SHALAKYA KRIYAKALPA PROCEDURES: CLASSICAL PROTOCOLS, STANDARDISATION AND SAFETY IN MODERN PRACTICE
Background: Kriyakalpa refers to the local therapeutic procedures of Shalakya Tantra for the eye: Seka, Ashchyotana, Pindi, Bidalaka, Anjana, Tarpana and Putapaka. Together with Nasya, Karnapurana, Gandusha and Kavala for the nose, ear and mouth, these procedures form the core of Ayurvedic practice in ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology. Their delivery varies widely between institutions, and safety standards appropriate to procedures on the eye, ear and airway are not always applied. Objective: To summarise the classical protocols for Shalakya procedures, identify variables that need standardisation, and propose safety measures for modern clinical and research practice. Methods: Narrative review of Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya, published clinical studies of Shalakya procedures, and relevant modern guidance on ocular and infection safety. Results: Classical texts specify indications, contraindications, preparation, dose, duration measured in Matra, timing and signs of correct, excessive and inadequate treatment for each procedure. Key variables, such as formulation, temperature, volume, duration and course length, are often reported inconsistently in clinical studies. Risks include ocular infection from non-sterile preparations, corneal injury, heavy metal exposure from mineral collyria, ear injury from Karnapurana with tympanic membrane perforation, and aspiration with Nasya and Gandusha. Conclusion: Standard operating procedures that combine classical protocols with modern hygiene, screening and documentation would improve safety and make research results comparable. A reporting checklist for Shalakya procedures is proposed.
KEYWORDS: Kriyakalpa; Shalakya Tantra; Tarpana; Putapaka; Anjana; Nasya; Karnapurana; standard operating procedures; patient safety