Shalakya (AYURVEDA OPTHALMOLOGY, ENT & ORO-DENTAL)

Department of

Introduction

Shalakya Tantra is the branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the Ear, Nose, Throat, Eyes, Head, and Oro-dental areas, all of which are located above the clavicle. Treatments are provided through classical methods such as Netra kriyakalpas, Nasya, Moordha Taila, Eye exercises, Basti, and various surgical techniques. Preserving the structural and functional integrity of these areas is of prime importance in Ayurveda, supported by daily routines, seasonal practices, and cleansing methods to ensure sustainability.

In the outpatient department (OPD), regular clinical tests are conducted using instruments such as the ophthalmoscope, otoscope, tuning fork, slit lamp, bull’s lamp, and torch for examination. Vision assessments utilize Snellen charts, near vision charts, the Ishihara chart for color vision, autorefraction, retinoscopy, tonometry, keratometry, sac syringing, A-scan, the four-dot test for general squint assessment, fluorescein tests for corneal abrasions, the Rose Bengal test, and Schirmer tests for dry eye evaluation.

In the inpatient department (IPD), various treatments are performed as needed, including Tarpanam, Putapakam, Nasyam, Siro Pichu, Siro Basti, Siro Dhara, Karna Dhupan, Kavala, Gandush, Padabhyanga etc.

Key aspects of the Kaumarbhritya department include:

Pediatric Healthcare: Focus on neonatal care, management of childhood illnesses, and growth-related issues.
Preventive Care: Includes immunization (Swarna Prashan or herbal vaccinations), nutrition, and lifestyle guidance to ensure healthy development.
Developmental Guidance: Provides holistic advice for mental and emotional well-being, including education on samskaras (Ayurvedic rituals) to promote holistic growth.
Therapeutics: Use of natural medicines, herbal formulations, and non-invasive therapies tailored to children’s physiological needs.
Parental Education: Equipping caregivers with knowledge of child nutrition, hygiene, and preventive practices.

Kaumarbhritya ensures a comprehensive and integrative approach to pediatric care, emphasizing both preventive and curative measures to nurture a healthy future generation.

Objectives

To provide Ayurvedic treatment supported by modern diagnostic instruments and surgical methods for patients with ophthalmological, oto-rhinological, and oro-dental conditions.
To train future professionals in the diagnosis and management of Eye, ENT, and Dental disorders.
To develop experts in the clinical application of Kriya Kalpa and other therapeutic procedures.
To conduct comprehensive research endeavours in the areas of metabolic and lifestyle disorders associated to Shalakya speciality.

Departmental Information

Independent Outpatient Departments (OPDs) for Netra (Eye), Karna-Nasa-Mukha (E.N.T), and Danta (Oro dental).
A self-sufficient, well-equipped Operating Theatre for Shalakya Tantra.
Numerous Eye and Ent camps are successfully conducted in the nearby locality.

Achievements

The Shalakya department effectively treats conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, refractive errors, migraine headaches, nasal polyps, aural polyps, hearing loss, sensory neural hearing loss, acute and chronic suppurative otitis media, tinnitus, mouth ulcers, etc.
Regular organization of medical camps for community healthcare outreach.

Clinical Facilities

Dedicated outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services.
Advanced outpatient departments and operation theatres equipped with modern instruments and diagnostic tools.