Nasya Oil
- Megan H.
- Nov 19
- 5 min read
Our nose is the gateway to the brain.
Nasal oil drops or Nasya : Putting warm ghee or oil into the nostrils to lubricate the nose, clean the sinuses, enhance the voice, and improve vision. Nasya brings mental clarity between sensory and motor perception, cleansing many nadis (energetic channels) related to the brain and spinal cord.
All the while, providing nourishment to blood vessels, joints, ligaments, and tendons of the head and neck.
Immediate field of action = udana vayu (up and out) and prana vayu (downward and inward) in the supraclavicular area as well as the throat, thymus, thyroid, sinuses, eyes, ears, and the brain.
The ancient dinacharya practice of Nasya nourishes and calms prana by pulling scattered doshic energy into the most central place of our being. This embodiment of clarity and tranquility encourages our own cosmic intelligence to unfold, becoming an infinite wellspring, we can tap into with daily practice.
There are many benefits of use. Nasya eases breathing and helps to release blocked emotions in the respiratory tract. These could be the emotions stifling our inner voice or truths.
Dry, hoarse vocal cords become lubricated, revealing a more melodious voice.
Lubricating the nose and throat, blocked nasal passages and polyps improve.
Nasya penetrates the internal tissues, spreading oil to nourish dry eyes from the inside. This improves vision over time and assists in relieving eye strain, often typical with the American lifestyle.
Incorporated regularly into your dinacharya, Nasya can also support sound sleep.
"The nose is the door to consciousness and the pathway to our inner pharmacy." - Dr. Lad
One of my favorite benefits of Nasya is the ability of this powerful medicine to remind me to rest-- to 'take five' and re-center when I need to. It is amazing for releasing stress and tension; relaxing small muscles in the tiny spaces of the head, neck and the suprascapular region that we often forget about. Much of the regular stress and tension that we hang on to creates tight physical and energetic blockages in these areas.
Setting aside even just 5 minutes for a self-Nasya treatment can treat you very well.
Indications that regular Nasya practice may be right for your dinacharya:
You feel pain or stiffness in your head, neck or jaw
Headache or Migraine
Sinus pain or congestion
Toothache, loose teeth, receding gums
Hoarseness of voice
Twitching or drooping eyelids
Tingling sensation on the face
Obstruction in the throat (non-emergency)
Uvulitis, Tonsillitis, Laryngitis, Pharyngitis
Speech disorders and loss of speech
Bell's Palsy (facial paralysis)
Goiter
Glaucoma
Pituitary or space-occupying tumor
Unconsciousness/fainting
Depleted sexual energy
Any disorders above the clavicle area
Contraindications for Nasya
Nasya is NOT for use during pregnancy or menstruation due to its interference with Apana vayu.
Nasya is NOT for young children under 7 or elderly over 80 years old (it may not be safe to tilt their head far back).
Do not use Nasya on a full stomach or within 1 hour of eating or drinking liquids (could cause indigestion).
Do not use Nasya within 1 hour before/after bathing or at the same time as neti pot nasal cleansing (water and oil don't mix).
Do not use Nasya immediately after exertion, such as physical exercise or sexual activity.
Do not use Nasya while intoxicated, after vomiting, or while experiencing acute diarrhea (some vayus are coming up, some are going down = not a good mix.)
Do not use Nasya after just having done purgation or basti.
Do not use Nasya during a minor cold, flu, or sinus infection (wait until at least 4 days after the onset of symptoms).
Do not use if you have asthma.
Do not use Nasya during acute fever, if you are hungry, have hypoglycemia or while experiencing thirst or dehydration.
Preparation for Nasya
Before administration, use the bathroom.
Wash hands and apply a few drops of a dosha-appropriate (or tri-doshic) oil to your face, ears, neck and shoulders, massaging as you go.
Rest a few minutes. Avoid speech, laughter, anger and shaking of the head. Just breathe.
Slow inhales and slow exhales.
Instructions for Nasya
To give yourself a Nasya treatment, lie down on your back with a pillow under your shoulders, so the neck tilts backwards and nostrils are open towards the ceiling.
Carefully squeeze 3-5 drops of the Nasya oil into each nostril.
In each nostril, we are aiming more for the inner wall of the nasal cavity so that the oil has a chance to penetrate sensitive tissue on its way in.
Gently sniff the oil deeply into the sinuses (not forcefully).
Remain lying down for a few minutes to allow Nasya to penetrate.
Rub the outer sides of the nostril to help move the oil absorb into the internal tissues.
Do not swallow oil.
*If you find that oil is trickling down the back of your throat, this is a good indicator to adjust the tilt of your head, use fewer drops next time or work on drop placement against the wall of the nasal cavity; administration techniques improve with regular practice and experiencing the medicine.
Nasya Oil for Vata: sesame oil, ghee or vacha tailam (medicate calamus oil, not calamus essential oil)
Nasya Oil for Pitta: brahmi ghee, sunflower oil, or coconut oil
Nasya Oil for Kapha: vacha tailam (medicated calamus oil) or mild mustard oil (diluted with half sesame oil).
Other oils may be substituted if they share similar qualities.
Another blend of medicated oil for Nasya is Supernasya Oil: a tri-doshic decongestant ideal for sleep apnea. This is a blend made with love and intention by Usha Lad, Dr. Lad's wife, herself. If you can get your hands on it, it truly is a wonderful medicine.
You may see Sidha Soma/Vacha Oil on the market. These blends balance prana, promote ojas and give clarity to the mind and spirit. They have the power to improve neural communication, lower food cravings, clean the sinuses and help prevent secondary infections. These amazing medicines also clean and balance the pituitary gland.
Optimal Timing for Administration of Nasya
If no major disorders:
Summer - Middle of the Day
Fall, Winter, Spring - Early to Mid-Morning
Vata Disorders - At Dawn or Dusk
Pitta Disorders - Middle of the Day
Kapha Disorders - Morning and Evening
Administration of Nasya directly affects the mind, prana, udana vata, tarpaka kapha, sadhaka pitta and majja dhatu. If you find Nasya to be too intense, consider checking out Marsha or Pratimarsha Nasya articles for a more localized nasal treatment that is less penetrating.
As always, consult with your physician before starting a new herbal protocol.
Love, Meg
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