RELEVENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF VASTHI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMON RETINAL PATHOLOGIES – A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

conceptual article

Abstract

The concept of Panchamahabhoota and Thridosa forms basics of Netraroga samprapthi and chikitsa, Apart from Kriyakalpas Panchakarmas are another category of procedures which are widely used in Netra rogas. Although one among the Panchakarma, vasti is found to be least explored in Netra roga chikitsa. Vasti karma is considered as the most important procedure in fivefold Panchakarma therapy. It is capable of producing wide range of effects in various systemic diseases including neurological diseases. Being the specific treatment for vitiations of vata dosa , Vasti is said to be half of the whole treatment and sometimes complete treatment¹. There are some Vastis which are well known to perform Chakshushya and Rasayanaika gunas. These Vastis can also make use in pathological conditions of Netra by giving considerations to involved Dosas and Dushyas. Some common pathological conditions of eye including Retinal vascular diseases, Degenerative condition and also in prevention of recurrence of certain Netra rogas, Vasti can be employed. Retina is Asthiyasrita patala and thus Vata is the Asraya dosa, thus vasthi plays a crucial role in the management of pathological conditions. Vasti yogas processed with Pitha samana drugs like Panchatiktaka ksheera vasti has Sudden action in acute hemorrahages. Choorna forms of vasthi is rooksha in nature and is best to relieve retinal oedema, even if Agni is manda which is found effective in central serous chorioretinopathy. Many Vasthiyogas are neuro protective in action and also used in clinical conditions like glaucoma, optic atrophy etc. In this article an attempt has been made to explore the various Vasthi yogas which can be used in retinal pathologies.