Netra Tarpana literally means "food for the eye" and is one of the classical additional therapies of the Ayurvedic Pancha Karma purification cure. After a preparatory treatment, the eyeball is bathed in ghee (clarified butter) mixed with medicinal herbs. The cooling and nourishing substances for the eye can thus be directly absorbed by the affected organ. The nourishing effect has a beneficial effect on the course of many eye diseases.

Nourish the eyes - but how?

After a typical Ayurvedic gentle massage of the face and neck, pleasantly warm compresses are applied to the forehead, ears and sinuses. This relaxes the head and neck region, activates the reflex and marma points of the head region and improves blood circulation throughout the head area. After this detailed preparatory treatment, a ring of dough is placed around one eye socket and well sealed with the skin. Ghee warmed to body temperature with medicinal herbs is carefully poured into this dough ring until the eyeball is completely covered. The patient opens and moves the eye to achieve a strong wetting of the eyeball with ghee. After the prescribed exposure time, the ghee is sucked out of the batter bowl and wiped off the eye. The batter bowl is removed and then the 2nd eye is treated in the same way. Then the Marma energy points of the eyes are gently stimulated. This activates the self-healing powers and achieves maximum healing success. Finally, the patient rests for about 20 - 30 minutes.

Indications for Netra Tarpana:

• Dry eyes (sicca syndrome).
• Tired eyes due to computer work
• Chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva or eyelids
• Macular degeneration (dry or moist)
• Diseases of the optic nerve
• Circulatory disorders of the eyes
• Glaucoma
• Incipient cataracts

In the case of complex eye diseases, Netra Tarpana should not be used as the only therapy, but in addition to other conventional medical or Ayurvedic measures. From an Ayurvedic point of view, in severe eye diseases, local therapy of the eyes with Netra Tarpana should definitely be used together with other detoxification therapies of Ayurvedic medicine.

Can I carry out the treatment myself?

The complex treatment with pre-treatment is reserved for an Ayurvedic treatment centre. However, simplified forms of Netra Tarpana can be performed at home using so-called "eye glasses".

A study conducted at the University of Graz a few years ago showed excellent results of eye baths with ghee for "dry" eye. A majority of patients experienced significant relief of symptoms after ten applications. The results of this study are documented in the book "Ghee: the gold of Ayurvedic medicine" (published by Verlag der Ärzte).

For home use, ghee warmed to body temperature is poured into the eye glasses. While sitting with the body bent forward, press the filled glasses onto the bony ring of the eye sockets and lie down with the glasses pressed on for about 5 minutes. During this time, the eyes should be opened and closed several times, and the eyeballs rolled when the eyes are open. After the time has elapsed, the glasses are removed again while sitting and the eyes are carefully wiped dry with swabs.

This soothing application calms painful, irritated eyes after long screen work and gives lasting relief from "dry" eye.

Insider tip: Before you do this application yourself at home, book an appointment at our Maharishi Ayurveda Centre! After this application you will be sure to use Netra Tarpana correctly at home. Eye glasses and ghee are available in our Ayurveda shop!