Why Is the Shalakya Tantra Important in Ayurveda?

Introduction

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India and has been practised for thousands of years. It is based on the principle of balancing the three doshas (vata, pitta and Kapha) that govern the physical, mental and emotional aspects of life. Ayurveda offers various methods of diagnosis and treatment, such as diet, lifestyle, herbs, yoga, meditation and massage.

Shalakya Tantra in Ayurveda is one of its branches that deals with the diseases and disorders of the head and neck region (anything above the clavicle to be precise). This includes the eyes, ears, nose, throat, mouth, teeth and skin. Shalakya Tantra is also known as Urdhvanga Chikitsa in South India, which means the science of the upper body.

In this blog, we will find out more about this branch of Ayurveda that is both taught and practised at Ayurvedic teaching hospitals like Mansarovar Ayurvedic Medical College.

The Various Branches of Shalakya Tantra

There are various sub-branches within this branch of Shalakya Tantra in Ayurveda as it deals with a lot of different types of problems of a lot of different organs in its study. Sure they are all sense organs, but very different sense organs – thus requiring intense knowledge of their individual anatomy and workings. These branches of Shalakya Tantra include:

• Nethrachikitsa (Ophthalmology)
• Karnachikitsa (otology)
• Nasachikitsa (rhinology)
• Shirorogachikitsa (diseases of the cranium)
• Mukharogachikita(oral hygiene, Dentistry and Laryngology)

How Does Shalakya Tantra Work?

Shalakya Tantra treatment uses various tools or probes (called Shalaka) and techniques to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the head and neck region. Some of the tools are probes of the eye (Netra Shalaka), probes of the ear (Karna Shalaka), probes of the nose (Nasa Shalaka), probes of the throat (Mukh Shalaka), probes of the lips (Oshta Shalaka), etc. Some of the techniques are:

Nadi Pariksha

This is a pulse diagnosis method that helps to determine the imbalance of doshas in the body.

Netra Pariksha

An eye examination method that helps to assess the condition of the eyes and vision. This is followed by eyes treatment in Ayurveda.

Karna Purna

An ear therapy that involves filling the ears with warm medicated oil to soothe and heal ear infections and disorders.

Gandusha

This is a mouth therapy that involves holding medicated oil or decoction in the mouth for a few minutes to strengthen the teeth and gums and is a common ayurvedic treatment for dental problems.

Nasya

A nasal therapy that involves instilling medicated oils or powders into the nostrils to cleanse and nourish the nasal passages and sinuses.

Kavala

This is a mouth therapy that involves gargling with medicated oil or decoction to cleanse and disinfect the throat and vocal cords and uses various types of ayurvedic medicine for throat infection.

Lepa

This is a skin therapy that involves applying medicated pastes or poultices on the affected areas to heal skin and hair diseases and disorders.

Importance of Shalakya Tantra in Ayurveda

Shalakya Tantra in Ayurveda is important for several reasons. Here are some of them:

• It helps to prevent and cure various diseases and disorders that affect the head and neck region, such as cataracts, glaucoma, sinusitis, tonsillitis, dental caries, acne, eczema and psoriasis. For example, Nasya uses medicated oils as an ayurvedic medicine for blocked nose and headache, Karna Purna can help to reduce ear pain and tinnitus, and Lepa can help to heal skin rashes and wounds in the face area.
• Shalakya Tantra enhances the functioning of the sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose and tongue) and improves the perception of the external world. For example, Netra Pariksha can help to detect vision problems and prescribe corrective measures, Gandusha and Kavala, both important techniques for Ayurveda in dentistry can help to improve taste and smell and prevent bad breath and oral infections.
• Shalakya Tantra in Ayurveda improves the mental faculties (memory, intelligence and creativity) and promotes mental clarity and peace. For example, Nasya can help to stimulate the brain cells and enhance cognitive abilities, Karna Purna can help to calm the mind and reduce stress, and Lepa can help to relax the facial muscles and improve mood.
• It balances the doshas in the head and neck region and harmonises them with the rest of the body. For example, Nasya can help to pacify vata dosha and prevent dryness and stiffness in the nasal passages, Karna Purna can help to balance pitta dosha and prevent inflammation and infection in the ears, and Lepa can help to regulate kapha dosha and prevent excess mucus and oiliness in the skin.
• Shalakya Tantra in Ayurveda rejuvenates the tissues and organs in the head and neck region and delays the signs of ageing. For example, Nasya can help to nourish the nasal mucosa and prevent nasal bleeding and polyps, Karna Purna can help to strengthen the eardrums and prevent hearing loss and deafness, and Lepa can help to improve skin texture and complexion.

Conclusion

Shalakya Tantra is an important branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the health and well-being of the head and neck region. It helps to prevent and cure various diseases and disorders that affect this region, such as eye, ear, nose, mouth, teeth, and skin problems and even has an ayurvedic remedy for sore throat. That’s not all, as it also improves the functioning of the sensory organs, mental faculties and overall quality of life.

Shalakya Tantra in Ayurveda is a holistic approach that uses natural methods such as diet, lifestyle, herbs, oils, powders, pastes and poultices to restore balance and harmony in the body, mind and spirit.

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