Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Nasya Mean?
Nasya is a type of panchakarma, or cleansing practice, commonly used in ayurveda. It involves the administration of medicinal herbs, herb-infused oils or decoctions through the nasal cavity in order to treat various ailments and promote well-being.
Often, a special oil known as a “nasya oil” is used for the practice of nasya by ayurvedic physicians. This is said to be a very soothing and nourishing treatment for the body, which is particularly good to alleviate problems above the collarbone.
Yogapedia Explains Nasya
In terms of the ayurvedic doshas, nasya is recommended as a practice for balancing all the doshas, but particularly the vata dosha. This is because it is considered beneficial on a physical level to:
- Alleviate dry nasal passageways
- Ease sore throats
- Improve a hoarse voice
- Release stiffness in the head, neck and jaw
- Relieve headaches
- Improve eye problems
On a mental level, nasya is also said to relieve stress, anxiety and fear. Some claim that it can reduce chronic sinusitis, myopia and cervical spondylosis.
Yogis believe the nose is a direct route to the brain and the entrance for the breath, or prana. Having healthy breathing passageways is considered essential for the efficient passage of prana into the body.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.