Akshitarpan (Eyes Rejuvenation Therapy)

Also known as: Tarpan, Netra Tarpan, Netra Basti
Netra Tarpan means nourishment of the eyes. Among all sense organs, eyes are considered the most important. Netra Basti is an effective Ayurvedic treatment for rejuvenating and nourishing the eyes.

In Ayurveda, we find the concept of Chakshushya — many food items, medicines, and procedures are described specifically for eye care. Tarpana is one of the most efficient therapies in Ayurvedic eye care.

The phrase Akshi Tarpana (Netra Basti) is derived from Sanskrit, where Akshi refers to Netra (Eye) and Tarpana stands for nourishment.

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What is Akshi Tarpan?

Akshi Tarpana is a unique procedure in Ayurveda. A wall is constructed with paste prepared from Yava (barley) and Masha (black gram) around the eye socket — resembling a well, to a height of two Angula (finger breadth).

Herb-infused Ghrta (ghee) is then placed over the eyes for a specific period of time. The medicated ghee nourishes and strengthens the eyes. It is Brimhana (nourishing) in nature.

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Indications for Akshi Tarpan

Nayane tamyati stabdha shushkate rukshe abhighatate
Vatapittaature jihme ksheen pakshmavilakshane

Akshi Tarpan is indicated in the following conditions:

• When the eyes are fatigued, stiff, dry, rough, or injured
• When Vata and Pitta dosha are aggravated
• When there is irregularity, asymmetry, or loss of eyelashes
• In clouded or unclear vision
• In conditions such as:
  • Krchronmilla — difficulty in opening eyes
  • Shiraharsha, Shirotpata — redness and hemorrhage
  • Tama — darkness in front of eyes

Prime Clinical Indications

Computer Vision Syndrome Dry Eye Syndrome Corneal Disorders Allergic Conjunctivitis Glaucoma Early Cataract

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Timing & Duration

Best Time

Tarpana can be performed either in the morning or evening.

Frequency (Based on Dosha)

Condition	Frequency
Vata diseases	Daily
Pitta diseases	On alternate days
Kapha diseases / Healthy persons	Every third day

Retention Period (Snehadharan Kala)

The retention period of ghrita is determined based on the location of disease and severity of dosha imbalance.

Acharya Sushruta recommends performing the procedure for one day, three days, or five days — or until Samyaka Tarpita Lakshanas (signs of proper nourishment) are observed.

For eyelid diseases, the retention period is 100 Matra (approximately 30–32 seconds).

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Procedure (30–40 Minutes)

The treatment procedure of Netra Tarpan is divided into three parts:

• Purva Karma (Pre-procedure) — Stanik Abhyanga (local massage) and Mridu Swedana (mild fomentation)
• Pradhana Karma (Main procedure) — Application of medicated ghee over the eyes within the dough ring
• Pashchaat Karma (Post-procedure) — Cleaning the eyes and follow-up care

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Signs of Proper Tarpana (Samyaka Tarpita Lakshana)

• Sukhaswapana — Good, sound sleep
• Avbodhatva — Blissful awakening
• Vaishadhya — Clearness of the eyes
• Varnapatava — Ability to discern individual colors
• Nivriti — Feeling of comfort
• Vyadhividhvansa — Cure of the disease
• Kriya Laghvama — Ease in closing and opening the eyes

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Excess vs. Deficient Tarpana

Excess Tarpana (Ati Tarpan)	Deficient Tarpana (Heen Tarpan)
Netragaurava — Heaviness in eyes	Netrarukshata — Dryness of eyes
Avilta — Indistinct vision	Ashrusrava — Excessive lacrimation
Atisnigdhata — Excessive oiliness	Vyadhivriddhi — Aggravation of disease
Kandu — Itching
Updeha — Stickiness

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Medicines Used

• Triphala Ghrita
• Mahatriphla Ghrit

Contraindications

Netra Tarpana should NOT be performed in these conditions:

• Ati Sheeta Dina — Excessively cold day
• Atyushna Dina — Excessively hot day
• Chinta — Mental disturbance
• Bhrama — Giddiness
• Aayasa — Physical exhaustion
• Ashtna Upadrava — Inflammation, severe pain, watering, and redness in the eyes

⚡ Important: Akshi Tarpana, like any Ayurvedic procedure, should be performed under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Always consult a professional before undergoing this treatment.