Nasya: Sinus care for greater clarity
Which external organ is continually working day and night, without you having to think about it?
The nose.
This growth in the middle of the face looks deceivingly simple, but it hides a complex series of channels and turbines that optimises the movement of air into the body and converts it into prana or life force. The average person takes 12-18 breaths a minute, every minute of their lives, and most people experience permanent brain damage after only 4 minutes without oxygen. The shape, size and efficient function of your nose determine your ability to smell and taste, your appearance, the sound of your voice, and allows you to breathe as it warms, humidifies, filters and directs air through the respiratory system.
While anatomical issues such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps and trauma can stop your nose from performing its many functions, there are plenty of more common issues that stem from diet and lifestyle which congest the sinuses and make us feel blocked up and irritated, leading to chronic sinusitis, snoring, sleep apnea and hay fever. These include:
smoking (including second-hand smoke);
dehydration (not drinking enough water or general dryness in the body);
either a lack of, or excessive sleep;
excess alcohol consumption (which weakens the muscles of the respiratory system);
weak digestion (which causes congestion and mucus build up), and
improper use of the nose (keep reading, just breathe…).
It’s important to give your nose some regular care, especially if you spend time in heated or air conditioned spaces, live in a dry, windy climate, or if you are prone to congestion, headaches and sinusitis. Here are three steps to start with, that help the nose function as it was designed to:
Breath only through your nose: Leave the mouth to its purposes, like chewing and speaking, rather than letting it do an inefficient job of breathing. Without the filter of nose hairs, cilia and the turbinates which humidify and drain air, the mouth is a poor breathing apparatus. Mouth-breathers (as they are called) are prone to crowded teeth, digestive issues, headaches, sore throats and even ADHD. Now, close your mouth.
As steam and humidity open the physical and subtle channels of the head, and encourage mucus to be released, a home face steam session is a good option. Introduce gentle medication with essential oils such as peppermint for congestion, rose for relaxation, lavender for sleep and turmeric for coughs and colds. Start with 10 minutes, and stop if you feel too hot or uncomfortable. Remember to breathe through the nose.
My favourite nasal care practice is nasya, which literally translates as nose in Sanskrit. Nasya is the application of oil into the nasal cavity, either by dipping the pinky finger into oil and then smearing the cavities, or using a dropper to insert 2 drops of oil into each nostril (with the head tilted back or lying down). This practice should be done in the morning, as it supports the lubrication of the nose hairs and the mucus lining, which decongests the sinuses and allows air to flow more freely - making you more likely to breathe through your nose through the day! There are plenty of medicated nasya oils available, but if you’d like to start with something simple, use black sesame oil or ghee (warm, not hot). The oil penetrates deep into the sinus cavities, which connect the sensory organs to the brain. Nasya is also promoted for brain health, eye health, reducing migraines and improving mental clarity and longevity. Oils can be tailored to your unique health needs and constitution.
The five sensory organs are referred Jnanendriyas in Sanskrit, which translates as organs of knowing. They help us navigate the world around us and cultivate a positive relationship with this incredible vessel we have to explore: our bodies. Learn to use yours well to have the more complete and joyful experience of life!
“There is one way of breathing that is shameful and constricted. Then, there’s another way; a breath of love that takes you all the way to infinity.”
— Rumi
