Medicated oils or herbal preparations administered through the nostrils to clear and nourish the head, sinuses and nasal passages.
Nasyam is the Kerala name for Nasya, from nasa, the nose: medicine given through the nostrils. The classics call the nose the doorway to the head, and Nasya is one of the five Panchakarma procedures, the classical purification therapies. It sits with the head and face therapies here because that is where it acts, but is planned with the care of any Panchakarma procedure.
A session runs about 15–30 minutes. Nasyam is carried out at Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe, a doctor-led Ayurveda hospital at Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131 — within reach of Medavakkam, Sholinganallur, OMR, Pallikaranai, Velachery and Tambaram.
What Nasyam is traditionally used for
Nasyam is traditionally used for blocked sinuses, headaches and allergies, nasal breathing and a heavy, foggy head.
Nasyam is traditionally used to support a blocked or running nose, sinus pressure across the forehead and cheeks, sneezing in bouts, recurring headaches and migraine, and a heavy, foggy head. It is the main therapy in the clinic’s plan for Sinusitis & allergic rhinitis, and part of the plans for Migraine & headache, Hair fall & dandruff and Eye strain & dry eyes.
It is typically planned for adults whose complaint returns with the season, dust or air-conditioning. The doctor chooses the kind of Nasya — a nourishing oil, a medicated ghee or a stronger, purifying preparation — to suit the person.
What happens in a session
Your face, forehead, neck and shoulders are massaged with warm oil and warmed with a gentle steam or warm compress.
You lie back with a pillow under the shoulders so the head tips back, and slightly warmed drops go into one nostril while the other is closed, then the sides change; the doctor sets how many.
You draw the medicine in with a slow, steady sniff, not a hard snort, while the forehead, cheeks, palms and soles are rubbed. A sharp, pungent taste reaches the throat and the eyes water; that passes within minutes.
You sit up, spit out what reaches the mouth, gargle with warm water and rest a few minutes, awake — sleeping straight after Nasya is traditionally avoided. The session takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Who should not have Nasyam
Straight after a meal or a head bath — Nasya is given on a light stomach and before bathing.
A fever, a fresh cold or a chest infection; the course waits until it has passed.
Nosebleeds, a bleeding disorder, blood thinners, nasal polyps, or recent nose, sinus or eye surgery — the doctor needs to know first.
Pregnancy, and the days of your period — Nasya is not usually given then, so a course is timed around your cycle.
Uncontrolled blood pressure, a heart condition or an asthma attack in progress; young children and very frail older people are given only a gentle form, if any.
How many sessions?
Nasyam is a course, not a one-off: classically daily for about 7 days at a fixed time, and for some complaints longer, or repeated at the change of season.
Dr.V.Vaitheeshwari B.A.M.S., chooses the type of Nasya, the medicine and the length after examining your nose, pulse and history, and may advise a few days of preparation first, with specific food and routine during the course.
Before you come
Plan the week: the course runs on consecutive days at about the same time.
Do not wash your hair or take a head bath before coming; bathe afterwards, in warm water.
If a cold is coming on the morning of a session, phone before you set out — it may be better to pause.
Afterwards
Your nose may run, you may sneeze and bring up mucus for a while, and a dull headache or slight sore throat can follow the first sessions — mention it at your next visit.
Through the whole course, not only on the day, avoid cold food and drinks, daytime sleep, long talking and riding in open wind.
Call us on +91 81229 39197 about a nosebleed or fever, and go to emergency care if breathing becomes difficult.
Cost
Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.
Can I do Nasyam at home with a nasal oil from a shop?
The full procedure is done at the clinic. The classical texts also describe a gentle daily nasal oiling, and the doctor may prescribe a nasal oil for home use after the course — but which oil, when and how come from the doctor after consultation, not from a label.
I use a steroid nasal spray. Is that a problem?
Usually not. Bring it to the consultation, and the doctor will time the spray and the Nasya so they are not given close together. We never ask you to stop medication prescribed by another doctor.
Why is it given in the morning?
Ayurveda holds that Kapha, the dosha behind heaviness and mucus, is strongest in the morning, and the classics time Nasya by the dosha being treated. For a different pattern the doctor may choose another time of day.
What does Nasyam cost in Chennai?
Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.
Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe — 12/597, Main Road, Nethaji Nagar Main Rd,
Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131. Phone:
+91 81229 39197.
