Dr. Pillai’s Ashtaang · Patient information

Ayurvedic eye therapies: understanding Netra Kriyakalpa

Netra Kriyakalpa is a group of local Ayurvedic eye treatments. The methods differ: a medicine may be applied as drops, placed along the eyelid margin, used externally over closed lids, delivered as a stream or retained within a prepared boundary around the eyes. These differences matter when choosing a procedure.

At Dr. Pillai’s Ashtaang Kerala Ayurveda & Panchakarma Clinic in Ambernath, treatment begins with consultation. We consider your symptoms, current medicines and relevant eye reports before deciding whether an Ayurvedic procedure has a role. Eye discomfort and changes in vision need a diagnosis; choosing a procedure from a list is not a substitute for examination.

Plan a consultation

Illustration of a patient discussing an eye concern and reports with a clinician. — Illustration — discussing eye symptoms and reports

The Ayurvedic context

Classical texts discuss these methods within Shalakya Tantra, the Ayurvedic discipline concerned with the eyes and other organs of the head and neck. Sushruta’s Kriyakalpa chapter describes different local applications and the need to select and assess treatment carefully. [1] The modern NCISM Shalakya curriculum also teaches these procedures with their indications, contraindications and clinical management. [2]

Ayurvedic descriptions consider the nature and stage of the condition, rather than treating all redness, dryness or irritation alike. A traditional indication explains a clinical approach; it does not mean that every preparation is suitable for every eye problem.

Aschyotana — prescribed eye drops

Aschyotana applies a selected liquid medicine to the eye in drop form. It differs from Seka, which uses a stream, and from Tarpana, which retains a preparation for a planned period.

The physician decides whether drops are appropriate and selects the preparation. Dryness, watering or irritation should first be assessed because these symptoms do not identify a single condition. The formulation, suitability for ocular use and method of administration matter as much as the name of the procedure.

Bring the eye drops you already use, or a clear list of them, and mention any past reactions. Do not replace prescribed drops or put homemade decoctions, kitchen oils or other non-sterile preparations into your eyes.

Anjana — a medicinal application at the eyelid margin

Anjana applies a selected medicine along the inner eyelid margin using an appropriate applicator. It is a medicinal procedure, distinct from ordinary cosmetic kajal or eyeliner.

The doctor assesses the condition and stage of the eye problem before selecting this approach. The application site is sensitive, so the preparation and applicator must be suitable for eye use. Tell the team about recent surgery, infection, injury, contact-lens use or sensitivity to eye products.

If Anjana is prescribed, ask what sensations to expect and what symptoms should be reported. Pain, increasing redness or a change in vision should not be dismissed as a sign that a treatment is working.

Bidalaka / Vidalaka — an external eyelid paste

Bidalaka applies a selected herbal paste externally over the eyelids, keeping the eyelashes clear. Its placement is different from applying medicine into the eye.

At Ashtaang, the physician chooses the paste and contact period after assessment. The skin around the eyes is sensitive; disclose allergies, irritated or broken skin and reactions to cosmetics or herbal products. A lid application should not be assumed appropriate for a red, swollen or injured eye without examination.

Before treatment, clarify how the paste will be removed and what aftercare is needed. Tell the team immediately about stinging, burning or material entering the eye.

Netra Seka / Dhara — a controlled liquid stream

Netra Seka uses a thin stream of a prescribed liquid over closed eyes for a planned period. It is different from forehead Shirodhara and from retained eye preparations.

The doctor decides the liquid, delivery and duration for the individual case. People with watering, burning or dryness need assessment before this choice is made; similar symptoms can require different care.

The procedure should feel manageable throughout. Report pain, increasing irritation or a change in vision promptly. Do not recreate an eye stream using a household container or use this description as an eye-washing recipe.

Pindi / Kavalika — a wrapped external application

Pindi places a cloth-wrapped medicinal preparation over the closed eyelids. The material is contained within cloth, unlike the paste applied directly to lid skin in Bidalaka.

Its selection depends on the assessed condition, with attention to skin sensitivity, comfort and the way it rests over the lids. Tell the physician about recent eye surgery, injury or infection before any application.

An eye injury needs assessment rather than a compress chosen at home. Ask about the planned contact period and removal, and report pressure or discomfort during the procedure.

Netra Tarpana — a retained preparation around the eyes

Tarpana retains a selected preparation, commonly a prescribed medicated ghee, within a prepared boundary around the eyes. The material and contact period are chosen after assessment; it is not simply the use of ordinary household ghee.

Classical descriptions include a nourishing or soothing intention in selected presentations such as ocular dryness, while also discussing unsuitable circumstances and signs of excessive treatment. [1] This is a traditional rationale, not a guarantee that the procedure will improve vision or correct a spectacle prescription.

If Tarpana is recommended, we discuss its place in your care and any ophthalmologist’s findings. Ask about preparation, what to expect during the session and when you can resume contact lenses, screen work or driving. Do not drive while your vision is blurred.

Putapaka — retention of a specially prepared liquid

Putapaka uses a specially prepared medicinal liquid retained with a prepared frame around the eyes. Its preparation differs from the ghee-based approach commonly used in Tarpana.

Within Ashtaang’s treatment sequence, Putapaka may be selected after Tarpana. It is not an automatic requirement for everyone who has Tarpana. The physician determines whether it is appropriate and explains the intended purpose, material and care afterwards.

The preparation process and quality requirements are part of clinical practice, not a home recipe. Ask how the procedure fits into the overall plan and what follow-up is needed. We do not promise that it will remove cataracts, reverse glaucoma or restore lost vision.

Preparing for your consultation and treatment

Bring your latest eye reports, spectacle prescription and current medicine list. Mention contact lenses, previous eye surgery or injury, diabetes, allergies, infection and any recent change in vision. Tell us whether your symptoms affect one or both eyes and when they began.

Continue prescribed eye treatment unless the treating clinician advises a change. If specialist assessment is needed, we advise it before proceeding. Confirm any instructions about contact lenses, eye makeup, cleansing and travel before the appointment rather than assuming a standard preparation.

Our care is outpatient, without overnight accommodation. Session length and number of visits depend on the prescribed procedure and your condition. Reception can help arrange visits after the treatment plan is agreed.

Illustration of a clinician explaining an eye-care plan while reviewing existing medicines. — Illustration — reviewing your eye-care plan and existing medicines

Safety and aftercare

Any preparation placed in the eye needs appropriate sterility and handling to reduce infection risk. [3] Herbal origin alone does not establish that a product is suitable for ocular use. Do not use this guide to make or administer eye preparations yourself.

During treatment, report pain, significant stinging, increasing redness or altered vision. Before leaving, confirm the instructions for your existing medicines, cleansing, contact lenses, screen use and follow-up. If your vision is not clear, arrange assistance with travel.

Sudden loss of vision or sudden severe eye pain needs emergency eye assessment. Pain with light sensitivity, marked redness or a change in vision also needs urgent assessment. [4] Do not wait for a routine therapy appointment; Ashtaang does not provide emergency eye services.

What research can and cannot tell us

Ayurvedic research has investigated selected eye procedures, including comparisons of Tarpana preparations in Shushkakshipaka, a condition discussed in relation to dry-eye symptoms. [5] A study of one preparation and patient group cannot establish the effects of all seven methods.

The evidence considered for this guide does not justify promises to correct refractive errors, remove cataracts, reverse glaucoma or heal a corneal ulcer. Traditional descriptions, clinical judgement and research findings should be discussed together, with clear limits. Necessary ophthalmic treatment and monitoring remain important.

Questions patients often ask

Are all seven procedures part of one course?

No. They are different methods. The physician selects what is appropriate; some people may need no eye procedure.

Are Bidalaka and Pindi the same?

Bidalaka places paste externally on eyelid skin, while Pindi contains the preparation in cloth. Neither should be improvised as a home treatment.

Can Tarpana replace my glasses?

We do not promise correction of a spectacle prescription. Changes in vision need an eye examination and appropriate optical or medical care.

Can I stop glaucoma drops if I choose Ayurveda?

Do not stop prescribed glaucoma treatment or monitoring without advice from your treating eye specialist. Discuss the full plan with your clinicians.

Is ordinary ghee suitable for eye treatment?

No. A household food product should not be assumed to meet the quality and sterility requirements for use in the eye.

How long will a session take?

We confirm this after the procedure is prescribed. Allow time for assessment, preparation, treatment and aftercare rather than planning around a generic online duration.

Can children have these procedures?

Suitability requires individual clinical assessment, including the child’s eye diagnosis and ability to cooperate. Do not assume that an adult method or schedule is suitable for a child.

Arrange a consultation

To discuss an Ayurvedic care plan at Dr. Pillai’s Ashtaang in Ambernath, call or WhatsApp reception on +91 95521 28485 during working hours. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins depend on availability.

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