Nasya Oil Treatment for Sinuses

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT - NASYA OIL

If you could do just one thing that would moisturize and support your respiratory system via your nasal passages would you consider reading about it?

The treatment I am going to explain to you is called Nasya. This treatment was developed by Ayurvedic alternative medicine system thousands of years ago. Ayurveda medicine is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and remains one of India’s traditional health care systems.  Ayurveda therapies have evolved over more than two millennia. Ayurvedic theory states that all areas of life (body, mind, & spirit) impact one’s health. Those of you reading this blog may already know this. Clients are seen as a Whole Person not just body parts. Basically this healing system is focused on promoting balance between your body and mind…which leads me to Nasya.

First I will explain the benefits of Nasya and if that interests you, then keep reading and you will learn how it is performed at Broadway Health Collective..

Nasya oil treatment BENEFITS:

Lubricates sensitive tissues of the nasal cavity so they are less reactive to dryness and airborne irritants. According to Ayurveda the delicate skin of the nasal passages and the Eustachian tubes of the ears require lubrication to stay healthy, balanced and protected in colder months…Hello Saskatoon winter!! 5-7 months long.  brrrrrr.

May help with: 

• Migraines, headaches, 
• Nose bleeds, earaches, & sore throat
• Dry nasal passages
• Insomnia
• Sinusitis (do not treat with oil when sinuses are infected)
• In addition to happy sinuses, nasya has some unexpected benefits like greater clarity of mind and calmer nervous system.

Nasya Procedure by Momentum Nursing Services:

• First we calm and focus our mind, using meditation and breathing techniques (pranayama).
• Next oil is applied to the head, according to your dosha (vata, pitta, kapha) and a specific massage technique is used to prepare your system  for the nasya oil.   
• Now you will lean over a facial steamer with or without eucalyptus oil for 5 mins or more to loosen mucus to clear nasal passages.  Drain nasal passages if needed.
• Then you will lay down and sinus massage will ready your tissues to accept the nasya oil.  Gentle heat applied to sinus area, then nasya oil instilled one drop at a time, for a max of 3 drops per nare.  Once oil is instilled, gentle heat is applied again and you rest for approximately 15 min.  While you rest you have the option to have your feet massaged with warmed oil (dosha specific) for added benefit. 

That sounds pretty nourishing doesn’t it? A simpler version can be performed at home as well, especially beneficial after using Netti pot to cleanse nasal passages.

Important notes:

1.    Nasya is best done on an empty stomach.
2.    Should not be received directly after a large meal.
3.    Nasya is not recommended during pregnancy or children below 7 years old.
4.    Best not to do nasya before bed to prevent dripping into larynx.
5.    It is normal to taste the oil in the back of your mouth or to have some oil drip out of your nose for a minute or two afterwards

Having regular nasya treatments would benefit you the most, during winter months.   The  leading role of nasya is to pacify aggravated vata dosha in the body, as the nose is the direct passage to the brain, and Nasya can vastly improve the functioning of the respiratory and nervous system in the body.   If you decide to have this treatment we can also discuss your dosha and imbalances during different seasons.