Shalakya Tantra - Branch of Ayurveda
Shalakya Tantra ( for disease of Eye,Ear,Nose and Throat) is the third branch of Asthang Ayurveda.
The father of Shalakya Tantra was Nimi RajaThe king of Videha.
He got this knowledge from Lord Sun.He name it Shalakya Tantra.
Shalakya means probe.In Shalakya Tantra there are different types of probe.
Like Probe of eye is called Netra Shalaka.
Probe of the ear is called Karna Shalaka.
Probe of the nose is called Nasa Shalaka.
Probe of throat is called Mukh Shalaka.and
Probe of the lips is called Oshta Shalaka etc.
According to modern medical science the branches of Shalakya Tantra is classified as
1 Netrachikitsa ( Ophthalmology)
2 Karnachikitsa ( Otology )
3 Nasachikitsa ( Rhino logy )
4 Mukharogyachikitsa ( Oral hygiene,Dentistry and Laryngeal)
5 Shiroarogyachikitsa ( Head,brain )
So it is clear that Shalakya Tantra deals with the etiology,diagnosis,prognosis,prevention and treatment of diseases that are located above the neck region such as the Eye,Ear,Nose and Throat that is in and around the head .
Shalakya Tantra text can be found in Sushrut Samhita,Charak Samhita and
Ashtanga Hrudaya.
In Sushruta Samhita mention treatment for
72 types of diseases related to Eyes.
25 types of Ear disorders.
18 types of Nose disorders.
11 types of Lips disorders
1 disease of the Lymph glands.
23 types of Teeth disorders.
6 disorders of tongue
8 disorders of Palate
18 disorders of Throat,Pharynx and Larynx.
8 disorders of Oral cavity
Apart from above various types of diseases some surgical techniques also described in details
like removal of tumors,abscesses and cysts.Different and effective ways to remove foreign bodies from the regions above the neck are also described
in Shalakya Tantra.
Home remedies from Shalakya Tantra text is widely used in most household for
common problems like wax in ear,dryness of the eyes or throat and migraine etc.
So Shalakya Tantra provides a complete range of the treatment methods
for all the diseases of in and around the head,ear,nose,eyes,mouth and throat.