Akshi Tarpan
Akshitarpan, or Netra Tarpana is a specific Ayurvedic treatment to improve and nourish your eyesight. According to Ayurveda, this ancient treatment is a great way to feed the eyes and retain their vitality. As the name suggests, “Akshitarpan” is a joint of two Sanskrit words: Akshi means Eyes Tarpan means Nourishment, referring to nourishing eyes.
What is Akshitarpan?
Akshitarpana is one of the Ayurvedic advanced treatments which means placing medicated sneha directly into the eyes. It is useful for people who have healthy eyes as well as patients with many diseases of the eye. In normal individuals, Aksha Tarpanam acts as a prophylactic to prevent the eye from degenerating with advancing age and in simple rules improving vision. This treatment serves as a natural solution for an array of eye conditions in those who have impaired eyesight.
Akshitarpan is the process of application of warm medicated ghee or oil over the eyeballs for a specific period. This treatment is designed to provide the eyes with a lot of nutrition so they can work better and that the problem with your eye is also covered. Generally, it is prescribed after a proper whole-body detox including therapeutic purification therapy (Shodhana) and Nasya course. Essentially, it primes the body and eyes for maximum benefit from Akshitarpan.
The Akshitarpan Procedure
Preparation
The person lies down comfortably to begin the treatment. A circle-shaped boundary of about half-inch height is prepared on each eye socket with black gram dough. This dam keeps the medicated ghee or oil and allows it to stay in contact with the eyes during treatment.
The practice of Medicated Ghee or Oil
Lukewarm, medicated ghee or oil is gently poured into this sac over both eyes. You can typically do this practice on the roof or balcony if your eyes are maintained closed when ghee or oil fills. Once filled, the patient is gently directed to keep their eyes open for several minutes before periodically blinking while still releasing medicine that coats the surface of their eyes adhering to therapy.
During the Treatment
During the process, the patient is provided support to stay calm and stable. The combination of the warmth and medicinal properties in the ghee or oil work synergistically to support deep nourishment and healing for your eyes. A soothing environment is maintained for better relaxation so that you get most of the therapeutic value.
Benefits of Akshitarpan
Balances Vata
It is particularly beneficial in regulating the Vata and Pitta doshas, which tend to be associated with eye diseases. This medicated ghee/oil is both cooling and soothing for the eyes but also helps to pacify these doshas which contribute towards inflammation, conjunctivitis dryness, etc.
Improves Vision:
With Akshitarpan regularly, you cannot only correct but even improve your eyesight. The surgery helps in strengthening the ocular muscles and optic nerves that increase visibility refractive index. This is particularly useful for those with waning eyesight due to old age or from overuse.
Dark Circles Under the Eyes are Eliminated
One of the major problems leading to dark circles is stress, lack of sleep, or some health issues which can be very effectively treated with Akshitarpan. The ghee, being a natural moisturizer also nourishes the skin and helps in removing pigmentation providing your eyes with an even tone making.
Treats Dryness of the Eyes
Another common condition is dry eyes which can be aggravated by long screen time or environmental factors and may also find relief with Akshitarpan. Its lubrication helps to retain moisture for a long time, hence reducing the chances of irritation or discomfort.
Relief in Eye Stiffness
This therapy relieves eye stiffness, which is a common consequence of strain or overusing the eyes due to fatigue. Warm ghee reduces the stiffness of eye muscles and helps in improving flexibility. Since akshitarpan enhances blood circulation and provides nutrition to the optic nerves, it helps in getting rid of these cloudy patterns thus helping in defective visibility.
Refreshes Tired, Dry or Injured Eyes
If you have tired, dry, or affected eyes — Akshitarpan is a powerful way to rejuvenate. In addition to hydrating and calming properties, the treatment rehabilitates and studies eye tissues for improved vigor.
Strengthens the muscles and nerves of our eyes
Akshitarpan strengthens the muscles and nerves around the eyes, hence increasing their ability to perform better. These are an important factor in supporting healthy vision and avoiding eye fatigue as well.
Reduces Eye Strain from Screen Exposure
With the constant exposure to computer screens and television channels during these digital times, many are experiencing eye strain. The cooling effect of Akshitarpan is applied to relieve straining feelings and reduce risks associated with long-term eye damage.
Prevents Against Cataract Formation
Akshitarpan uses a ghee that is loaded with antioxidants, which protect the eyes from oxidative damage — an important cause of cataract formation. That’s to say, if cataract development can be slowed or prevented through routine treatment, being able to see clearly no matter how old you get is realistic.
Akshitarpan does not help to improve only eyesight but it is a holistic approach towards eye care that combines the time-tested principles of ancient Ayurveda with modern therapeutic modalities.
