nasya

[Guest guest]

there are three forms of nasya: virechana (purgation), brimhana

(strengthening) and shamana (palliative)

with a wide variety of oils and treatments, used both in treatment and

prevention

these include everything from powders, herbal decoctions, coconut

water, milk and milk decoctions, oil extracts, and even meat broth and

fresh animal blood

 

the basic idea behind nasya is to cleanse kapha from the head and neck

and correct the flow of prana in the ida and pingala nadis

 

some nasya treatments are also specifically targeted to treat the brain

and central nervous system, to enhance memory, dispel negative

influences, and restore consciousness

 

the most commonly used nasya oil is anu taila, used in pratimarsha

nasya as part of the daily regimen (dinacharya)

it can be used in doses of 1-2 drops, inserted into the nostrils and

then "snorted" into the nasopharynx

the snorting is performed by instilling the drop(s) into the nostril

and partially closing the opposite nostril, and inhaling the oil into

the nasopharynx

 

this will typically cause a stinging sensation within the nasopharynx,

followed by profuse expectoration as kapha is liquified by the tikshna

(sharp) and ushna (warming) properties of the oil

 

even plain old sesame oil will have this effect

 

it is an excellent treatment for those suffering from chronic nasal and

sinus congestion, particularly when the mucus is thick and tenacious,

rather than watery and liquid, especially used in combination with nadi

shodhana (nostril purification breaths)

 

its important to note that when nasya is used the mucus and catarrh

should be expectorated out of the mouth, not the nose - blowing the oil

back outside of the nostrils is not a good idea, and can cause the oil

to be forced into the the eustachian tubes - same goes for jala neti

 

for acute rhinitis or sinusitis with active inflammation its probably

better to avoid using nasya or jala neti

take care of yourself with diet and herbs, and do steam inhalations

instead

nasya can be performed latter as a kind of prevention

 

having a drippy nose is actually a positive response in which the body

attempts to overcome an imbalance by washing away toxins and microbes -

it should not be suppressed

if post nasal drip becomes a chronic situation it can usually be

addressed by making simple dietary changes, such as avoiding dairy,

flour and sugar, as it represents an acute response to a chronic

stressor

 

 

 

 

On Sunday, July 11, 2004, at 05:09 AM, ayurveda

wrote:

>

> Thank you for the info! What does nasya oil do? does

> it help with the inflammation of the sinuses?

> Caldecott

todd

www.toddcaldecott.com