The Unheard Magic of Nasya: Feeding Your Brain Through The Nose = Restful sleep

Lately, I’ve been doing something so simple yet so powerful, a few drops of warm herbal oil in my nose before bed. Sounds strange, right? But this ancient Ayurvedic practice, called Nasya, has quietly changed my nights. My sleep is deeper, my thoughts softer, and even my breathing feels more peaceful.

We don’t often think of our nose as a gateway to calmness but in Ayurveda, it’s known as the doorway to the mind. What we breathe in doesn’t just affect our lungs; it touches our emotions, our clarity, our entire nervous system.

What Nasya Really Is: Restful Sleep

Nasya is the act of applying herbal oil, ghee, or medicated drops through the nostrils. It’s one of the traditional Panchakarma therapies, meant to nourish, protect, and purify the head and mind.Think of it as feeding your brain...through the nose.

I use it most nights now, especially when my mind feels busy or when sleep doesn’t come easily. After washing my face and massaging my feet with a little sesame oil, I warm the Nasya oil bottle in my hands, tilt my head back, and place two drops in each nostril. I take a deep breath in… and within seconds, I can feel my whole system exhale. My thoughts stop racing, my face relaxes, and I drift to sleep naturally.

Why I Love It (and You Might Too) : Restful Sleep

Nasya does more than moisturize the nose, it’s like a tiny daily reset. Here’s what I’ve personally noticed and what Ayurveda teaches:

• Calms the mind and supports restful sleep

• Helps with brain fog, tension, and dizziness

• Soothes anxiety and emotional overactivity

• Lubricates the sinuses and prevents dryness

• Improves memory, voice, and mental clarity

  
  

It’s the perfect evening ritual for anyone who’s constantly “in their head.”

The Different Types

There are many ways to practice Nasya, from deep therapeutic treatments done during Panchakarma to gentle daily self-care:

• Daily Nasya (Pratimarsha Nasya): Just 2 drops per nostril, gentle enough for everyday use.

• Nourishing Nasya: Uses ghee or herbal oils like Anu Taila, Brahmi oil, or Ashwagandha oil , ideal if you feel dry, tired, or anxious.

• Cleansing Nasya: Made with stronger herbs like eucalyptus or Trikatu to clear mucus and Kapha buildup.

• Cooling Nasya: Uses herbs like sandalwood, rose, or licorice for those with heat or inflammation in the head.

The Herbs That Work Wonders

Different blends support different needs. Some of my favorite herbs found in Nasya oils include:

• Brahmi: For focus, clarity, and peaceful sleep.

• Ashwagandha: For grounding the nervous system.

• Calamus (Vacha): For clearing mental fog.

• Tulsi and Eucalyptus: For breathing and sinus relief.

• Licorice and Rose: For cooling and soothing.

When to Be Careful

As wonderful as it is, Nasya isn’t for every situation. Skip it if you’re sick, congested, or have a cold, fever, or sinus infection. Don’t do it right after eating, showering, or working out. And if you’re pregnant or menstruating, check with an Ayurvedic practitioner first.

Also always use fresh, clean oil, never reused or old oil.

Who Benefits the Most

Nasya is especially helpful if you’re someone who:

• Can’t fall asleep because your mind won’t stop thinking

• Spends long hours in air conditioning or dry climates

• Feels anxious, dizzy, or mentally scattered

• Works with a lot of technology and screen time

My Takeaway

Nasya isn’t just a practice it’s a moment of self-nourishment. A pause. A reminder that calmness can be inhaled, one drop at a time.

If you’ve been feeling ungrounded, overstimulated, or dry, inside or out, try adding Nasya to your nighttime routine. It’s one of Ayurveda’s most underrated treasures.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. Always consult your practitioner before starting any new Ayurvedic practice.