Ayurveda Treatment-Netra Basti Eye Therapy

                                                                                                                   Thank you to Poppy and Someday for the great photo of this treatment.
In India at the Vasant Institute of Ayurveda, I am experiencing panchakarma (pancha means five, and there are five  procedures used).  This 12 day detoxifying and purification has been very interesting and at times intense - generally in a good way.

One of the most unusual treatments for me was yesterday's Netra Basti.  I found the treatment very pleasant, calming and intriguing.  

The wheat dough ring that surrounds the eye is soft, light weight and comfortable.  It is gently moulded around the eye and holds the warm medicated ghee (clarified butter) which is slowly poured into the dough dam and bathes the eyes, which are at first closed.  The therapists then asked me to open my eyes slowly, which was quite easy to do.  Next came some eye exercises - up and down, left and right, corner to corner and then circles one way and then the other - all with eyes opened.  Then the eyes were rested in a closed position.  Another measured amount of warm ghee was administered while eyes were closed.  The dough ring and ghee were carefully and easily removed.  Each eye took about 30 minutes.

Once the ghee was removed the therapist massaged specific marma points (like acupressure points) around the eye area.  It all felt quite nice.

The eyes are a bit foggy after the treatment and sunglasses are worn for a couple hours while the eyes are sensitive to light.  Also it was recommended to not use technology for the remainder of the day.  It was a good tech break for me:)

Netra Basti treatment helps to reduce stress and eye strain - particularly good for these days of heavy computer and smart phone usage.  It also helps with dark circles, dryness of eyes (which I have), conjunctivitis, watering of eyes, painful or swollen eyes.

​Sharing my latest life experiences with you and hoping they are interesting and helpful.
​Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary