Olio Nasya

Understanding Pratimarsha and Marsha Nasya

Classical Ayurveda describes two primary methods of nasal oil application:

Pratimarsha Nasya (Daily Practice):

• Dosage: 2 drops per nostril
• Suitable for: Everyone, from children to elderly
• Frequency: Daily, can be performed twice (morning and evening)
• No special preparation required
• Safe for long-term, regular use

Ashtanga Hridaya 20/32 specifically states that Pratimarsha Nasya with Anu Thailam is safe "from birth to death" when performed correctly—making it the most accessible form of this ancient practice.

Marsha Nasya (Therapeutic Practice):

• Dosage: 6-10 drops per nostril
• Recommended under: Guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner
• Used for: Specific therapeutic purposes
• Requires: Preparatory procedures and dietary considerations

For home use, Art of Vedas recommends the Pratimarsha method described below.

Daily Nasya Ritual: Step-by-Step

Preparation (Purva Karma):

1. Choose the right time: Morning is ideal, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. The stomach should be empty. Ashtanga Hridaya lists 14 appropriate times, with morning after waking being most practical for daily practice.
2. Gentle facial massage (optional but beneficial): Apply a small amount of plain sesame oil or the Nasya Oil itself to your face, forehead, and around the nose. Massage gently for 1-2 minutes.
3. Warm the oil: Place the bottle in a cup of warm (not hot) water for 2-3 minutes. The oil should reach body temperature—test by placing a drop on your inner wrist. It should feel neither warm nor cool.
4. Optional steam: For enhanced benefits, hold your face over a bowl of warm water (with a towel over your head) for 1-2 minutes. This opens the nasal passages. Avoid if you have active inflammation.

Application (Pradhana Karma):

1. Position yourself: Lie on your back on a bed or floor. Place a small pillow or rolled towel under your neck so your head tilts slightly backward. Your nostrils should point upward.
2. Administer the drops: Using the dropper, place 2 drops into your right nostril. Inhale gently—not forcefully—to draw the oil inward. The inhalation should be soft and natural.
3. Massage the nostril: With your ring finger, gently massage the inside of the right nostril in circular motions. This helps the oil spread and penetrate.
4. Repeat on the left side: Place 2 drops into your left nostril and repeat the gentle inhalation and massage.
5. Rest in position: Remain lying with your head tilted back for 1-3 minutes. This allows the oil to reach deeper passages.

Post-Application (Paschat Karma):

1. Sit up slowly: After resting, rise gradually to a seated position.
2. Spit, don't swallow: If oil drains to your throat, spit it out gently. Do not swallow.
3. Gargle with warm water: Swish warm water in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit. This clears any residual oil from the throat. In Ayurveda, this is called Kavala.
4. Gentle facial massage: Massage your face, forehead, and temples again briefly to complete the ritual.
5. Wait before eating or drinking: Allow at least 30 minutes before consuming food or beverages.

Best Times for Nasya Practice

Ideal Daily Timing:

• Early morning after waking and completing bathroom routines
• Evening before dinner (if practising twice daily)

Especially Beneficial During:

• Seasonal transitions: Spring and autumn are classical times for enhanced Nasya practice
• Dry seasons: Winter months when indoor heating dries nasal passages
• Travel: Before and during air travel
• High-pollen seasons: For maintaining nasal comfort

When to Avoid Nasya

Do not perform Nasya:

• During pregnancy
• During the first 45 days after childbirth
• During active cold, fever, or acute sinus congestion
• Immediately after eating (wait 2-3 hours)
• Immediately after head bath or swimming (wait 3 hours)
• During menstruation (first 3 days)
• When experiencing acute headache with fever
• After consuming alcohol

Timing Considerations:

• Avoid on cloudy, rainy, or extremely windy days (for therapeutic Marsha Nasya)
• Very hot or very cold weather may require modified practice

Signs of Proper Nasya Practice

Classical texts describe these indicators of correctly performed Nasya:

• Sukha Uchvasa: Easy, comfortable breathing
• Sukha Swapna: Restful, quality sleep
• Sukha Bodha: Refreshed awakening
• Laghuta Shirasi: Lightness in the head
• Aksha Patava: Clarity and keenness of the sense organs

Integrating Nasya into Your Dinacharya

Nasya fits naturally into the traditional Ayurvedic morning routine:

1. Wake early (ideally before sunrise)
2. Eliminate (use bathroom)
3. Jihwa Prakshalana (tongue scraping)
4. Danta Dhavana (tooth brushing)
5. Gandusha/Kavala (oil pulling with sesame oil)
6. Nasya (nasal oil application) ← This product
7. Abhyanga (self-massage with body oil)
8. Snana (bathing)
9. Pranayama/Meditation