NETRA KRIYAKALPA

NETRA KRIYAKALPA

• Kriyakalpa refers to therapeutic procedures used in ophthalmic diseases in Ayurveda.

• These are specific treatment modalities for netra rogas (eye diseases), especially involving anterior segment of the eye.

• The term "Kriyakalpa" means 'therapeutic or operative procedures' aimed at controlling disease progression and promoting healing.

REFERENCE FROM CLASSICAL TEXTS

• As per Ashtanga Hridaya Uttara Tantra, five types of Kriyakalpas are mentioned.

• These are effective in conditions like netra shotha, abhishyanda, krimigranthi, etc.

स्नेहस्वेदनवमननस्यादीनां न पुनः कश्चित्।
नेत्ररोगे विशेषेण कार्यो यत्नः क्रियाकलाः॥
— A.H. Uttara Tantra 13/1

TYPES OF NETRA KRIYAKALPA

1. TARPANA

• Retaining medicated ghee (ghrita) over the eye for a specified period.

• Done using dough boundary (pali) made around the orbit.

INDICATIONS:

• Dry eye syndrome

• Netra shushkata

• Optic atrophy (initial stage)

• Computer vision syndrome

CLASSICAL REFERENCE:
नेत्रदौर्बल्यदाहार्तिशोषे काञ्च्यां च तर्पणम्।
चक्षुष्मत्त्वप्रदं चैतत् प्रदोषं च निवर्तयेत्॥
— A.H. Uttara Tantra 13/6

2. PUTAPAKA

• Instillation of juice extracted from herbs processed in specific ways and wrapped in leaves, heated, and squeezed.

• It follows Tarpana, mainly to provide deeper nourishment.

TYPES:

• Snehana Putapaka (for lubrication)

• Ropana Putapaka (for healing)

INDICATIONS:

• After Tarpana therapy

• Post-infective healing

• Traumatic ocular injuries (minor)

3. ASCHOTANA

• Pouring of medicated decoction or juice in drops over the open eyes from a certain height.

INDICATIONS:

• Redness, itching, burning in eyes

• Allergic conjunctivitis

• Initial stage of Abhishyanda (conjunctivitis)

CLASSICAL REFERENCE:
तीव्राभिष्यन्दशोफार्तिनेत्रेषु द्रवपातनम्।
विशेषतः क्रियायुक्तं तत् प्रोक्तमश्चोतनम्॥
— A.H. Uttara Tantra 13/4

4. SEKA (PARISHEKA)

• Continuous pouring of lukewarm medicated liquids over closed eyes for a stipulated time.

INDICATIONS:

• Netra daha (burning sensation in eyes)

• Netra shotha (eyelid swelling)

• Acute conjunctivitis with pain and discharge

DRUGS USED:

• Triphala kwatha

• Darvi kashaya

• Chandana, Ushira, Musta combinations

5. ANJANA

• Application of medicated collyrium to the inner canthus or lid margin of the eye.

TYPES:

• Lekhana Anjana – for Kapha-predominant diseases (scraping)

• Ropana Anjana – for wound healing

• Snehana Anjana – for Vata-predominant dryness

CLASSICAL REFERENCE:
अञ्जनं द्रवमर्थेनोष्णं स्निग्धं सुसंस्कृतम्।
कफार्तनेत्रशोफेषु योक्तव्यं विशेषतः॥
— A.H. Uttara Tantra 13/7

MODERN CORRELATION

• The Netra Kriyakalpa procedures are closely related to several modern ophthalmic practices:

TARPANA → Comparable to eye-soaking therapy or eye baths for dry eyes and post-operative rejuvenation.
ASCHOTANA → Similar to eye drops or irrigation in acute conjunctivitis or foreign body removal.
SEKA → Related to continuous eye irrigation or cold/warm compress therapy.
PUTAPAKA → Equivalent to herbal eye instillations for nourishing ocular tissues.
ANJANA → Similar to eye ointments or medicated collyriums used for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory purposes.

SCIENTIFIC BASIS AND MECHANISM

• Many herbal drugs used in Kriyakalpas (like Triphala, Daruharidra, Yashtimadhu) possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties.

• Medicated ghee used in Tarpana acts as an ocular lubricant, improving tear film stability and reducing ocular surface damage.

• These therapies aid in improving ocular circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting corneal and conjunctival healing.

INDICATIONS OF KRIYAKALPA PROCEDURES

• Abhishyanda (Conjunctivitis)

• Krimigranthi (Bacterial infections)

• Shotha (Inflammation)

• Kacha (Cataract - early stage supportive therapy)

• Arma (Pterygium – conservative management)

• Timira (Refractive errors – supportive)

• Dry Eye Syndrome

• Allergic Eye Diseases

• Post-surgical Eye Care (Ayurvedic supportive care)

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Severe acute infections

• Ocular trauma with active bleeding

• During fever or systemic infections

• Infants and very elderly without supervision

PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDELINES

• Proper sterility of instruments and drugs

• Room should be clean and wind-free

• Eye should be properly evaluated before choosing Kriyakalpa

• Therapies should be done by trained practitioners only

RELEVANT MODERN MEDICINE INSIGHTS

• According to modern ophthalmology (as in textbooks like Parsons’ Diseases of the Eye, Khurana), ocular therapies like irrigation, lubrication, and local antibiotic/anti-inflammatory applications are key to managing anterior segment disorders.

• The Kriyakalpa methods show parallels with evidence-based practices of ocular hygiene, tear film management, and supportive ocular therapies.