Netra Basti
WHAT IS NETRA BASTI?
In yogic philosophy, the Sanskrit word Avidya refers to the veil of life. It’s the clouded, distorted lens, which warps our perception of reality and derives from things like ego and attachment. By practicing yoga, we remove that veil and see life more clearly. Similarly, Ayurvedic philosophy emphasizes various practices so we may experience life more clearly.
Specifically, by maintaining the health of our sensory organs. One such protocol is called Netra Basti.
In Sanskrit, the word Basti translates to “bladder” or “container”, for medicated oils or tonics to sit in for a period of time. Netra basti is a restorative and preventative Ayurvedic treatment for the eyes. Dough is made using organic flour and placed around the eye orbit to create a small dam. The dam is filled with luke-warm ghee (clarified butter), and then the patient opens his eye and performs various eye exercises while submerged under the ghee, for approximately 10 minutes.
Benefits include:
- Reduces tension and migraine headaches
- Soothes dry, itchy, eyes
- Provides relief from allergies
- Improved vision
- Increased concentration and mental acuity
- Combats eye strain from TV, computers, and smartphones
- Relieves eye socket tension, twitches, and squinting
- Eases wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes
- Slows the natural degeneration of the eyes
- Lipid structure in ghee is similar to the body’s natural lubrication, making it especially nourishing for optic nerve tissues – even for those wearing a prosthetic eye.
And it doesn’t don’t stop there. Since the eyes are so closely connected to the brain and nervous system, its healing power runs far beyond just our lids.
During the treatment, some people experience mild stinging and therapeutic tearing, which is normal, as it’s the body’s way of cleansing and repairing the tissues. Post-nasal mucus can come down too, clearing up congestion and pressure around the sinuses. After the treatment is over it is best to relax with the eyes closed. This is the time to make a conscious, lifestyle choice and support the treatment – certainly not to go catch a movie, finish a novel, or focus on that knitting project.
No doubt, you will become a fan of netra basti once you’ve experienced it. The physical effects are silky smooth and the energetic effects bolster you in creating positive images and visualizations in your life.
Please use only 100% Pure Cow Ghee for this therapy! Some ghee that are available in grocery stores are flavored, hence not recommended for this therapy.
