Nasosympatico is a therapy that consists of inserting three cotton-tipped applicators through each nasal fossa to rest at the openings of the maxillary, ethmoid, and frontal sinuses. In class, we learned how to do this treatment. First, I practiced on my friend Dina and then she returned the favor (per se!).

Dina practicing nasosympatico on me

Nasosympatico is used for enhancing sinus drainage so it can provide great relief from acute and chronic sinus infections. The cotton-tipped applicators are dipped in an essential oil blend that has anti-microbial properties, and is heavily diluted with a carrier oil to avoid irritation.

You’re probably wondering how it feels, so let me describe it from the patient’s perspective. As you can imagine, having six applicators up your nose isn’t the most natural feeling! Although it wasn’t painful, it tickled a lot, and I sneezed several times. Partway through, I wasn’t sure my body would allow the rest to be inserted but tried to remain as calm as possible to wait for the tickling feeling to pass.

The hardest part was remembering not to cover my mouth/nose when I was sneezing because the applicators were in the way and would have had nowhere to go. When the applicators were removed, I did have a little drainage throughout the day, and I’m sure that people with sinus issues would have a lot more. 

Could you ever see yourself getting this treatment done by a naturopathic doctor? Do you have friends or family who may benefit from nasosympatico? Feel free to share this article with them!