Shalakya Tantra

Shalakya Tantra (शालाक्यतन्त्र), also referred to as Urdhwanga Chikitsa, is the specialized branch of Ayurveda dealing with pathologies situated above the clavicles (Jatru-urdhwa) — specifically encompassing the eyes, ears, nose, oral cavity, throat, and head.

The name 'Shalakya' originates from 'Shalaka' (probe or specialized instrument) used in examining and treating cranial sensory organs. Acharya Sushruta meticulously classified 76 eye diseases (Netra Roga), 28 ear conditions (Karna Roga), 31 nasal disorders (Nasa Roga), and 65 oral diseases (Mukha Roga).

Shalakya Tantra features sophisticated localized ocular interventions known as Netra Kriyakalpas:
• Tarpana: Nourishing the optic apparatus with medicated ghee retained in a circular dough dam around the orbits.
• Aschyotana: Instillation of medicated herbal eye drops.
• Seka: Continuous gentle stream of medicated decoctions over closed eyelids.
• Anjana: Application of therapeutic collyrium.
• Pindi & Bidalaka: Application of medicated herbal poultices over the eyelids.

These therapies provide groundbreaking non-surgical alternatives for progressive myopia, dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma management, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and sensorineural hearing loss.