Ayurveda advocates topical ophthalmic procedures known as Kriya Kalpas as major therapeutic procedures for the management of eye diseases.
Akshi tarpana is a ocular procedures wherein the topical application of clarified butter (ghrita) and other dosage forms of clarified butter processed with medicinal plants (ghritakalpas) are employed which are lipid soluble.
It is indicated in several ophthalmic conditions such as chronic conjunctiviti, corneal ulcer, dry eye syndrome, eye diseases due to aggravation of vata and pitta toxins and glaucoma etc.
Relieves the strain due to constant glaring to the computer & tv screen, refractive errors of the eyes, It provides better vision with beautiful eyes and strengthening of eye tissues.
INDICATIONS OF AKSHI TARPANA
1.Myopia
2.Night blindless
3.Curved eyes
4.Eye allergies
5.Eye infections
6.Dry eye syndrome
7.Computer vision.
8.Early cataract formations
9.Glaucoma
10.Paralysis of eye
11.Refractive errors.
12.Optic Neuritis
13.Retina diseases
14.Falling of eye lashes
15.Nerve disorders of eye
16.Diabetic retinopathy
17.Pain and burning sensations
18.Conjunctivitis and other corneal ailments.
19.Improper coordination and loss of movement of the eyeballs
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF AKSHI TARPANA
1.On a cloudy day
2.In complications of eyes
3.Extreme hot or cold seasons
4.In conditions of worries and anxiety
5.In conditions of tiredness and giddiness of eyes
6.In the condition of acute pain, inflammation, redness etc.
PROCEDURE OF AKSHI TARPANA
KEYWORDS: Tarpana, Kriyakalpas, Ayurveda, Ocular therapeutics.
POORVA KARMA
1.Appropriate shodhanakarma is carried out according to procedure.
2.Later sthanika abhyanga & mridu swedan is done.
PRADHANA KARMA
1.Akshi tarpana should be carried out in the forenoon or in the afternoon on an auspicious day after the food has been completely digested.
2.Patient is made to lay supine position in a good lighted, ventilated room free from dust & smoke.
3.Then the eyes are round up with firm, compact leak proof wall (pali) made up of paste of p masha or wheat flour.
4.Pali is made upto a height of two angulas.
5.The patient is asked to close the eyes and over the closed eyes, ghrita processed with appropriate drugs and liquefied in lukewarm water should be poured to the orbit, till the level of tip of eyelashes.
6.Patient is asked to close and open the eye intermittently & steadily.
PASCHATA KARMA
1.After retaining of ghrita for a stipulated period, the ghrita is drained out through a hole made at the bottom of dough wall, near the outer canthus of the eye and the eye is irrigated with lukewarm water fomentation.
2.The kapha which has already been stimulated by the potency of ghrita, should be eliminated by shirovirechan (nasya), and fumigation (dhoompana) with the kapha-suppresive drugs.
3.Patient is instructed to keep away from exposure to bright lights, wind, sky, mirrors and luminous bodies.
DRUG RETENTION PERIOD IN AKSHI TARPANA IN DIFFERENT EYE DISEASES
S NO. OCULAR CONDITIONS DRUG RETENTION PERIOD AS CITED IN AYURVEDIC TEXTS
1. Vata Rogas (neuro- ophthalmic 1000 matra kalas
conditions, pain and dryness
causing lesions)
2. Pitta Rogas (inflammatory and 800 matra kalas
vascular lesions of eye)
3. Sandhigata Rogas(lesions of 300 matra kalas
adnexa of the eye)
4. Shukala gata Rogas (surface
lesions–conjunctiva and sclera) 500 matra kalas
5. Krishna gata Rogas(corneal 700 matra kalas
lesions)
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES OF GHEE-
The ghee (clarified butter) eye bath is defiend as akshi tarpana in Ayurveda not only does it give immediate relief to tension and eye strain the results can last for weeks, many ayurvedic physician consider ghee to be such a surprise health tonic that it is often recommended, in small doses, as the first food given to a newborn child.
1.Deeply rejuvenating to the eyes
2.Ghee nourishes and protects the brain cells
3.Rich in vitamin A, B, and K2
4.Increases life force physically and emotionally
5.Gives a calming and nourishing sensation.
BENEFITS OF AKSHI TARPANA
1.Increases and improves the eye sight
2.Corrects refractive errors
3.Improves clarity of vision
4.Lightness in the eyes
5.Promote better sleep
6.Improved recognition of all the colors
7.Tolerance to light
8.Prevent vision loss
9.Improvement of the eye squint
10.Lessening the falling of eyelashes
11.Relaxes the nerves in and around the eye area.
12.Facilitates normal eye movemnets including blinking
13.Strengthens the nerves and muscles of the eyes
14.Gives the freshness to the eyes
15.Reduces pain and burning sensation in the eyes.
16.Refreshes and nouirshes tired, sore, dry, itchy, teary and enjured eyes.
17.Increases the circulation of the facial muscles and facial nerves.
18.Prevents early formation of Cataract
19.Help to preventing improper co-ordination and loss of movement of the eye balls.
20.Eases eye tension and proves to very soothing for dry and tired ‘computer eyes’
21.Relieves eye socket tension, twitches, and squinting
22.Eases wrinkles and dark circles around eyes
23.Nourishes and rejuvenates eyes
24.Enhances the beauty of the eyes
25.Preventive therapy for people suffering from Diabetes and hypertension.
26.Relieves the strain due to constant glaring to the Computer & TV screen, Refractive errors of the eyes, Chronic Conjunctivitis Corneal Ulcer, Dry Eye Syndrome, Eye diseases due to aggravation of Vata and Pitta toxins, Glaucoma.
