In our previous blog, we discussed the benefits of Neti Pot. In this blog, we shall discuss the benefits of Nasya. Also, we shall discuss what is Nasya in traditional Ayurvedic practice and how everyone can reap the rewards of this practice at home with minor modifications.

As I had mentioned in my previous blog Neti Pot and Panchkarma therapy healed my severe allergies. In traditional Ayurvedic practice, Nasya is a part of Panchakarma treatment for body cleansing used in Ayurvedic medicine. Nasya uses the route of the nasal cavity to administer ayurvedic herbs into our upper respiratory tract. Nasya Kriya during Panchkarma therapy must be only performed by an Ayurvedic doctor in their clinic so how can one reap the benefits of Nasya at home?

Please Note: Do not do Nasya immediately after using Neti Pot. To make sure that your nasal passages are free of any water before you do Nasya hence there should be a gap of 2-3 hours between Neti Pot and Nasya. You can do them on alternate days.

Before we get to the details, here are a few benefits of Nasya Kriya or Nasya therapy.

• Nasya lubricates nasal membrane, especially after the use of Neti Pot as Nasya oil nourishes and lubricates freshly cleaned nasal passages.

• During winters when we have heaters running in the house, especially in the northern hemisphere, our nose bleeds sometimes as it dries up. Neti Pot and Nasya Therapy can help moisturize our nasal passage and prevent bleeding from the nose.

• Nasya treatment can be helpful in headaches, migraines, sinus congestion, allergies, nose bleeds, dry nasal passages, and insomnia.

• You will notice that I recommend inhaling steam after using Neti Pot and before you perform Nasya therapy. The main benefit of inhaling moist, warm steam is that can ease feelings of irritation and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages. It can also loosen up the mucus in your sinuses so that you can remove it from the nose more easily and help relieve nasal congestion and headaches.

• Pacifies VATA Dosha.

Method:

• Cleanse nasal passage with Neti Pot. Click here to read the previous blog about Neti Pot.

• Inhale steam for 10-15 minutes by carefully pouring boiling water in a large pot, drape a towel around your head, shut your eyes and lower your face until you are approximately a foot away from the hot water, inhale slowly and deeply. Be very careful so that you are not making direct contact with the hot water. If you prefer an easier method, use a facial steamer. You can also add camphor oil or eucalyptus oil to the steamer. Inhaling steam will clear your nasal passages and loosen the mucus.

• After 2-3 hours perform Nasya. Choose organic sesame / Almond / Olive oil. You can buy Nasya oil from Amazon or any other authentic website. Sesame oil is best for Nasya as it is warm, grounding, and calming. Also, it is highly nourishing and moisturizing. It can bring deep relief to dry or irritated or congested nasal passages when performed after the use of Neti Pot and after inhaling steam.

• Place a drop of the oil on your clean pinky and apply it gently inside your nostril. Then gently inhale so that oil penetrates the nasal membranes. Repeat on another side. If you are comfortable, you can always use a dropper instead of your finger to put 2-3 drops of oil in your nose. If you are using a dropper, you will need to lie down in a comfortable position or sit down in a reclining chair and tilt your head backward. Hold your breath, keep the dropper about half an inch above your nose, and drop 2-3 drops in each nasal passage and inhale. Stay in the position for 5-10 minutes and inhale before you get up.

• If needed you can gently tap or massage your nose so that the oil spreads evenly.

• Recommended during cold weather or during spring when air is filled with pollen and dust.

• Nasya should not be administered immediately after a bath, after a meal, during pregnancy, or those who have undergone nasal surgery. It is not advised for children below 7 years or people above 80 years. It should not be done immediately after using Neti Pot.

• If you have any serious medical condition, please consult your doctor before performing Nasya therapy. If you experience discomfort while using Neti Pot or Inhaling steam or performing Nasya therapy, do not continue and consult your doctor.

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