About the Department

Shalakya Tantra is one of the eight classical clinical branches (Ashtanga Ayurveda) of Ayurvedic medicine, dedicated to the diagnosis and management of disorders occurring above the clavicle — collectively termed Urdhwajatrugata Roga. The department addresses conditions of the eyes (Netra), ears (Karna), nose (Nasa), throat and oral cavity (Mukha), and head (Shiro), integrating time-tested Ayurvedic surgical and para-surgical procedures with contemporary ENT-Orodental and Ophthalmology diagnostic practice.

The name ‘Shalakya’ derives from the Sanskrit term Shalaka, referring to the slender probe-like instruments traditionally used for delicate procedures on the eye, ear, nose, and throat. Rooted in the teachings of Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhata, the specialty has, over centuries, evolved into two well-defined streams of practice: Netra Roga Vigyan (Ophthalmology) and Karna-Nasa-Kantha-Mukha Roga Vigyan (Otorhinolaryngology and disorders of the oral cavity), together with Shiroroga (disorders of the head).

At the Department of Shalakya Tantra, patients are offered a combination of classical Kriyakalpa (specialised local therapeutic procedures), Panchakarma-based purificatory therapies, and, where indicated, para-surgical and Kshara Karma and Agnikarma interventions — all administered under the supervision of qualified faculty and postgraduate scholars, supported by a well-equipped OPD, procedure rooms, and an indoor patient facility.

Focus Areas

• Netra Roga (Ophthalmic care) — comprehensive evaluation and Ayurvedic management of eyelid, conjunctival, corneal, and deeper ocular structures.

• Karna Roga (Ear care) — assessment and treatment of aural conditions affecting hearing and ear health.

• Nasa Roga (Nasal and sinus care) — management of nasal passage and sinus-related conditions.

• Mukha, Kantha & Danta Roga (Oral cavity, throat, and dental care) — treatment of oral, gingival, dental, and throat conditions.

• Shiroroga (Head disorders) — Ayurvedic management of head-related conditions, including hair and scalp health.

Scope of Services — Main Procedures

The Department of Shalakya offers a comprehensive range of classical Kriyakalpa procedures, carefully selected according to the specific ocular, aural, nasal, or oro-facial condition and the predominant dosha involved. These include Akshitarpanam, Netra Pichu, Aschotanam, Pindi, Dhoopanam, Bidalaka, Anjanam, Kshalanam, Kshara Karma, Ksheeradhara, Netra Abhyanga, Nashapichu, Nasyam, Putapakam, Prathimarsha Nasyam, Shirodhara, Takradhara, and Talam for ocular and cranial therapies; Karna Avachoornana, Karna Dhoopanam, Karna Pooranam, and Karna Pichu for aural conditions; along with Gandoosha, Kavala, Mukhalepa, Pratisarana, Ksheeradhoomam, and related inhalation therapies for nasal and oro-facial disorders. Each procedure is administered with classical precision to restore balance, alleviate disease, and promote holistic sensory health.

Clinical & Academic Facilities

• Dedicated OPD for eye and ENT consultations, with slit-lamp, ARR, Audiometry and standard diagnostic examination facilities.

• Procedure rooms equipped for Kriyakalpa therapies.

• Indoor patient (IPD) care for conditions requiring sustained Panchakarma-based or para-surgical management.

• Integration with the Panchakarma department for supportive therapies.

• Training and clinical exposure for undergraduate and postgraduate scholars under experienced faculty supervision.

Our Approach

The Department of Shalakya Tantra follows an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach that draws on classical Ayurvedic surgical wisdom while remaining responsive to modern diagnostic standards. Treatment plans are individualised based on Prakriti (constitution), Dosha predominance, and the stage of disease, with an emphasis on preserving and restoring sensory function — vision, hearing, smell, and speech — and improving the patient’s overall quality of life.