Nasya is the administration of herbal medicine through the nasal passage.  According to Ayurveda, the sinus cavity is the gateway to our consciousness, Prana Vayu, and the Nervous System.  Nasya is one of the five main cleansing therapies in Pancha Karma, the traditional Ayurvedic detoxification program; but also is used for daily administration as part of a healing Ayurvedic routine.  Nasya is typically done using an herbal infused oil such as sesame, ghee, or coconut, but also can be done using medicated milk, fresh juice of herbs, and decoctions.  Nasya is used to treat a wide range of disorders including mental-emotional imbalances, memory issues, high-stress levels, sleep issues, chronic sinus issues, prana disorders, chronic headaches or migraines, stiffness in the neck, jaw or shoulders; eye, ear, and throat disorders; epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, sexual debility and any residual doshic imbalance after cleansing treatments.

As you can see, Nasya can be used to treat quite a wide variety of disorders.  Therefore there are several different types of Nasya that can be used for one’s various needs.  Here is a quick overview of the main types of Nasya according to Ayurveda.

Main Types of Nasya Treatment

1. Bruhana Nasya

Bruhana is translated as building, and this Nasya method is used just for that.  Since this is considered an anabolic treatment, it is typically useful for most Vata and Prana Vayu imbalances, while contraindicated for many Kapha disorders.  Common herbs used for Bruhana Nasya include many Rasayana (rejuvenation) herbs such as Shatavari, Bala, Shankapushpi, and Ashwagandha.  An appropriate base is ideally also “building” and Vata-pacifying by nature such as herbal-infused ghee, milk, or sesame oil.  For anabolic Pitta treatment options coconut oil, ghee, sunflower oil, medicated milk, or cucumber juice can be used. 

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Indications for Bruhana Nasya:

• Vata imbalances
• Nervous System disorders
• Dry sinuses or throat
• Headache due to dryness or constriction
• Sleep issues
• High-stress
• Mental exhaustion
• Restless mind
• Anxiety, worry, fear and insecurity
• Inability to concentrate
• Tinnitus
• Stiffness in the neck, jaw, and shoulders
• Dizziness, spaciness, or vertigo
• Post-cleanse rejuvenation therapy when indicated

Contraindications for Bruhana Nasya:

• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• Congestion
• Foggy, dull mind
• Overall heaviness
• Most Kapha disorders
• Mental toxins

2. Shamana Nasya

Shamana means pacification and this Nasya type is used to pacify specific doshic imbalances.  A Vata imbalance will often have a sesame oil base infused with grounding herbs such as Shankapushpi, Jatamansi, or Ashwagandha.  Pitta disorders may indicate either ghee or coconut oil base infused with herbs such as Brahmi, Neem, Jatamansi, or Guduchi.  Tikta Ghrita (bitter ghee) can also be beneficial in many Pitta conditions.  Kapha disorders will need stimulating formulas using a warming oil base such as sesame oil.  Herbs used for Kapha Shamana Nasya may include Vacha, Punarnava, Neem, Pippali, Black Pepper (Maricha), and Ginger.

Indications for Shamana Nasya:

• Most Vata imbalances such as anxiety, worry, sleep issues, dryness, debility, emaciation, and epilepsy can be pacified using the proper Vata Shamana Nasya
• Most Pitta imbalances such as headaches, temporal migraine, psoriasis, eczema, nose bleed, MS, excessive heat, rashes, hot flashes, anger, and inflammation can be pacified using the proper Pitta Shamana Nasya   
• Most Kapha disorders such as chronic sinus issues, congestion, dull mind, sluggishness, slow digestion, depression, and lack of motivation can be pacified using the proper Kapha Shamana Nasya

Contraindications for Shamana Nasya:

• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• No others if the substance used is indicated for the specific imbalance and body type

3. Navana Nasya

Navana Nasya is a lubricating Nasya application and is typically done with medicated oils for their unctuous quality.  It is a form of snehana or oiliation therapy and can be used during cleanses (if indicated) or as a daily treatment.  This Nasya can include the Bruhana Nasya or the Shamana Nasya.  It is said to reduce stiffness in the neck, increase mental clarity and intellect, reduce dryness and remove obstruction in the nasal passage. 

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Indications for Navana Nasya:

• Dryness in the eyes, nose, or throat
• Most Vata disorders
• Emotional imbalances include anxiety, worry, stress, fear, anger, and hyper-skepticism
• Mental rejuvenation
• Nervous System disorders
• Sleep issues
• Earache
• Oiliation therapy for cleanses or daily needs
• Hair loss
• Nasal polyps

Contraindications for Navana Nasya:

• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• No others if the substance used is indicated for the specific imbalance and body type

4. Shodhana Nasya

Shoshana Nasya is a cleansing treatment and is done using dry herbs (no oil base).  Ideally one would use a dry, powdered herb such as Vacha, Brahmi, Jatamansi, or Trikatu; depending on one’s healthcare needs.  ***This can be a very intense treatment and should only be done with the guidance of a trained Ayurvedic physician.

Indications for Shodhana Nasya:

• Kapha disorders such as chronic sinus issues, congestion, runny nose, inflammation in the nasal passage, and a dull, foggy mind
• Poor appetite, slow metabolism, sluggish digestion
• Nasal or sinus infection
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s disease

Contraindications for Shodhana Nasya:

• Pregnancy
• Up to one month postpartum
• Menstruation
• If proper guidance and knowledge is not available
• Chronic cough
• Dryness in the nasal passage or throat
• Most Vata types and Vata imbalances
• Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
• Emaciation, weakness, or debilitation

Once you find out the proper Nasya type that is beneficial for you, then it is time for application!  Nasya can be done at various times during the day, according to your needs, current imbalances, and desired outcome.  Something that will always remain the same, however, are these major contraindications of all types of Nasya:

Do Not Perform Nasya

• Up to 1 hour before or after eating
• Directly before going out into the cold weather
• Before taking a shower
• During pregnancy
• During menstruation
• Before age 7 or after age 80
• If diarrhea is present
• During high fever
• While breathing is irregular or labored

So now you know the types of Nasya along with many reasons on when to avoid this treatment therapy.  We can now move on to the “how to’s” of Nasya, as we get to the good part.  Please remember to always contact a knowledgeable practitioner if you have any doubts or confusion about these powerful therapies.  Just as with everything, Nasya can be medicine or poison depending on the proper or improper administration and should never be taken lightly!

How to Perform Nasya for Self-Administration

Step 1: Warm the oil.

Cold oil is never recommended to apply to any part of the body.  In order to warm the oil just right, I suggest placing the Nasya bottle into a large container of mildly hot (not boiling!) water until you have reached the desired temperature.  It should be about body temperature or slightly cooler to avoid harming the mucus membrane.     

Step 2: Lay in a comfortable area that allows the head to tilt back.

Once you have the oil ready for application, lie down on a bed or couch allowing the head to come off the end a bit, tilting it back comfortably.  You will be here for several minutes, so please make sure the neck is supported and not strained!  To be extra safe, I suggest placing an old towel over your clothing to avoid any drips.  Remember, oil does not come out in the washer.  Also make sure the Nasya oil is nearby, as the application is the next step.

Step 3: Apply the Nasya to each nostril.

Take the warm Nasya oil and open the bottle.  Squeeze the dropper “nipple” allowing the glass dropper to fill with oil.  Carefully bring this over to the right nostril.  Slowly and gently, squeeze the nipple allowing the desired amount of drops to go into the right nostril.  Then apply the same amount to the left nostril.  Ideally one will add an average of 1-5 drops into each nostril, depending on their specific needs.  If this is your first time using Nasya, definitely begin by only applying 1-2 drops and increase as appropriate over time. 

Step 4: Take a large inhale.

After the drops have been applied, place the dropper back into the bottle and close tightly.  Place the bottle to the side in a safe place.  Take your hand and cover the left nostril, taking a deep inhale through the right.  Then cover the right nostril, taking a deep inhale in through the left.     

Step 5: Sit back and allow penetration.

Now it is time to lay back.  Keep the head tilted, close the eyes, and allow the Nasya to work its magic.  Stay here for 1-3 minutes before slowly getting up.  Feel free to blow your nose if needed. 

*Please note that this information is for educational purposes.  I do not recommend the practice of self-diagnosis or self-treatment without the proper knowledge or guidance.  Please contact me if questions arise!

Try my Prana Nasya for emotional balance and mental rejuvenation.

Try my Soothing Sinus Nasya for sinus infection and allergies.

Try my Nidra Nasya for sound sleep.

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