Ah, sneezin’ and congestion after Nasya, let’s talk about it. Sounds like you followed the basic steps, but unfortunately, these kind of reactions can happen if something went a little sideways. Nasya’s not just an oil drop thing – there’s a delicate balance with it. Here’s a few reasons why this might’ve happened.
First off, the time you choose matters a lot. Ayurveda strongly suggests doing Nasya in the early morning, ideally when kapha time (6-10am) is starting to shift because that’s when the nasal passages are clearer and the digestive fire, agni, is rising. Doing it at night can indeed aggravate kapha and cause congestion, much like you’ve experienced. So yea, timing’s crucial.
Another point to consider is the quantity of Anu oil – using too much can cause the excess oil to create blockages or lead to more kapha, causing more sneezing and a stuffy feeling. Remember, just 2-3 drops per nostril is usually enough. It shouldn’t feel like a flood up there.
Oh, and did you warm the oil slightly? If it’s too cold, it might not penetrate well and instead cause blockage. You really want that soothing, snug feeling, not a nose waterfall.
Also, sometimes if the body and mind aren’t quite settled, Nasya can be a bit disruptive. Make sure your posture’s correct too – reclining but not flat, with your neck slightly stretched.
If you’re still clogged after a day, try inhaling steam to clear out the nasal passages. Add a soothing herb like mint or chamomile if you have it, just don’t overdo it.
For future attempts, perhaps stick to mornings, use the right amount of oil, warm it just a tad and make sure you’re in a good headspace. These simple tweaks might do the trick. If it’s still rough, maybe chat with a professional in person to nail down what’s perfect for you. Stay with it – it’s a powerful practice but sometimes it takes a little tinkering.
