NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SUPPORTING HEALTHY VISION WITH AYURVEDA

Dec 10, 2024|web|Admin

Introduction

Eyes are the most important sense organ in the human body. By keeping our eyes healthy, we can improve our overall quality of life. Efforts should be made to protect the eyes throughout our entire journey of life. The world is useless for a blind person, even if they possess great wealth. Therefore, everyone should strive to prevent eye diseases.

Basic Doshas in Eyes

The basic principle of Ayurveda revolves around tridosha (vata, pitta, and kapha), which governs normal bodily functions and, when imbalanced, leads to diseases. Each organ has a distinct relationship with doshas. For the eyes, Alochaka pitta is responsible for visual perception. Among the Mahabhootas, Tejas dominates in the eyes, making them particularly susceptible to kapha. Factors that vitiate pitta or kapha can lead to eye diseases.

Preventive Measures

Ayurveda emphasizes prevention in ophthalmology. The first step in treating diseases involves removing contributing factors. Both ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) play critical roles in prevention:

• Avoid hot water head baths and excessive smoking, which vitiate pitta.
• Refrain from day-time sleep and night awakening, which disrupt normal rod and cone functions, causing eye strain.
• Avoid activities like reading in moving vehicles, looking at extremely small or distant objects, or incorrect posture while reading, as they strain the eyes.
• Suppressing urges such as sleep or tears can affect the lacrimal gland's function, reducing eye moisture.
• Air pollution, excessive light, and high-speed travel expose eyes to dust, air currents, and strain, leading to eye trauma and vataja diseases.

Ahara (Dietary Factors)

Certain dietary habits negatively impact eye health (achakshushya aahara):

• Sour foods like curd and pickles, or hot items, vitiate pitta.
• Virudha ahara (incompatible foods, e.g., milk with fish).
• Eating before digestion of a previous meal (adhyasanam) disrupts digestion, leading to dushita agni and defective raktadhatu, initiating eye diseases.

Pathya Ahara (Wholesome Diet)

For healthy eyes, consume:

• Grains like barley, wheat, red rice, green gram, and vegetables.
• Meat from forest-dwelling animals.
• Pomegranate, sugar, rock salt, triphala, grapes, and pure cold water.
• Triphala, along with honey and ghee, is particularly effective in strengthening eyesight.

Rasayana Therapy

The main therapies for promoting eye health include Naimitika Rasayana and Achara Rasayana.

• Triphala, Yastimadhu, and Ghrita serve as excellent Rasayanas.
• Ghee and butter are rich in vitamins essential for maintaining eye health.

Anjana (Collyrium)

Applying anjana from the inner to outer canthus cleanses the eyes. Daily application of Souveeranjana is recommended for preventing eye diseases and maintaining visual power.

Nasya (Nasal Drops)

Anu taila nasya (in the form of pratimarsa nasya) cleans the srotas, preventing kapha accumulation in the eyes.

Proper Sleep

A normal adult requires 6–8 hours of sleep daily to allow the eyes to rest and restore functional capacity.

Care of Feet

Feet have siras connected to the eyes. Regular foot massage, cleanliness, and wearing proper footwear protect eye health by preventing siras vitiation.

Eye Wash

Using triphala and yashtimadhu kwath with an eye wash cup is beneficial for maintaining eye health.

Eye Exercises

Performing eye movements in up-down, sideways, and rotational directions, followed by palming, helps prevent refractive errors.

Shatkarmas

• Neti: Using a thread or saline water (jala neti) clears kapha dosha, enhancing vision.
• Tratak: Fixating on a small object until tears form helps treat eye disorders and strengthens sight.

Yoga Practices

• Palming: Rubbing palms and placing them on the eyes relaxes and prevents refractive errors.
• Pranayama: Practices like nadishodhana and bhramari reduce stress, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension, promoting eye health.

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