ANJANA KARMA

ANJANA KARMA

DEFINITION OF ANJANA

• Anjana is one among the Kriya Kalpas (therapeutic ocular procedures) used primarily for diseases of the eye.

• It is the process of instilling medicated collyrium or ointment into the inner side of the lower eyelid.

🔸 “तत्राञ्जनं स्नेहविपाचितं क्षुद्रकण्ठ्यादिगदेषु युक्तम्।”
— Ashtanga Hridaya Uttarasthana, 13/3

TYPES OF ANJANA

Based on contents:

• Lekhana Anjana – Scraping type
  🔹 Indicated in Kapha predominant eye disorders.
  🔹 Example: Saindhava Anjana.

• Ropana Anjana – Healing type
  🔹 Used in Pitta or Rakta vitiated eye disorders.
  🔹 Example: Darvi Rasanjana.

• Snehana Anjana – Lubricating type
  🔹 Useful in Vata disorders and for nourishment.
  🔹 Example: Ghrta-based Anjana.

Based on frequency:

• Nityanjana – Daily use (for maintenance of vision)
  🔹 “नित्यमञ्जनमेव कुर्यादिन्द्रियाणां बलार्थिना”
  — Sushruta Samhita Uttara Tantra, 18/3

• Chikitsita Anjana – Therapeutic use in specific diseases.

• Ritu Anjana – Used seasonally, especially during Sharad and Vasant for detoxification.

DOSAGE (MATRA) OF ANJANA

• The dose depends on the type of Anjana:

  • Lekhana Anjana: 1 Harenu (size of yava or grain)

  • Ropana/Snehana Anjana: 1–2 Harenu depending on the patient’s Bala and Vyadhi Avastha.

• Ideal time for application is early morning or evening, never during midday or immediately after meals.

INDICATIONS OF ANJANA

• Timira (refractive errors/visual disturbances)

• Abhishyanda (conjunctivitis)

• Netra Daha (burning eyes)

• Krimi (eye infections)

• Arjuna (corneal ulcer)

• Netra Shotha (eye swelling)

Modern indications:

• Allergic conjunctivitis

• Chronic blepharitis

• Dry eye syndrome

• Postoperative healing after cataract/glaucoma surgery (in form of antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory ointments)

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ANJANA

• Immediately after Snana, Abhyanga, or Nasya

• After alcohol intake or in fatigue

• During extreme hunger or postprandial state

• Diseases of Vata and Pitta predominance in Avastha of Ushna/Daha

• Children below 1 year and elderly with weak eye tissues

🔸 “न कृत्वा भुक्तमथ स्नानं ... अञ्जनं कुर्याद्”
— Ashtanga Hridaya Uttara Tantra 13/27

POORVA KARMA (PRE-PROCEDURE)

• Explain procedure and obtain consent

• Ensure the patient is seated comfortably in a calm environment

• Wash face and eyes with lukewarm water

• Gentle Netra Prakshalana and Mridu Seka with Triphala Kwatha

• Ensure absence of contraindications like severe burning or redness

PRADHANA KARMA (MAIN PROCEDURE)

• Application of Anjana using Anjana Shalaka (collyrium rod)

• Pull lower eyelid gently

• Apply the medicine from inner canthus to outer canthus

• Instruct patient to keep eyes closed for few seconds and then slowly open and blink

PASCHAT KARMA (POST-PROCEDURE)

• Ask the patient to rest eyes and avoid exposure to sunlight and wind

• Provide Netra Parisheka with lukewarm decoction if irritation occurs

• If burning persists, apply cooling drops or cow’s ghee

• Avoid reading, screen exposure or traveling for 2–3 hours

KALA OF ANJANA

• Best administered early morning or evening

• Not advised in noon time, especially in Pitta prakopa

• Avoid in Grishma and Sharad Ritu unless necessary

HEENA, SAMYAKA AND ATIYOGA LAKSHANAS

Heena Yoga (Inadequate Anjana)

• No relief in symptoms

• Incomplete Kapha Shodhana

• Persistence of discharge or itching

Samyaka Yoga (Proper Anjana)

• Mild flow of tears

• Clarity of vision

• Reduction in itching and discharge

• Mild burning sensation that subsides quickly

Atiyoga (Excessive Anjana)

• Excessive tearing and burning

• Redness and swelling of eyelids

• Headache, pain in the eyes

• Blurred vision or photophobia

🔸 “सम्यगञ्जनलक्षणं स्वल्पदाहार्द्रलोचनत्वं तु।”
— Sushruta Samhita Uttara Tantra

COMPLICATIONS OF ANJANA

• Netra Daha (burning eyes)

• Abhishyanda (conjunctivitis)

• Kandu (itching)

• Netra Shotha (swelling)

• Increased discharge or tearing

• Rarely, corneal injury if improperly applied

Modern perspective:

• Allergic reactions to components

• Foreign body sensation if particles are coarse

• Conjunctival irritation due to preservatives

• Secondary infections if asepsis is not maintained

ANJANA SHALAKA

• Anjana Shalaka is a metallic or non-metallic rod used to apply Anjana.

• Usually made of silver (Rajata), gold (Swarna) or glass.

• Length: Approximately 6–8 inches, blunt at one end, tapering to a rounded tip.

Types:

1. Single-ended (Eka-mukhi) – simpler applications

2. Double-ended (Dwi-mukhi) – for easier and faster application

Precautions:

• Must be sterilized before and after use

• Avoid rough or pointed shalakas

• Not to be shared between patients

Modern analogy:

• Comparable to applicator sticks, spatulas, or eye droppers used for ointment/gel instillation.

MODERN COMPARATIVE ASPECTS

• Anjana correlates with topical ophthalmic ointments or eye gels

• Ointment base: petroleum jelly, lanolin (modern counterpart to Sneha)

• Antibacterial (e.g., Erythromycin), antiviral (e.g., Acyclovir), or anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., Dexamethasone) used for therapeutic purposes

• Pre- and post-procedural asepsis is critical in both Ayurveda and Modern systems