ayurvedic therapy and you can return to your usual activities as soon as the healing session ends.
Are the results of treatment permanent?
Treatment alone may or may not produce permanent results but frequent therapy sessions at least once every 2-3 months will provide guaranteed long lasting results.
What are the treatment alternatives?
There are no alternatives to Ayurvedic treatment alone. However, if you feel uncomfortable lying on your back and inhaling medicinal oils through your nostrils, you may consult a doctor to take a medicine for migraine, sinusitis, or other ENT-related illnesses.
Diseases and conditions treated with therapy:-
