Cultivating Individual Health

Nasya & Neti

Nasya is medicated oil (herbs have been cooked into it) that is applied to the nostrils and inhaled deeply into the nasal passages. It is a simple, easily administered form of herbal medicine and oleation. Many westerners raise an eyebrow to the idea of this at first, but most people come to appreciate Nasya once acquainted with its use and benefits.

Nasya has a wonderful calming effect on the mind. Yogis have for centuries used Nasya to deepen their concentration in meditation and to mitigate drying of the nasal passages from prolonged Pranayama (breathing) practices. For contemporary Yogis and lay people alike, Nasya provides increased health and resistance to disease, as it helps keep the nasal membranes moist, which prevents the ill effects of dry heat and air conditioning.

Nasya is particularly good paired with use of the Neti Pot. The Neti Pot is a small tea pot through which warm saline water is run. The protuberant end is inserted in one nostril while the head is tilted to one side over a sink, then the gentle pull of gravity draws the water through one nostril and out the other side. The Neti Pot cleanses and clears the nasal cavities of toxins, viruses, particulate matter and excess mucous. When applied after Neti, Nasya replenishes and protects the delicate mucous membranes. More on Neti below.

Applying medicated oils to the nasal passages is an ancient Ayurvedic prescription for anyone suffering from diseases of the upper respiratory system and sinuses, or for those with mental stress, especially anxiety and worry. Certain herbs that affect the nervous system are safely and potently effective in Nasya form. Rather than ingesting and digesting herbs orally, applying medicated oils to the nasal cavity quickly delivers the goods to the affected area.

The body knows what is good for it, and thus, it greets Nasya warmly! If you breathe dust, pepper or allergens like pollen, sneezing soon follows - the body is trying to rid itself of the irritant; Nasya actually pacifies sneezing and relaxes irritated or inflamed nasal passages.

In Ayurveda, Nasya is recommended for:

• Insomnia (provides direct calming to the mind)
• Allergies
• Snoring (sleep apnea)
• Post-nasal drip
• Hoarseness of voice
• Anxiety /Spaceyness (feeling of being ungrounded/vertigo)
• Fatigue

Our oil makes use of several herbs to heighten the positive effects of Nasya on the respiratory and nervous systems: Brahmi, Bhringaraj and Calamus. All Three of these herbs have ancient origins in Ayurvedic herbalism, and are renowned for their ability to help increase a sense of being centered, collected and calm in oneself.

Directions for use:
Nasya can be performed daily, or as often as needed. Simply tilt head back and administer 2-6 drops to each nostril, allowing the oil to be absorbed into the sinus before lifting the head back up. To prevent too much accumulation of oil in the passages, Neti should be performed intermittently during periods of regular use of Nasya. Use of Neti once a week is a good standard, but is can be used up to every day, when needed.

Ideal application/when time allows:

• Lie on your back, breathing deeply
• Measure out the amount of oil you wish to apply (2-6 drops to each nostril*). *Start with the minimum amount and build up to the amount that feels appropriate for you.
• Block off one nostril and apply the oil to the open nostril as you inhale. Then spend a couple of breathes focusing on drawing the oil into that nostril. Repeat on the other side.
• Remain reclined for a few minutes to allow the oil to penetrate

At Blue Oak Ayurveda, we make small batches of fresh Nasya oil in our Herbal Apothecary in Catheys Valley. We have found this product to be very successful for patients—and ourselves; we heartily promote it as a low cost, effective way to mitigate the physical and mental stresses of modern life.

The Neti Pot is a small clay pot with a narrow spout used to pour warm saline water through the nostrils. Though nasal irrigation is a strange sensation to Westerners at first, the efficacy of the Neti makes enthusiasts out of most.

By irrigating the nostrils both air borne toxins and pathogens are removed from the mucous and nasal cavities thereby preventing infection or at least minimizing exposure. Depending on the season and exposure one can perform Neti once a week or once a day.

To make a Neti solution add 1/8—1/2 teaspoon of Sea Salt (non - iodized) to the neti pot, run tap water till it is ambient to warm (if your water is chlorinated or of questionable quality warm filtered water on the stove top). When water is body temp fill Neti Pot, if hands are clean stir with finger to be sure temp is good and mix salt in water. Then taste the solution, if it tastes like your sweat or tears it is probably just right.

Put the spout in one nostril lean over the sink and allow water to naturally drain out, do not suck in or try to breathe through nose, only mouth breathing. The water will start to drain through the opposite nostril. Let it pass for ten seconds or so, then remove spout, let water drain from both nostrils and then blow out residual water. Repeat on other side. Try to get two times on both nostrils with one filled Neti Pot.