How to Do Nasya Oil

In Ayurveda, the nose is considered the direct route to the brain and also the doorway to consciousness. It is the entrance for prana, the life force, which is carried into the body through the breath. Healthy uncongested breathing is important to ensure proper flow of prana throughout the head and body, which has a reverberating effect on the health of the entire body-mind.

 

 

When an excess of bodily fluids accumulates in the sinus, throat, nose, or head areas, it is best eliminated through the nose. Oil can help facilitate the cleansing process, particularly when using Nasya Oil, which is a nurturing and nourishing traditional herbal oil for the nasal passages.

A traditional component to a healthy daily routine, the benefits of daily nasal lubrication with Nasya Oil abound, from moisturizing the inside of your nose to soothing and protecting the nasal passages, helping to relieve sinus congestion, releasing tension in the head, and relieving accumulated stress. Balancing for vata, pitta, and kapha, Nasya Oil is also traditionally said to improve quality of voice, strengthen vision, and promote mental clarity.

Learn more about the reasons for using Nasya Oil daily.

What Herbs Are in Nasya Oil?

There are different types of nasya for different purposes, their unique combinations of Ayurvedic herbs and oils setting the tone and purpose. Some are more cleansing, for instance, while others are more nutritive.¹

There are also those that can be used daily, including our Nasya Oil, which is crafted according to traditional Ayurvedic methods and is blended with herbs renowned for their support of the mind, respiratory system, and channel of prana. The herbs work synergistically, enhancing the overall efficacy of the formula.

• Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is known around the world for its ability to work in both the respiratory system and in the mind, supporting easy breathing and mental clarity.
• Brahmi/gotu kola. Brahmi/gotu kola has an affinity for the mind and is incredibly soothing to the nervous system while it also supports the flow of prana throughout the body. It supports memory and intelligence as well.
• Skullcap. Grounding and centering, skullcap brings a sense of calm and increased awareness.
• Calamus. Also known as vacha, calamus has also long been used to bring clarity and to help rejuvenate the mind. While it is not clear whether it can be used for internal consumption in the US, it can be used topically and is safe in an herbal oil, including Nasya.

 

These herbs are infused in a base of refined sesame and olive oils. Beyond the lubricating and moisturizing properties of oil, it is considered an anupan, a carrier substance, which means that it carries the properties of these herbs deep into the tissue layers. With Nasya Oil, it penetrates the nasal passages to the mind, nervous system, and the channel of prana, to our very consciousness.

 

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How to Do Nasya at Home

• 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. 

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

• Place a drop of Nasya Oil on the little finger 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.