Management of Chalazion through Bhedana Karma and samana chikitsa: A Clinical Case Study

Abstract

Chalazion is a chronic, non-infective lipogranulomatous inflammation of the meibomian gland resulting from ductal obstruction and retained secretions, commonly presenting as a painless nodular swelling of the eyelid. It is one of the most frequent eyelid lesions affecting all age groups. In Ayurveda, chalazion can be correlated with Utsangini, described under Vartmagata Roga by Acharya  Sushruta and Vagbhata. While Sushruta mentioned it as a Tridoshaja Sadhya Vyadhi, Vagbhata considers it as Raktaja Sadhya Vyadhi. Classical texts advocate treatments like Bhedana (therapeutic incision), nishpidana (squeezing the contents), lekhana (scraping) ,  pratisarana (rubbing powders on skin) and parisheka (ocular irrigation) . In this study, a 14-year-old female patient with a painless swelling of the right upper eyelid with heaviness and associated with watering presented to  Shalakyatantra OPD of Government Ayurveda College Hospital, Kannur. Following history and examination,  chalazion was diagnosed. The patient was treated with Bhedana karma followed by parisheka with triphala kashaya, aschyotana with durva grita and honey, along with  Samana chikitsa. A remarkable result was observed in all aspects of the disease condition. Hence, it is proven that chalazion can be effectively managed by bhedana karma.