"Suffering comes from not understanding or a full potential or full powers within ourselves to heal, to nurture, to nourish."
- Maya Tiwari
Nasya: A self-care treatment for your mind, nose and higher awareness
In Ayurveda, your nose is considered the doorway to your brain and to your consciousness. The nose is also the entrance for prana (or the life force energy) to enter into your body through the breath.
Keeping the nostrils clean, open and healthy is very important in the practice of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda -- and to living a balanced life. Healthy uncongested breathing ensures the proper flow of prana throughout the head and body, which has a reverberating effect on the entire body-mind.
Nasya is the practice of lubricating the nasal cavities and sinuses by gently placing a few drops of herbal or non-herbal oil into each nostril. The oil can be self-administered as part of your daily routine (dinacharya) or given by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
This practice helps soothe, moisturize and protect the nasal passages, and can aid with mental and emotional stress, as well as tension in the head, throat, neck, jaw, and shoulders. The practice of nasya is also said to strengthen vision, promote mental clarity, and strengthen the quality of your voice!
What Oil Can I Use?
You can start by using plain sesame oil in your nostrils using a dropper.
There are other types of medicated nasya oil available for different purposes. For example:
Anu Thailam is a more cleansing oil is a classical formula called Anu Thailam. It is available here or in Briya’s studio, and can be used 3-4 times per week. It can be used to clear nasal blockages, and to prevent/treat many diseases of the head, neck and throat. After using this oil, you will want to spit out any mucus.
Nasya oil is a gently nourishing oil that is good for daily use. It is available here or in Briya’s studio (Satyam’s Nasya Oil)
Ksheerabala 101 is used to nourish the mind and nervous system. It is available here or in Briya’s studio. You can also apply one drop this oil on the little finger and carefully insert it into the nostril, gently massage the inner walls of the nasal passage.
These oils are safe for most individuals. However, you may wish to speak to your health practitioner regarding any concerns or before taking any medication.
The Benefits of Nasya as a Daily Practice
Lubricates the nasal cavity and sinuses, offering protection from the recycled air, and creating a barrier against pollen and environmental pollutants.
Opens up the nasal passages, allowing prana (life force) to flow, aiding in relaxation, releasing stress, and preventing blocked energy.
Clears stagnation from dry accumulated mucus and relieves congestion, opening up the nasal passages, sharpening the sense of smell, and reactivating breathing through the nose.
Promotes mental clarity, sharpens the memory, and aids in creating emotional stability.
Nourishes the nervous system, eases tension in the head, neck, throat, and jaw, and fosters calming, stable energy.
Please note: Avoid nasya when pregnant, feeling ill, or experiencing a sinus infection, and immediately after using a neti pot.
How to Do Nasya at Home
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. You can also do this practice seated by simply tilting your head back.
2. 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.
3. Take a big sniff in, then rest for a few minutes allowing the nasya to penetrate. If using Anu Thailam, you may need to spit out any mucus.
Alternative: If lying down is not convenient, you can also apply nasya by placing a drop of Nasya Oil (or ghee) on the little finger and carefully inserting 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.
About the Author
Briya Freeman has been creating spaces for healing and spiritual awakening since 2011. She is passionate about exploring the potentials of human consciousness in a way that unites and transcends global culture. Her background includes 20+ years of study and practice in hatha yoga, Ayurveda, Breathontology, meditation, bioenergetics and shamanism.
As a teacher, she is known for an approach that is down-to-earth, intuitive and deeply seated. She can be reached at hello@briyafreeman.com
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