A REVIEW ON KAPHAJA ABHISHYANDHA W.S.R. ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

Abstract

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ocular disorder characterized by itching, redness, watering, and mucous discharge of the eyes. It occurs due to hypersensitivity reactions to allergens such as pollen, dust, and environmental irritants. In Ayurveda, a condition resembling allergic conjunctivitis can be correlated with Kaphaja Abhishyanda, which is described under Sarvagata Netra Rogas in classical Ayurvedic texts. Abhishyanda is considered the root cause of several ocular diseases and manifests with symptoms such as inflammation, discharge, and redness of the eye. Kaphaja Abhishyanda specifically presents with features such as Kandu (itching), Guru Gaurava (heaviness), Picchila Srava (mucoid discharge), and Shopha (swelling). These clinical features closely resemble allergic conjunctivitis described in modern ophthalmology. Ayurveda recommends several therapeutic modalities such as Ashchyotana, Anjana, Parisheka, Tarpana, and Nasya for the management of ocular disorders. Recent clinical and systematic studies have reported that Ayurvedic therapies may reduce symptoms such as itching, discharge, and conjunctival congestion in conjunctivitis. This review article explores classical Ayurvedic concepts of Kaphaja Abhishyanda and correlates them with allergic conjunctivitis in modern medicine.