Ayurveda. Nasya Oil: It's Super!

Bottle "Nose" Dolphin

Nasya, the administration of medicine through the nose, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. The nose is a direct route to the brain and thus the doorway to consciousness. Prana (life force) rides on the breath so having clear, lubricated nasal passages enhances our assimilation of prana. A daily application of oil (medicated or otherwise) to the nasal passages is part of the Ayurvedic daily routine. This may sound weird to the Western mind but once you understand the benefits and try it out yourself, you'll enjoy it!

Nasya helps relieve symptoms of allergies and colds, post-nasal drip, headaches, muscle tension in the jaw and neck, snoring, inflammation and nasal dryness that comes with cold weather and indoor heat. It enhances mental alertness, prevents upper-respiratory illness and protects against absorption of environmental toxins found in city air.

There are two ways of administering nasya oil:  either tilt your head back, put 2 to 4 drops in each nostril and huff it or apply the oil to the tip of your pinky finger and massage the oil inside your nose.  Whichever method you choose, you’ll do it twice a day, once upon waking and once before bed. 

Ayurveda: The Healing Power of Ghee.

In Ayurvedic cooking, ghee is used in place of olive, canola and other oils (with the exception of safflower oil).  Ghee is clarified butter and is prepared by cooking unsalted butter (preferably organic) at low temperature until the milk solids separate and water evaporates.  You will know that it is ready when you no longer hear a crackling sound (meaning that the water has evaporated). After straining it through a cheesecloth or fine sieve (the milk curds should remain in the pot), you can easily store your liquid gold on the counter in a glass jar.

In Ayurveda, cooking with ghee is considered to be good for your whole body.  Ghee assists your body in absorbing essential nutrients.  It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and it provides powerful disease-fighting antioxidants. It naturally lubricates connective tissues, improving flexibility.  It heals the digestive tract keeping it well-lubricated, thereby alleviating constipation while reducing flatulence and bloating (all symptoms of aggravated vata dosha).  Ghee is said to be helpful for learning as it improves memory retention.  On a more subtle level, its sweet taste promotes satisfaction leading to a feeling of contentment after a meal.  The more beautiful you will also praise ghee for its ability to improve the health of your eyes, skin and hair. 

What about cholesterol? While ghee is a saturated fat, the milk fats are separated during cooking.  It is a lactose free food and should be easily tolerated by individuals with lactose intolerance.  Ayurveda believes that in order to remain healthy, you need both saturated and unsaturated fats in your diet.  While ghee can elevate cholesterol, it elevates the good (HDL) and not the bad cholesterol (LDL).  If you struggle with your weight or have high cholesterol, you should consult with a physician before incorporating ghee into your diet. 

Ayurveda believes that food is medicine and medicine is food.  Do not discount the healing properties of ghee, Ayurveda’s liquid gold.

Ayurveda. Daily Self-Massage: A New Lustrous You.

In Ayurveda, abhyanga or daily self-massage with warm oil is considered as essential as brushing your teeth.  It brings luster to your skin, maintains your beauty and prevents aging.  Start with warm oil  (warm an 8 oz. bottle under warm tap water or immerse it in a pot of warm water) and massage your scalp using vigorous circular motions; move to your face massaging around your hairline, forehead, light circles around the eyes and temples, more pressure under the cheek bones and the jaw line.  Before moving to the front and back of your neck, massage your ears.  Massage your upper spine and then move to your arms and shoulders, abdomen, hips and buttocks.  Massage your legs and thighs and finally your feet.  Always massage toward the heart using long strokes in broad areas and circular strokes in rounded areas such as the head and around the joints.  Pay particular attention to your head, ears, large joints and feet.  From start to finish, your daily massage should take about 15 minutes.  Ayurveda favors cured sesame oil (organic, light, cold pressed), but almond, jojoba, olive and coconut oils are also beneficial.  You can add essential oils to the base oil for greater therapeutic effect.  Complete your daily massage in the morning before your shower; if possible, let the oil absorb for 15-20 minutes before showering. 

 While abhyanga is a way to nourish yourself, it also provides direct therapeutic effects:  releasing toxins in your joints, skin, and tissues; leaving your skin feeling nourished, moisturized, supple and lustrous; strengthening and toning your muscles; calming your mind and nervous system; lubricating your joints; increasing circulation, stamina and mental alertness; enhancing sleep; promoting hair growth; assisting in balancing the endocrine system; and stimulating internal organs. 

Don’t hesitate to incorporate abhyanga into your daily routine.  In just 15 minutes a day, you are on your way to “A New Lustrous You.”