WHAT YOU ARE OBSERVING IS NOT JUST A PHYSICAL NASAL ISSUE, IT IS ALSO CONNECTED TO THE SUBTLE ENERGY SYSTEM DESCRIBED IN AYURVEDA AND YOGA, ESPECIALLY THE FUNCTIONING OF IDA CHANDRA NADI AND PINGALA SURYA NADI.
IN AYURVEDA AND YOGIC SCIENCE, OUR BREATH DOES NOT FLOW RANDOMLY. IT ALTERNATES BETWEEN TWO MAIN NADIS. THE LEFT NOSTRIL IS CALLED IDA OR CHANDRA NADI, WHICH HAS COOLING, CALMING, NOURISHING AND PARASYMPATHETIC EFFECTS. IT SUPPORTS REST, SLEEP, HEALING, HORMONAL BALANCE AND MENTAL PEACE. THE RIGHT NOSTRIL IS CALLED PINGALA OR SURYA NADI, WHICH HAS HEATING, ACTIVATING, STIMULATING AND SYMPATHETIC EFFECTS. IT SUPPORTS DIGESTION, METABOLISM, CIRCULATION, ALERTNESS AND VITALITY.
IN A HEALTHY PERSON, BREATH NATURALLY SHIFTS BETWEEN LEFT AND RIGHT NOSTRIL EVERY FEW HOURS. THIS BALANCE KEEPS THE BODY AND MIND IN HARMONY. WHEN ONE NOSTRIL REMAINS BLOCKED FOR MONTHS OR YEARS, IT MEANS THERE IS A DISTURBANCE IN BOTH THE PHYSICAL CHANNELS AND THE PRANIC FLOW.
IN YOUR FATHER’S CASE, THE RIGHT NOSTRIL, SURYA NADI, HAS BEEN INACTIVE FOR A LONG TIME. THIS INDICATES CHRONIC KAPHA ACCUMULATION, MUCUS STAGNATION AND VATA INVOLVEMENT IN THE NASAL PASSAGES AND HEAD REGION. BECAUSE OF THIS, EVEN WHEN HE LIES ON THE LEFT SIDE, WHICH SHOULD NATURALLY ACTIVATE THE RIGHT NOSTRIL, THE FLOW DOES NOT OPEN PROPERLY. THIS FORCES HIM INTO MOUTH BREATHING, WHICH FURTHER DRIES THE AIRWAYS, WORSENS COUGH AND DISTURBS SLEEP.
THE BENEFITS OF A PROPERLY FUNCTIONING SURYA NADI IS VERY IMPORTANT . IT IMPROVES OXYGENATION, SUPPORTS HEART AND BRAIN FUNCTION, MAINTAINS BODY HEAT, ENHANCES DIGESTIVE FIRE AND GIVES DAYTIME ENERGY. WHEN SURYA NADI IS SUPPRESSED FOR LONG PERIODS, MAY EXPERIENCE RECURRENT COLD, HEAVINESS IN HEAD, LOW ENERGY, DISTURBED SLEEP AND POOR RECOVERY FROM ILLNESS.
AYURVEDA DOES NOT FORCEFULLY ACTIVATE A NADI. IT FIRST REMOVES THE BLOCKAGES SO THAT PRANA CAN FLOW NATURALLY AGAIN. THE MOST IMPORTANT THERAPY FOR THIS IS NASYA. REGULAR NASYA WITH ANU TAILA OR SHADBINDU TAILA NOURISHES THE NASAL LINING, MELTS OLD DRIED MUCUS, REDUCES CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AND GRADUALLY RESTORES BOTH IDA AND PINGALA FLOW. WHEN DONE DAILY IN THE MORNING, AFTER MILD STEAM OR FACE WASH, IT CAN BRING DEEP CHANGES OVER TIME.
ALONG WITH THIS, IF KAPHA IS NOT REDUCED, SURYA NADI WILL KEEP GETTING BLOCKED. HE SHOULD AVOID COLD FOOD, CURD AT NIGHT, BANANA, ICE CREAM, SWEETS, BAKERY ITEMS AND ANYTHING THAT INCREASES MUCUS. FOOD SHOULD BE WARM, FRESHLY COOKED AND LIGHT. SIPPING WARM WATER THROUGH THE DAY HELPS KEEP THE CHANNELS OPEN.
STEAM INHALATION IN THE EVENING CAN TEMPORARILY OPEN THE RIGHT NOSTRIL AND MAKE SLEEP ON THE LEFT SIDE MORE COMFORTABLE. THIS IS IMPORTANT SINCE HIS EYE CONDITION REQUIRES LEFT SIDE SLEEPING. OVER TIME, AS NASAL PATENCY IMPROVES, HE WILL NOT NEED TO STRUGGLE OR SHIFT TO MOUTH BREATHING.
FOR ACTIVATION OF SURYA NADI, SAFE PRACTICES CAN BE DONE DURING DAYTIME ONLY, SIMPLE AWARENESS OF BREATH THROUGH THE RIGHT NOSTRIL FOR AFEW MINUTES, , CAN HELP, . FORCEFUL PRANAYAMA OR BREATH RETENTION SHOULD BE AVOIDED AT HIS AGE AND AFTER RETINA SURGERY.
THIS IS A CHRONIC CONDITION OF 2 TO 3 YEARS. WITH CONSISTENT NASYA, PROPER DIET AND GENTLE SUPPORT, WILL EXPERIENCE RESTORATION OF NOSTRIL FLOW, BETTER SLEEP AND REDUCTION IN RECURRENT COLD AND COUGH.
THIS CONDITION IS REVERSIBLE, BUT IT NEEDS PATIENCE WHICH WILL GIVE HIM THE BEST RESULTS.
Start with Mix yastimadhu churan 50 gms + sitopaladi churan 50 gms+ Talisadi churan 50gms : take l 1tsp twice daily with 2tsp honey and water. Avoid citrus fruits cold drink icecream sugary foods fried foods. Giloy ghanvati 1-0-1 after food with water
5 steps he can follow to activate suryanadi like Let hike continue sleeping on left side with rt nostrils up Inhale and exhale through left nostrils 15 to 20 times daily Keep cotton on left nostril for 2 to 5 minutes daily Do meditation with keeping in mind that he is inhaling and exhaling through rt nostrils for about 5 minutes Take 1 tsp of pure honey so that surya nadi will be activated
Don’t worry take chitrakiharitaki lehyam 1tsp, Laxmi vilas ras 1tab bd, lavangdi vati 1tab bd, swasakasa chintamani ras 1tab bd enough u ll get results
Dr RC BAMS MS
Hello, Your father is 65 years old, has had right nostril blockage for 2–3 years, recurrent cold and cough, and now has difficulty sleeping on the left side (as advised after retina surgery) because the right nostril remains blocked, forcing him to breathe through the mouth.
Your treatment will focus on clearing nasal channels, balancing Kapha, supporting breathing, and improving sleep, while remaining safe after eye surgery.
🔎 Recommended Investigations (Only if not done or if symptoms worsen) 1. ENT evaluation (to rule out severe DNS or polyps) 2. X-ray / CT PNS – if long-term sinus congestion suspected 3. Chest examination – if cough is frequent
💊 Internal Medicines Phase 1 – 15 days (Kapha clearing + Breathing support) 1. Sitopaladi Churna – ½ tsp with honey twice daily after meals – Reduces chronic cold, cough, and nasal congestion 2. Talisadi Churna – ½ tsp with honey once daily in the evening – Improves breathing and reduces Kapha in chest 3. Guduchi (Giloy) tablets – 500 mg once daily in the morning – Supports immunity and reduces chronic inflammation
Phase 2 – 30–45 days (Channel cleansing + Stability) 1. Dashamoola Kwath / Kashayam – 15 ml + equal warm water twice daily before meals – Reduces Vata–Kapha obstruction in respiratory channels 2. Haridra Khanda – 1 tsp once daily after lunch – Useful if allergy component is present
🌿 Nasal & External Therapies (MOST IMPORTANT) ⚠️ Since he recently had retina surgery, strong Nasya is NOT advised immediately. Use only mild, safe measures: 1. Pratimarsha Nasya with Anu Taila – 2 drops in each nostril, morning and evening – Very gentle, safe even long-term – Helps open blocked nostril gradually 2. Steam inhalation (mild) – Plain steam or with a pinch of turmeric – Once daily in the evening – Avoid strong menthol or eucalyptus initially 3. Chest & back massage with warm sesame oil – 3–4 times per week – Followed by warm water bath
🥗 Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations ❌ Avoid 1. Cold water, ice, refrigerated food 2. Curd at night 3. Banana, excess sweets 4. Daytime sleeping ✅ Include 1. Warm, light food 2. Soups, moong dal, rice 3. Turmeric + dry ginger in food 4. Warm water sipping throughout the day
Sleep Guidance * He must continue left-side sleeping as advised by the eye doctor * To reduce mouth breathing: 1.Elevate head slightly with an extra pillow 2.Do Pratimarsha Nasya before bed 3.Steam inhalation 30–60 minutes before sleep
With nasal channels improving, mouth breathing will reduce naturally.
🕉️ Follow-up & Expectations * Nasal opening improves in 7–14 days * Cold/cough frequency reduces in 2–3 weeks * Better sleep breathing in 3–4 weeks * Treatment should be continued for 6–8 weeks for stable results
✨ This is not a permanent defect. With gentle, consistent Ayurvedic care, your father’s breathing can improve significantly without disturbing his eye condition.
Warm regards, Dr.Sumi MS(Ayu)
Hello, I appreciate you taking the time to give such a clear explanation of your father’s situation. Your concern is entirely understandable.
A long duration of one-sided nasal blockage along with chronic cold is definitely not a situation that should be considered normal, more so when it is even affecting sleep and breathing. But don’t worry we will take care of you out 😊
YOUR CONCERN & PROBABLE CAUSES
Based on your information, your father: - Is aged 65 years - Has right nostril (Surya Nadi) blockage for 2–3 years - Is suffering from chronic cold/cough that keeps recurring - Had retina surgery recently - Was advised to sleep on his left side - Experiences difficulty in breathing while sleeping on the left side which makes him breathe through his mouth - Has not got relief that lasts through allopathic treatment
These signs point to nasal obstruction of the respiratory tract chronically.
AYURVEDIC REASONS
1. Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) The major cause of permanent one-sided nasal blockage, especially for years, is generally a deviated nasal septum.
2. Chronic Rhinitis or Sinusitis The long-term left-over of Kapha causes the nasal mucosa to become swollen → blockage + cold + cough.
3. Nasal Polyps Growth on the soft tissue inside the nose can impede airflow.
4. Age-Related Weakness of Respiratory System With aging, Kapha becomes more dominant and the body’s clearance reduces.
5. Mouth Breathing During Sleep If the breathing is through the nose is blocked, the body will have to breathe through the mouth and so the sleep will be disturbed.
AYURVEDIC UNDERSTANDING
According to Ayurveda this is mainly characterized by:
It is mainly aggravated Kapha Dosha Obstruction of Prana Vata Condition similar to Peenasa / Dushta Pratishyaya
When Prana Vata gets obstructed by Kapha the air entering the nose becomes very limited.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT PLAN
INTERNAL MEDICATION
1. Sitopaladi Churna – ½ tsp with honey twice daily → Helps to reduce nasal congestion and cough
2. Talisadi Churna – ½ tsp twice daily after meals → Useful in chronic cold and clearance of Kapha
3. Punarnavadi Kashaya – 15 ml with equal warm water twice daily → Helps to reduce chronic inflammations
4. Haridra Khanda – 1 tsp once daily → Works as anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory
NASYA (VERY IMPORTANT) (Only if there is no active cold or fever)
- Anu Taila Nasya – 2 drops in each nostril every morning → Helps in clearing nasal passages → Helps in breathing → Strengthens the nasal tissues
After all, your Nasya should be ideally done under Ayurvedic supervision, especially in aged patients.
EXTERNAL CARE
1. Steam inhalation → Daily 5 minutes with plain water
2. Warm sesame oil massage → Lightly massage with warm oil over face, sinuses, and chest before bath
3. Sleeping posture support → Head slightly elevated with the help of pillow → Eye health-wise, continue left-side sleeping as advised
DIET PLAN
INCLUDE - Food that is warm and freshly cooked - Tulsi + ginger decoction - Drinking warm water - Light vegetarian diet
AVOID - Food and drinks which are cold - Curd at night - Ice cream, bakery items - Food that is excessively oily and fried
INVESTIGATIONS REQUIRED
As the blockage is on one side and has been for a long time, the following are very important:
1. ENT Examination with Nasal Endoscopy → To check for DNS, polyps, or structural blockage
2. CT Scan of Paranasal Sinuses (if advised) → To see if there is any chronic sinus involvement
WHEN TO WORRY (RED FLAGS)
If there is: –Persistent mouth breathing at night –Frequent headaches or facial pain –Reduced oxygen levels –Excessive daytime sleepiness
Definitely, Ayurveda has solutions for such a situation. However, due to the fact that your father’s problem is chronic and on one side only, a proper ENT evaluation along with Ayurvedic treatment will be required.
Ayurveda is very effective in alleviating Kapha obstruction, enabling nasal airflow, and strengthening the respiratory system.
Warm Regards – Dr Snehal Vidhate
1.Sitopladi churna 1/2 tsp with honey twice daily 2.Trikatu churna 2 gm empty stomach in the morning with honey 3.Chyawanprash 1 tsp with warm milk in the morning 4.Anu taila 2 drops in each nostril in the morning
🌸 Supportive Daily Routine - Steam inhalation with ajwain or eucalyptus leaves once daily. - Nasya (oil drops): Anu Taila or plain sesame oil, 2 drops each nostril, morning. - Pranayama: Gentle Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) — but avoid strain if nostril is blocked. - Diet: Warm, light, kapha-reducing foods (soups, ginger, black pepper, tulsi tea). Avoid cold, oily, heavy foods.
Medicines Sitopaladi Churna – 3 gm + honey → 3 times daily after food Talisadi Churna – 3 gm + honey → 3 times daily after food Laxmivilas Ras (Nardiya) – 1 tablet morning + 1 tablet night with honey Swasari Pravahi – 10 ml + equal warm water → 3 times daily Haridrakhandam – 10 gm morning + night with warm water
Nasya (most important – clears right nostril) Warm Anu Taila – 4 drops each nostril morning & night → lie down 5 min head tilted right
Local Steam Boil Tulsi leaves + pinch rock salt → inhale steam 10 min twice daily
Diet Give only: moong khichdi + ghee, thin buttermilk + roasted jeera, pomegranate Avoid completely: curd, banana, cold drinks, dairy at night
Lifestyle Sleep with head end raised (2 pillows under mattress) No cold water/food Anulom-Vilom 10 min daily (focus right nostril breathing)
Start Nasya tonight – breathing will ease from day 3–4.
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
