Kaphaja Upanaha (Netra Roga) – Definition, Symptoms, Treatment

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Upanaha is a Netra Sandhi Gata Roga i.e. one of the 9 diseases affecting the joints or junction areas of parts of the eye. It affects inner canthus.

Related reading – Netra Sandhi Gata Rogas

Introduction

Upanaha – Quick look about the disease
Specific location – Kaneenika Sandhi – Inner Canthus of the Eye (meeting point of eye lids on the inner side of the eye)

Classification based on Predominant Dosha – Upanaha is a Kapha eye disorder. (Vata Kapha according to Videha)
Classification based on prognosis – curable disease
Classification based on predominant treatment / surgical process used in combating the disease – Upanaha is a Bhedhya Netra Roga i.e. curable by administration of bhedana i.e. incision.

Definition, meaning

Upanaha, definition and meaning
Upanaha is a cystic swelling at the inner canthus. This swelling does not undergo suppuration. Upanaha is not associated with pain. But it is associated with itching.

According to Videha – ‘The vitiated Vayu brings along with it (gets associated with) the vitiated kapha and gets lodged in the netrasandhi (inner canthus in this context). On getting lodged in this junction of lids, the dual doshas will cause a hard cystic swelling (protuberance, growth), golden yellow in color (aruna varna) which is associated with alpa vedana (mild pain)’

Symptoms

Symptoms of Upanaha
Drishti Sandhau Na Alpau Granthih – Big cystic swelling (protuberance, growth) in the region of inner canthus of the eye (kathina granthi – hard cystic swelling, according to Videha).

Apaka – the cystic swelling does not undergo suppuration (i.e. there is no formation of pus in the swelling).

Kandu Prayah – there is itching in and around the cystic growth.
Niruja – the cystic swelling occurring in the inner canthus of the eye is not associated with pain (Alpa vedana – less pain, according to Videha).
Arunam – the swelling will have golden yellow color.

Modern correlation

Upanaha is correlated with Lacrimal Cyst.

Lacrimal Cyst – Lacrimal gland duct cysts develop in the supero-temporal cul de sac. They may be preceded by trauma, infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. They are often asymptomatic but may induce discomfort, a sensation of fullness, lid distortion or ectropion and a visible mass.

Treatment

Treatment of Upanaha
Bhedana (incision) – Firstly the Kaphaja Upanaha should be subjected to incision.

Pratisarana (application) – After bhedana, the swelling should be applied with paste of long pepper, honey and rock salt.

Lekhana (scraping) & Prachana (multiple pricking) – In the Upanahas which are larger in size and devoid of pain, firstly lekhana karma (scraping of the lesion or cystic swelling) should be done using Mandalagra Shastra (round edged knife) followed by pratisarana of pippalyadi kalka (as mentioned above). In Raktanubandhi Upanaha (upanaha associated with vitiated blood), initially prachana (multiple pricking with needles) should be done followed by pratisarana (as said above).

Formulations for Netra Roga from Sahasra Yoga
Asanabilwadi Taila
Manjishtadi Taila
Bhringamalakadi Taila
Bala Dhatryadi Taila
Tungadrumadi Taila
Kacchuradi Choorna(Brihat)
Parpataka Kashaya
Villampahotyadi Taila
Kayyonyadi Taila
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