Ayurvedic Ophthalmology (Nethrachikitsa)

India has an age old tradition in ophthalmology (Nethrachikitsa in Sanskrit; nethra: eye, chikitsa: therapy, treatment) which is as old as the practice of scientific Ayurveda. It is a sub-speciality of the branch called Shalakyatanthra. Our state of Kerala has a rich background in Nethrachikitsa, academically as well as traditionally. At Sunethri, we provide ayurvedic treatment for diseases/disorders of the eyes with unparalleled expertise and dedication. The commonly attended conditions include: Myopia (short-sight), Hypermetropia (long-sight), Astigmatism, inflammations and infections like Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Uveitis, blepharitis, recurrent stye, scleritis, sjogren’s disease, etc., degenerative eye diseases like Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, optic atrophy, ‘lazy eye’(amblyopia), computer-related disorders like Dry Eye (computer vision syndrome), Glaucoma, allergic conditions like central serous retinopathy, spring catarrh, etc, etc..

Ayurveda has highly effective cure/management for many diseases where no other system has a say. The treatment of eye diseases in Ayurveda includes internal medications and local applications like Anjanam and Aschyothanam. Sophisticated and unique procedures like nasyam (part of Panchakarma), nethratharpanam and putapakam are also employed. The treatment may require residential stay in the hospital the period of which depends upon the type and chronicity of the condition. In systemic diseases, where later complications are very common in the eyes as in diabetes or hypertension, proper follow up and preventive therapies will ensure protection of vision. Eye exercises are also beneficial. Many innovative and proven techniques are added to the conventional practice of eye exercises. Specific package for computer professionals to avoid the chances of getting the so-called ‘computer vision syndrome’ is very effective. Guidance is given for total eye-care which can prevent or delay the changes of ageing. Cataract, age-related macular degeneration etc come under this specific package.

Autism and Ayurveda : you are our special guest

Incidence of autism has reached epidemic proportions. This was primarily a disease of the western developed countries. But now it is common in all parts of the globe, irrespective of caste, creed, colour, socio-economic status, sex, and all other variables. The alarmingly high incidence of autism has put a challenge in front of the researchers and practitioners of medicines all over the world. As of now, there is no foolproof treatment method to cure autism. The autistic kids are generally associated with certain other disorders like mental retardation, fits, etc. Symptoms like poor socialisation, attention deficit, obsessive disorders, hyperactivity, constipation and/or diarrhoea, sleep disorders, irregular eating habits, tantrums etc are really troublesome as far as the parents/caregivers are concerned. With increasing age, certain children may show signs of aggression. Attaining puberty is another challenging juncture. To train the children at this age to face the new developments physically as well as mentally, each parent needs the help of special educators, trained social workers and at times psychiatric counsellors. By and large, these children need custodial care and support. All these things together make this new-age disease a tough task, which need social as well as medical participation. Sunethri is in the field of autistic care from its point of inception. On the broad platform of ayurvedic thought on mind-body co-existence and interplay, we are trying to derive a basic approach towards autism. This includes dietary corrections, detoxification, brain tuning and nourishment, and proper rehabilitation. These cannot be done altogether or all alone. Timely intervention of different disciplines of medical care and training is the optimal method. We are in the route of establishing a full-fledged institute for autistic kids where ayurvedic medicines and therapies will be added on to other training methods like speech therapy, occupational therapy yoga, music therapy (which is an excellent tool for achieving proper brain tuning.) etc. This institute will set a platform for the parents and caregivers of the autistic kids to interact and share their experiences with one another. Support from all sects of the society for achieving this goal is highly appreciated. Right now, we are treating autistic kids with ayurvedic medicines and therapies which are seen to be very effective in alleviating the troublesome symptoms, in calming the kid down, and in streamlining their mental functions and faculties. Dietary counselling is also done. Parallel to this, they are directed to seek expert intervention in other fields like speech and occupational therapies.