Definition – Takradhara is a words made up of 2 Sanskrit words. Takra and
Dhara.
Takra means buttermilk
Dhara means pouring in stream
Takradhara is traditional ayurvedic procedure wherein a stream of
Medicinal buttermilk is poured on to the targeted body part.
In takradhara treatment, buttermilk processed with medicinal herbs is used in
the form of an external remedy in the form of thin stream.
Takradhara can be done for a period of 45 minutes-1 hour (1
Muhurta) at a stretch [1 sitting] depending on the nature and severity of disease
for which Dhara is being done or depending on the constitution of the patient.
Takradhara is done for a period of 7 to 14 days or as recommended
by the physician.
Takradhara is usually done in the early hours of the morning
[preferably between 6 am and 10 am].
METERIALS REQUIRED FOR TAKRADHARA
Dhara Droni [table], Dhara stand, Dhara pot, stove, steel vessels, sterile
cotton pads and bandage cloth, large spoon, sterile clothes, chair/stool, small
pillow.
PREPARATION OF THE MEDICINE
a) Takram: 1.5 liters of milk diluted with 4 times water is boiled withloog of
skinned and crushed Musta tied a muslin bag and is reduced to the
original quantity of milk. The bag of medicament is taken out and
squeezed well. When cooled this prepared milk is fermented by the
addition of a little sour buttermilk overnight. Next morning the fermented
medicated curd is churned by adding 500 ml of amalaki kwatha. The
butter is removed completely and this mixture is used for Dhara after
filtering.
b) Amalaki kwatha: 200 g of dried amalaki fruit boiled with 8 liters of water
and reduced to 2 litres 1.5 litres of amalaki kwatha is used to mix with
buttermilk & 500 ml of that is used to wash the head after the procedure.
Method –
PRE-Procedure MEASURES
Since it is done as a shaman therapy, No poorvakarma is needed. The
application of oil on head and is usually done as a practice. Suitable oils
according to Roga are selected by the physician for this purpose. The eyes
should be covered with eyes pads of flowers and gauze should be tied
around the head above the eyebrows. The ear should be plugged with
two cotton pieces.
PROCEDURE
The patient should lie in supine position on the Droni. A small pillow
should be placed under the neck. The Dhara pot should be kept in such a
way as to allow steady flowing of the liquid. Poured into it over the
forehead of the patient in pendular movements. The tip of dharavarthi
should be 4-5 cm above the forehead of the patient and total wick length
should be 8-10 cm. The Takra falling should be poured again into the
vessel after collecting it from the Droni. The vessel should always be kept
oscillating so that the Takra will fall into the patient’s entire forehead
without interruption.
POST-PROCEDURE MEASURES
After this procedure, Head should be wiped with the towel gently and
Rasnadi Powder should be applied at the middle of head.
Instructions to be followed after Procedure
– After Takradhara, patient should avoid direct exposure of cold air,
excessive dust and smoke and head shouldn’t be washed till the days,
takradhara should be done.
-Patient shouldn’t eat fried, spicy and junk food, instead he should use
light and easily digestible diet.
-Patient should avoid Day-sleep and Night-awakening, he should have a
good sleep at night.
Indications – Takradhara is used to treat a verity of conditions Including Eye
disease like Optic Atrophy, Retinal degenerations, Macular degenerations
,Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Neuropathy, Dry eye syndrome,
Corneal degenerations and dystrophy,Diplopia,Other Neuro-opthalmic disorders
etc…
It is useful in Neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, Vertigo, Meniere’s
disease, Sleep disorder, Psychological disorders like anxiety and mental stress.
Contraindications – Acute Fevers and Malignant Hypertension, Acute Asthma
and Bronchial disorders.