Taste and Smell Loss Ayurveda Healthy Practices
We inhale a tablespoon of solid particle matter daily. Nasal Care isn’t an option for anyone with taste and or smell loss.
Have you noticed your sense of smell isn't what it used to be? Maybe your morning coffee doesn't have that rich aroma anymore, or your favorite meal tastes strangely flat. You're not alone. Millions of people experience changes in smell and taste—whether from seasonal allergies, a lingering cold, or simply the dry indoor air of winter.
The good news? There's an ancient practice that addresses exactly this concern, and it's been refined over thousands of years.
A Gateway Discovered 5,000 Years Ago
In the healing traditions of ancient India, physicians recognized something profound about the nose. They called it "Nasa hi shiraso dwaram"—the nose is the gateway to the head and brain. This wasn't mere poetry; it was a clinical observation that led to the development of Nasya therapy, the practice of administering nourishing herbal oils through the nasal passages.
Nasya became one of the five pillars of Panchakarma, Ayurveda's classical system of cleansing and rejuvenation. Ancient practitioners understood that the delicate tissues inside the nose could deliver nourishment directly to the sensory organs, the cranial nerves, and Prana—the vital life force that animates every breath we take.
Think of It Like an Oil Change for Your Nasal Highway
Here's a simple way to understand what's happening when your smell or taste diminishes. Imagine your nasal passages as a highway system. After weeks of dry winter air from indoor heating, or the aftermath of a head cold, these passages can become parched and sluggish—like a car running without proper lubrication.
A few drops of warm, herbal oil can help the lanes flow again.
What People Experience
Many people who practice Nasya consistently share similar stories. They describe a gradual return of what I call "scent delights"—catching the first whiff of fresh coffee in the morning, appreciating the bright aroma of citrus, or rediscovering the layered flavors of a home-cooked meal.
The key word here is gradual. This isn't about dramatic overnight transformation. It's about gentle, cumulative progress. Small daily actions often lead to meaningful sensory shifts over weeks.
There's a Right Way to Do This
Here's what I've learned after 44 years of clinical practice—including my training at an Ayurveda clinic in Pune, India: the details matter.
The type of oil you choose. The timing of your practice. The positioning. How many drops. How to warm the oil properly. What to do afterward. When to use a gentle daily approach versus when you might need something more supportive.
Get these details right, and you're working with your body's natural healing wisdom. Miss them, and you may not see the results you're hoping for.
I've put everything I know about this practice into a comprehensive guide—the same protocols I use in my clinic at Thomas-Cuneo Ayurveda Healing Arts in Santa Rosa, California.
📚 The Complete Guide
Smell & Taste Loss: Ayurveda Healthy Practices
An Ayurvedic Guide to Supporting Your Senses Through Gentle Nasal Care
Inside, you'll find the specific methods, timing, and recommendations that come from decades of clinical experience—not generic information you'd find in a quick internet search.
This is the bridge between 5,000 years of Ayurvedic wisdom and practical instructions you can follow at home, starting today.
Want Personalized Guidance?
If you'd like individualized support for your specific situation, I offer consultations where we can discuss your constitution, your health history, and create a customized approach.
After completing payment, call 707-527-7313 to book your appointment.
Dr. Helen Thomas, DC is the founder of Thomas-Cuneo Ayurveda Healing Arts in Santa Rosa, California, and author of "Ayurveda: The A-Z Guide To Healing Techniques From Ancient India." Her mission: Self-Care is Healthcare for ALL.
Tags: Nasya therapy, nasal care, smell loss, taste loss, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, anosmia, natural remedies, holistic health, sensory suppo
