Abstract

KRIYAKALPA: REVISITING THE ANCIENT CONCEPT OF OCULAR THERAPEUTICS

*Dr. Nalini Yadav and Dr. K. Anasuya

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Abstract

Disease is as aged as mankind itself. Ayurveda is the science of life aims on both preventing and curing the disease. Shalakya tantra is one of the eight specialties of Ashtanga Ayurveda, which deals with the diseases occurring above Clavicle specially related to the sensory organs. Eye is considered as prime sense among all senses so utmost care should be taken to protect them. Acharyas have prescribed several preventive and curative measures for the management of ophthalmic disorder. Among them topical treatments are very effective in the management of eye diseases and are called as Kriyakalpa. Kriyakalpa is the basis of the ophthalmic disorders, as Panchakarma is the basis of kayachikitsa. Kriyakalpa plays an important role in Netra roga chikitsa as it is a tissue targeted, and effective method of drug administration to eyes. Here kriya means distinctive therapeutic method and Kalpa means medical formulation such as Swarasa, Kalka, kwatha are used in the treatment. The Acharya have described detailed local therapeutic procedures to administer and cure ophthalmic disorders in simple but effective methods which includes Tarpana, Putapaka, Seka, Aschyotana, Anjana, Bidalaka and Pindi. Hence an attempt has been made in this paper to understand the concept of Ayurvedic Ocular therapeutics and their mode of action.

Keywords: Kriyakalpa, netraroga, Tarpana, Putapaka, Ocular therapeutics.