Nasya Therapy (Nasyam)
Nasya therapy is a procedure followed For disorders related to migraine, throat, nose, ear, sinusitis and any other organ above the neck. We are going to see in this Article about the benefits of this therapy and its procedure.
Nasya therapy is great for the Spring season when the snow slowly melts and the soil prepares for the growth of the grass, plants and for the flowers to bloom. It is the season when kapha dominates the lungs, making breathing difficult. It is during this time that diseases like hay fever, asthma, headache, watery eyes, itchy or runny nose are common.
In nasya therapy, herbs and warm oils are prepared based on the person’s dosha and body constitution and as advised by an ayurvedic physician.
The treatment starts with the physician spreading essential oils softly over the patient’s body. The oil is easily absorbed by the skin on massaging. The neck and shoulder are also massaged followed by a relaxing aroma therapy on the face using warm, organic and aromatic oil.
The organic herbal oil is then poured through the nasal cavity to effectively heal the brain, sinus, nasal passage and the entire engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system.
There are many therapeutic treatments in the Ayurvedic medical system. Nasya is one of the
main five therapies of Panchakarma (cleansing practice) that has been used for centuries. This is also a unique therapeutic treatment practiced for over centuries.
Nasya therapy is used to treat Siro-Roga or ‘’diseases of the head”. The most important part of Siro-Roga is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose also called rhinitis. It often shows as common seasonal cold like hay fever and nasal allergy. If not treated properly, this can lead to other imbalances. Nasya works on the physical and subtle level and its purpose is to remove the excess of the doshas that causes the imbalance and toxins.
The nose is the first place where Prana is absorbed. It is the gateway to the brain and other cognitive functions. Prana controls the vital cerebral, sensory, and motor functions of the body. Prana in Sanskrit means “breath”, or ‘vital life energy”. It is the life force that flows through chakras, the subtle energy (Nadis) that runs through the channels in the body and stimulates every single cell in the entire system. It is therefore important to keep these subtle channels pure. This is the main purpose of Pranayama and other yogic breathing practice. Nasya Therapy helps to clear our minds and consciousness by increasing this Prana.
Chakras are energy centers of the astral body and are controlled by the organs, though not to a specific location. With Nasya therapy, the treatment is concentrated on the third eye chakra which is in the center of the forehead near the pineal gland also called Ajna chakra in the Hindu system. It is said that a closed Ajna chakra can lead to confusion, uncertainty, cynicism or pessimism. That is why a proper function of the nasal passage is important to keep our minds and senses clear and focused.
Nasya therapy is used to treat:-
- Allergy
- Eye problems
- Sinusitis to tinnitus
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Neck pain
- Stiffness in head, jaw and neck
- Soar throat
- Voice
- Tension around the chest
- Insomnia
- Convulsions
- Amnesia
- Stress
- Emotions, anxiety or fear
- Various ailments and well-being
Nasya therapy can be followed by practicing nadi shodana or alternate nostril breathing, which also aims to clear and purify the subtle channels, pacifies all the three doshas and balance the left and right side of the brain. This practice also helps to release accumulated stress and better air flow through the lungs and up to the head.
Benefits of Nasya therapy
There are numerous benefits of nasya therapy, some of the notables ones include:-
• Strengthens the shoulders, chest, skin, and neck.
• Strengthens the sensory organs.
• Strengthens the visual site.
• Regular practise of nasya treatment helps to prevent greying of hair.
Nasya therapy is normally a comfortable and enjoyable experience, but it may be associated with some discomfort due to the intense release of toxins after the treatment. This is the reason why it is imperative to undergo this treatment under the guidance of a trained Ayurveda physician. These experts an easily recognize the signs of proper (and improper) therapy.
Thus an Ayurveda health practitioner can properly advice you on your health based on the seasonal changes and create a plan for the following season that specifically matches your needs so that you are fully covered all year round.
