Introduction
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) represents a frequently encountered ocular surface disorder characterized by dryness, irritation, and ocular fatigue. Increasing exposure to digital devices, environmental stressors, and age-related changes contributes to its growing clinical burden. Within Ayurveda, such presentations align with ocular surface dysfunctions requiring supportive and restorative interventions. Panchakarma procedures, particularly nasal therapies, offer structured therapeutic approaches for head-and-neck–related conditions.
Therapeutic relevance of Ayurvedic ocular care
MGD management requires restoration of tear film stability and improvement in glandular function. Ayurvedic interventions emphasize localized ocular care combined with nasal therapeutic procedures to support ocular surface health and symptom relief.
A clinical intervention utilizing nasal oil instillation (pratimarsha nasya) with Anu taila, medicated eye drops prepared from Moringa oleifera, and localized warm ocular fomentation (avagundana) using a Triphala-based decoction forms a structured regimen for MGD. The combined application targets ocular discomfort, tear instability, and meibomian gland dysfunction through multi-modal local therapy.
Clinical applications and observed outcomes
Application of this Ayurvedic care regimen is associated with improvement in ocular surface parameters, including:
- Reduction in Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), reflecting symptomatic relief
- Improvement in Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT), indicating enhanced tear stability
- Better Schirmer’s test values, suggesting improved tear secretion
- Resolution of fluorescein staining with sustained ocular surface integrity
- Enhanced meibomian gland expressibility, indicating improved gland function
No adverse reactions are associated with this therapeutic approach, supporting its tolerability in routine practice. 1
Standardization of Marsha nasya in clinical practice
Marsha nasya represents a classical Panchakarma procedure involving administration of medicated oil-based formulations through the nasal route. It is traditionally applied in disorders affecting the head region, including ocular and neurological conditions.
Development of structured clinical consensus frameworks emphasizes the need for standardized procedural guidelines. Evidence-informed consensus statements define key domains including preparatory measures, procedural execution, post-therapy care, dosage considerations, and quality assurance parameters. Such structured frameworks enhance procedural uniformity and clinical reproducibility in therapeutic practice.
Clinical significance in integrative Ayurvedic ophthalmology
The integration of ocular therapies with nasal interventions reflects a coordinated approach to managing surface-level and systemic contributors to glandular dysfunction. Standardized procedural guidance for Marsha nasya further supports its safe application and consistency across clinical settings. 2
Conclusion
Ayurvedic ocular care combining pratimarsha nasya, herbal ocular applications, and localized fomentation demonstrates supportive effects on tear film stability and meibomian gland function in MGD. Parallel advancements in standardized clinical guidelines for Marsha nasya strengthen procedural reliability and promote structured integration of Panchakarma therapies in contemporary practice.
References:
- P S, Naranappa Salethoor S, K S. Integrating ayurvedic eye care into primary health practice: an exploratory study on the combined effect of pratimarsha nasya, avagundana, and aschyotana in meibomian gland dysfunction. Front Med (Lausanne). 2026;12:1732091. Published 2026 Jan 21. doi:10.3389/fmed.2025.1732091. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12871059/
- Nair DR, Ashwathykutty V, Praveen Kumar KS, et al. Clinical consensus statements on Marsha Nasya - A feasibility study towards developing clinical practice guidelines of therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2026;17(2):101298. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2025.101298. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12995571/