All therapies at Prakash Nethralaya are performed by trained therapists under the supervision of qualified Vaidyas, strictly following classical Ayurvedic protocols described in the ancient texts.
Netra Tarpana is the most important and widely used Ayurvedic eye therapy. A dam of black gram flour (or dough) is constructed around the eyes, which are then filled with warm medicated ghee โ typically Mahatriphala Ghrita or Triphala Ghrita โ for a specific duration determined by the Vaidya.
The medicated ghee deeply nourishes all tissues of the eye (the seven Netra Patalas described in Sushruta Samhita), strengthens the optic nerve, and pacifies Vata-Pitta imbalances affecting the retina. It is one of the most powerful Rasayana therapies for the eyes described in classical texts.
Nasya is the nasal administration of medicated oils, ghee, or herbal powders โ one of the five classical Panchakarma procedures. The nose is considered the "gateway to the head" (Shirosrotas) in Ayurveda. Medicated substances administered through the nasal passage reach the brain, eyes, ears, and sinuses through the Shalaka channels described in Sushruta Samhita.
For eye conditions, Nasya works by cleansing and nourishing the channels that supply the optic nerve and retina. Anu Taila, Shadbindu Taila, and Ksheerabala Taila are commonly used based on the condition and patient's constitution.
Shirodhara involves pouring a continuous, rhythmic stream of warm medicated oil (or medicated buttermilk, or decoction) on the Ajna chakra (third eye / forehead) from a specific height and for a specific duration. The continuous stream creates a profound calming effect on the nervous system โ often described as one of the most deeply relaxing experiences in Ayurveda.
The therapy works by stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, regulating stress hormones, and pacifying the Vyana Vata that governs circulation and nervous impulses throughout the body. For eye conditions, it is used as a supportive therapy to reduce stress-induced intraocular pressure and improve blood supply to the retina.
Virechana is the classical Ayurvedic purgation therapy โ one of the five Panchakarma procedures. It involves the controlled administration of specific medicated purgative agents to eliminate excess Pitta and Ama (toxins) from the liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and blood (Rakta Dhatu). Virechana is always preceded by 3โ7 days of Snehapana (internal oleation with medicated ghee) and Swedana (steam therapy).
For eye conditions, Virechana is considered the single most important Panchakarma procedure โ as Pitta is the primary Dosha responsible for vision, and Alochaka Pitta (the sub-Dosha of vision) is closely linked to Pachaka Pitta (digestive Pitta) through the blood. Purifying Rakta Dhatu directly nourishes the retina.
Basti is widely considered the most powerful Panchakarma procedure in Ayurveda โ described in the classical texts as the "half treatment" (ardhachikitsa) for Vata disorders, meaning it alone can address 50% of all Vata-related diseases. Medicated oils or herbal decoctions are administered via the rectal route to cleanse and nourish the colon, which is the primary seat of Vata in Ayurveda.
For degenerative eye conditions rooted in Vata (Retinitis Pigmentosa, optic nerve atrophy, Amblyopia), Basti is the primary Panchakarma procedure โ as it directly pacifies the Vata that governs neural degeneration throughout the body including the retina and optic nerve.
Netradhara is the pouring of a continuous stream of medicated herbal decoction or medicated water over the open eye from a specific distance and duration. Unlike Netra Tarpana (which uses ghee), Netradhara uses cooling herbal decoctions โ making it particularly useful for Pitta-dominant conditions with inflammation, redness, and heat.
The therapy simultaneously cleanses the conjunctiva and anterior chamber while delivering herbal actives (typically Triphala, rose water, or Daruharidra) directly to the ocular tissues. It is simpler than Netra Tarpana but highly effective for acute inflammatory eye conditions and as a maintenance therapy between Netra Tarpana courses.
Kizhi refers to the group of Swedana (therapeutic fomentation) therapies using warm boluses tied in cloth โ filled with different medicinal substances depending on the condition. The warm bolus is applied rhythmically over the affected areas, inducing sweating and driving the medicinal properties into the deeper tissues.
Three main types are practiced at Prakash Nethralaya: Elakizhi (herbal leaf bolus โ fresh medicinal leaves), Navarakizhi (Shashtika Shali rice bolus โ special Ayurvedic rice cooked in medicated decoctions), and Podikizhi (powdered herbal bolus). Each is selected based on the patient's Dosha and condition.
Beyond the major therapies above, we offer these classical procedures based on individual patient requirements and doctor's recommendation.
Systematic full-body warm oil massage using medicated Ayurvedic oils specific to the patient's Dosha and condition. Abhyanga is both a standalone therapy and the essential Poorvakarma (preparatory step) before all Panchakarma procedures. Pacifies Vata, improves circulation, and nourishes Dhatus.
The oral administration of medicated ghee (Sneha) in increasing doses over 3โ7 days โ the essential first step before Virechana or any major Panchakarma. Snehapana softens deep-seated Ama (toxins), lubricates all body channels (Srotas), and prepares the body to safely expel these toxins during the subsequent procedure. Mahatriphala Ghrita and Kalyanaka Ghrita are commonly used.
Full-body or local herbal steam therapy administered after Abhyanga. The medicated steam opens body channels (Srotas), liquefies Ama, dilates capillaries, and prepares toxins for elimination. It is the second step of Poorvakarma before all Panchakarma procedures, and is also used standalone for respiratory conditions, joint stiffness, and obesity.
A luxurious and deeply nourishing therapy from Kerala tradition โ warm medicated oil is poured continuously over the entire body while two therapists simultaneously perform gentle massage. Sometimes called "royal treatment" for its deeply nourishing effect on nerve and muscle tissue. Highly effective for neuromuscular conditions, paralysis, and in post-Panchakarma rejuvenation.
A cap-like structure is placed on the head and filled with warm medicated oil, which is retained for 15โ45 minutes. Shirovasti deeply nourishes the brain, cranial nerves, and scalp. It is indicated for severe Vata conditions of the head โ including optic nerve atrophy, facial paralysis, tinnitus, insomnia, and Parkinson's disease. More intensive than Shirodhara.
The classical application of medicated Anjana (eye collyrium) โ described in Sushruta Samhita as a daily Dinacharya (daily routine) practice for eye health. At Prakash Nethralaya, therapeutic Anjana is applied using classical formulations โ Sauviranjana, Rasanjana, or Trifala Anjana โ as part of the overall eye treatment protocol. It cleanses, strengthens, and protects the ocular tissues.
Nadi Pariksha, Prakriti assessment, review of modern diagnostic reports. Understanding the root cause before selecting therapies.
Snehapana and Swedan to prepare the body โ softening Ama and opening channels before the main Panchakarma procedure.
The primary therapy โ Netra Tarpana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, or Shirodhara โ selected and administered based on diagnosis.
Post-procedure diet protocol (Samsarjana Krama) and Rasayana medicines to rebuild and nourish the cleansed tissues.