Our eyes are the way we get to see our beautiful planet and the people we love and cherish. It can be hard to appreciate them until we start to have problems with our vision. It's easy to misuse our eyes, and honestly we may not even notice that our lifestyle is harming them!
Understanding Your Eyes According to Ayurveda
We have five senses that was use to interact with the outside, physical world. Out of all the five senses, Chakshu Indriya, located in the eyes, is considered the most important one. Its importance lies in its function: Pratyaksha Anubhava, which gives the visual perception of objects around us. Basically, it helps us to clearly see.
Anatomically, Netra, as eyes are called, are made up of all five basic elements but have a predominance of Agni Mahabhoot. Agni Mahabhoot represents fire in the form of light. The eyes transform the light that reflects off of objects in our environment and helps us see. Alochaka Pitta, a sub Dosha of Pitta Dosha, is the governs the eyes. Alochaka Pitta, when in excess, creates symptoms such as pain, pricking, itching, burning sensation, redness and increased tears in the eyes.
Asatmendriyarth Samyoga
Watching too much TV and spending a long time looking at phone and laptop screens, exposing the eyes to extended periods of bright, artificial light, is over indulgence of the senses. This is an example of the excessive or wrong use of the senses, and it can lead to disease in the eyes by causing or worsening Doshic imbalances.
Suppression or neglect of the body's natural urges and senses also falls under Asatmendriyarth Samyoga. For example, staying up late into the night and neglecting the urge to sleep or ignoring when you're hungry or thirsty.
Emotions are also a major player in overall health and even the health of your eyes. Excessive anger, grief, jealousy or any negative emotions that become part of your daily thought process, especially during "screen time," can also negatively impact vision.
Ayurvedic Eye Care
Fortunately for us, Ayurveda provides numerous tools to support healthy eyes through the toils of the day. Eye care in Ayurveda emphasizes prevention of Doshic imbalances and also daily maintenance. Below are 5 daily practices for healthy eyes!
- Cleansing. Wash your eyes first thing in the morning with Triphala tea. It cleanses the eyes and keeps the oils and fats of the eyes solid and stable. Make the Triphala tea using the powder soaked in warm water for about 20 minutes.
- Netra Tarpan. Because the eyes are governed mainly by Pitta, the heat can accumulate and cause burning, dryness and fatigue. Tarpan, a nourishing eye bath with ghee is the most effective option when Pitta is in excess. Close your eyes and gently rub Triphala Ghritam on your eye lids with clean hands. This practice is typically done in the evenings before bed.
- Aschotana, Herbal Eye Drops. Using eye drops is another way of balancing the Doshas in the eyes. Elaneer Khuzambu is ideal for Pitta eye problems. It's better to use strict medical supervision of a physician and an Ayurvedic practitioner.
- Internal Herbal Remedies. To balance the Doshas from the inside out, Brahmi Ghritam, Maha Triphaladi Ghritam, Chayavanprasam and Varadi Kashayam.
- Gentle massage. Rub Kayyanyadi Coconut Oil into your scalp to balance both Pitta and Vata Dosha in the area of the eyes.
For further assistance in healing and improving your eyes, please consider booking a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Disclaimer
All views and information shared here is only for the sharing of Ayurvedic knowledge. Please do not try or prescribe or take any of the remedies and suggestions here without talking to your regular, qualified doctor. Kottakkal Ayurveda and no other person associated with Kottakkal is responsible for unwanted side-effects or contraindications in your health.