Nasya – Dincharya

Nasya – Dincharya

The human nose is more than just a flap of flesh and cartilage on the front of the face. Besides being part of the respiratory system that inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide, the nose also contributes to other important functions, such as hearing and tasting.

In Ayurveda the nose is the direct route to the brain and also the doorway to consciousness. It is believed that Prana, the vital life force, enters our bodies through the breath. Healthy uncongested breathing is therefore becomes important to ensure proper flow of prana throughout the head and body.

When an excess of bodily fluids accumulates in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas, it is best eliminated through the nose. Administration of herb infused oil, or nasya, helps facilitate this cleansing process. The distribution of herbs and oil through the nasal passage is one of the five main forms of cleaning in Panch Karma and one of the main practices in Dinacharya (daily regime). This ancient Ayurvedic practice supports dry nose, mental health, restful sleep, headaches, and provides seasonal respiratory support. Balancing for vata, pitta, and kapha, Nasya Oil is also traditionally said to improve quality of voice, strengthen vision and promote mental clarity.

BENEFITS OF USING NASYA

• Lubricates and protects the nasal passages and helps relieve sinus congestion
• Helps facilitate the cleansing process
• Provides soothing relief for nasal dryness
• Helps to release tension in the head and relieve accumulated stress
• Balancing for vata, pitta, and kapha
• Traditionally said to improve quality of voice, strengthen vision and promote mental clarity

HOW TO SELF ADMINISTER – PROCEDURE 1

• Begin by comfortably lying down on your back and tilting your head back with your nostrils opening 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 3–5 drops of Nasya oil in each nostril. With skill, you can 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.

HOW TO SELF ADMINISTER – PROCEDURE 2

If lying down is not convenient, you can also apply nasya this way:

• Place a drop of Nasya oil on the little finger (you can use a cotton bud as well) and carefully insert it into the nostril.
• Gently massage the inner walls of the nasal passage.
• Alternate left and right nostrils until each nostril has received a total of three applications of oil.

If the oil trickles down the throat (and it will initially) the throat will feel scratchy but with time you will learn not to allow that to happen by simply closing the throat by the tongue when administering and massaging the nasal passage.