+91 9895734005
Call us anytime
info@idealkerala.com
Drop us a line anytime!
+91 9895734005
Call us anytime
info@idealkerala.com
Drop us a line anytime!
A warm medicated ghee therapy for tired eyes, planned by our Ayurvedic physician after a personal consultation at Ideal Ayurvedic Resort, Kovalam.
Netra Tharpanam (also spelt Netra Tarpana) is a traditional Ayurvedic eye therapy in which warm medicated ghee is held over the closed eyes inside a small ring of dough. The ghee is chosen according to your dosha, or constitutional body type, after a consultation with an Ayurvedic physician.
The word comes from the Sanskrit netra (eye) and tarpana (nourishing or soothing). In the classical texts it is one of the main eye-care therapies of Ayurveda, and it is meant as a soothing, regular practice rather than an emergency measure.
What separates it from simply putting drops in your eyes is the care taken around the eye. At our Kovalam centre, the ghee, its temperature and the length of the session are all set by our physician, and the dough ring keeps the ghee in place so the treatment stays gentle and controlled.
A calm, unhurried process guided by our Ayurvedic physician and trained therapists at our Kovalam centre.
Our physician assesses your constitution, eye complaints and medications, and confirms Tharpanam is suitable that day.
A ring of black gram dough is shaped around each eye to make a small reservoir that holds the ghee.
With your eyes closed, warm medicated ghee is poured in until it covers the eyelashes.
The ghee is drained, the dough rings are removed, your eyes are wiped clean, and you rest briefly.
You lie down comfortably with your eyes closed while the dough rings are shaped and the warm ghee is poured in. The ghee is kept at a comfortable warmth, and when the therapist asks you, you open and close your eyes slowly so the ghee reaches the surface of the eye. You should tell the therapist at once if anything feels too warm, stings or is uncomfortable. When the time is up, the ghee is drained, the rings are lifted away and your eyes are gently wiped clean.
A typical Tharpanam session lasts 30 to 45 minutes. The ghee stays over the eyes for the time your physician prescribes, which varies from person to person. Allow extra time for the consultation beforehand and a short rest afterwards. Our physician may suggest a single session or a short course.
Tharpanam is traditionally used as part of Ayurvedic eye-care routines. People come to us for different reasons, so here is a plain account of what it is traditionally used for and what you should not expect.
The most consistent feedback from our guests is a soothed, rested feeling in tired eyes.
Ghee is traditionally used to ease a dry, gritty feeling in the eyes.
Often chosen by people whose eyes feel tired and heavy after long hours at a screen.
Traditionally used where the eyes feel hot or burning at the end of the day.
Lying still with warm ghee over the eyes also tends to settle the mind and the forehead.
Often chosen as part of a regular, physician-guided routine alongside normal eye check-ups.
Tharpanam is traditionally used as a supportive therapy alongside proper eye care. Our Ayurvedic physician may suggest it for people who:
Because Tharpanam is carried out right over the eyes, being clear about this matters more to us than filling the diary. Please tell us about any of the following when you book, not at the door. It saves everyone a wasted journey, and it is safer.
Here is how a typical Tharpanam session runs at our Kovalam centre, from preparing beforehand to resting afterwards. Allow extra time for the consultation and the rest.
Before Treatment
Eat something light about two hours before. Remove contact lenses and eye make-up, and wear comfortable clothing. Our physician then reviews your constitution, eye complaints and any eye medication.
During Treatment
You lie down with your eyes closed while warm ghee is held over them inside dough rings, then blink slowly as the therapist guides you. Tell your therapist straight away if it feels too warm or stings.
After Treatment
Rest for a while. Your eyes may feel watery or slightly misty for a few hours, so avoid driving straight afterwards, and keep away from screens, bright sun, dust and wind for the rest of the day.
People bring many different eye and eye-area concerns to us. Here is how we approach the most common ones, honestly.
The concern Tharpanam is most often chosen for. The ghee is traditionally used to soothe a dry, gritty or burning feeling, including after long hours at a screen.
Irritation can come from allergy, dust or infection, and these are not the same thing. Our physician will first ask what is going on, and will tell you honestly if an eye doctor should see you first.
Often linked with tiredness, poor sleep and stress. Tharpanam is sometimes chosen as part of a wider routine, but results vary and it is not a guaranteed fix.
Many guests also like a calming head therapy, so you may like our Shirodhara treatment or our Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage.
Pricing depends on the length and number of sessions, and on whether you are booking a single treatment or a residential package with accommodation and diet included. Single sessions and multi-day programmes are priced separately, so please ask us for the current rate for your dates.
We are a residential Ayurvedic centre in Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, and we have been treating guests here since 1997. These are the things we think are worth knowing before you book.
Every treatment plan is set by our physician, not chosen from a menu at reception.
Our therapists are trained in-house and work under supervision, including how to judge a safe ghee temperature around the eyes.
Please keep your regular eye check-ups. We are happy to speak with your eye specialist if you have a diagnosed condition.
We would rather tell you a therapy is unsuitable than sell it to you.
Real experiences from guests who have stayed and been treated with us.
The Netra Tharpanam treatment was a calming experience. The therapist explained each step clearly, and the peaceful atmosphere made me feel comfortable throughout the session. I appreciated the gentle and attentive care.
I had a pleasant experience with this traditional Ayurvedic eye treatment. The staff were welcoming, the treatment area was clean, and the therapist made sure I was comfortable. A lovely experience at the resort.
The entire session felt well organised, from the initial consultation to the treatment itself. The team was attentive and professional, and the quiet surroundings added to the experience. I would recommend the resort for its traditional Ayurvedic care.
Quick answers to the questions guests ask us most often before booking.
Netra Tharpanam, also spelt Netra Tarpana, is a traditional Ayurvedic eye therapy in which warm medicated ghee is held over the closed eyes inside a ring of dough. The ghee is chosen by our physician according to your constitution and complaints.
The treatment itself usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Allow extra time for the consultation beforehand and for a short rest afterwards.
Traditionally it is used for dry, tired, burning or strained eyes, including eye strain from long hours at a screen, and as part of a regular eye-care routine. It is a supportive wellness therapy and not a treatment for any specific eye disease.
When carried out by trained therapists it is generally well tolerated. The ghee is kept at a comfortable warmth and the dough ring holds it in place. Your eyes may feel watery or slightly misty for a few hours afterwards, and this settles. Tell the therapist at once if you feel any stinging, pain or heat.
It is not carried out with an eye infection, conjunctivitis, redness, discharge or eye pain, after recent eye surgery or injury, during fever or a heavy cold, or if you are allergic to ghee or dairy. Glaucoma, cataract or retinal conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnancy and regular eye medication need your doctor's clearance first.
No. Tharpanam is a traditional supportive therapy for eye comfort. It does not restore lost vision and is not a treatment for cataract, glaucoma, retinal disease or any other eye condition. Please keep up regular eye check-ups, and see an eye doctor promptly for eye pain, redness, discharge or any sudden change in vision.
Many guests find it soothing for tired, dry-feeling eyes after long hours at a screen. It is not a substitute for screen breaks, good lighting and regular eye check-ups, and persistent symptoms should be assessed by an eye doctor.
It depends on your needs. Our physician will suggest a personalised plan after your consultation, which may be a single session or a short course.
Rest for a while with your eyes closed or lightly open. Avoid screens, bright sunlight, dust and wind for the rest of the day, and do not drive straight afterwards, because your vision may feel misty for a short time. Keep the rest of your day light.
Yes, we recommend it, particularly during the November to February season. Call +91 9895734005 or use our booking form, and mention any health conditions or medications at that point so our physician can review before you arrive.
Speak with our team about your requirements and learn whether Tharpanam is right for you. Our physician will review any health conditions before you arrive.