It is an amazing feeling to wake up with full of energy, mental clarity and peace of mind. With just five to ten minutes to Ayurvedic nostril cleansing and with least effort, it is now possible.
I had my first Nasya Karma when I was about 11 years old. I had a headache and sinus congestion. I remember the feeling of sniffing warm herbal oil, it was like thousands of needles pinching in my sinus for about 1 min but later I experienced the benefits of this miracle yet simple practice.
I have tried the Nasya Karma first time in Germany in 2016 at an ayurvedic and Siddha Therapist in Heidelberg. Since then, I adopted Nasya Karma in my lifestyle living and practising at least 1 time every week alongside everyday Jal Neti.
All we need to do is inculcate Nasya Karma (also known as Nasya) therapy into our lifestyle. Nasya means Nose in Sanskrit and Karma means doing/ action/ performing. These two Sanskrit words Nasya Karma simply means Nostril Cleansing through Oil and steam.
What Is Nasya Karma?
Pouring the droplet of the medicine oil (oil treated with herbs) via nasal passage is known as Nasya Karma in Ayurveda system. According to the seasons, an individual’s Prakruti (Nature or Physical body characteristics) and disorders there are many kinds of Nasya Karma therapy.
In this short blog, I would summarize the simple form of Nasya Karma that one can adopt as part of the lifestyle and be performing it at home.
Method
- Lie on a bed with the head hanging over the end and apply two drops of warm chosen oil or ghee into each nostril slowly.
- Pinch both nostrils, start to inhale and immediately remove fingers to allow for a deep inhalation – repeat several times to allow the substance to penetrate sinus cavities, the rapid breathing and nose pinching for about 5 mins.
- Massage the forehead, temple above and below the eyebrows, on the sides of the nose and under the cheekbones.
- A cough up and spit out any mucus that forms in the throat – blow your nose if necessary, and do not suppress sneezing (have your tissues handy) and gargle with warm salt water and then keep the head warm and dry for rest of the day.
Things to remember:
The best time to do Nasya Karma is Morning or Evening, empty stomach and before the shower/ bath. in a low humid and warm environment on the days when the sky is clear twice a week.
Basic difference between Nasya Karma and Jal Neti
Make sure that you do not do Jal Neti on the day of Nasya Karma. And remember that Jal Neti is a Yogic cleansing and Nasya Karma is Ayurvedic cleansing.
Organs And Systems With A Positive Impact
Eyes, Ears, Nose, Brain, Nerves, Circulatory system above neck region.
Benefits of Nasya Karma
- Nasya Karma prevents greying of hair, controls hair loss and prevent ageing.
- It is also very helpful to prevent stiffness of the neck and jaws.
- Nasya Karma helps to get rid of a migraine and headaches, eliminates stress, prevent facial paralysis and control Parkinson’s disease.
- Other benefits including having a beautiful glow on your face, makes your voice smoother and clear, cleansing of sinus cavity that helps in better breathing and clarity of mind.
On a personal note and from my experience, I highly recommend Nasya Karma for the people who have the nose (breathing) related allergies, e.g. pollen allergy etc.
Oils to use for Nasya Karma
- Classical Ayurveda oil
- Coconut oil
- Cow’s ghee (clarified butter) – Strictly cow’s purified ghee!
- Sesame oil
- Mustard oil
- Almond oil
Who should Not do Nasya Karma
- Children below 8 years
- Pregnant women
- Menstruating women
- Immediately before or after shower
- After meals
- Acute fever, diarrhoea, hypertension
- After alcohol consumption
It is the right time to start doing Nasya Karma on regular basis. Within a month, you will find a difference in your energy level and much more. If you are not sure how to do it very first time, I highly recommend finding an Ayurveda Therapist/ expert or take advice from Ayurvedic Doctor.
*Shringataka is an important Marma i.e. vital or delicate point in the body. They are 4 in number, in the head located amidst the veins nurturing the sense organs. They are: Ghraana (sense organ of smell), Shrotra (sense organ of sound), Akshi (sense organ of sight or vision) and Jihwa (sense organ of taste).