AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF EYE CARE

The windows to our soul, our eyes deserve tender care. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy vision through holistic practices. A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants helps nourish the eyes. Regular cleansing with Triphala water and massaging with ghee or coconut oil can reduce strain and promote relaxation. Avoid excessive screen time, and instead, gaze at nature’s beauty. Practice By integrating these habits into daily life, we can preserve the clarity and radiance of our vision, ensuring a brighter outlook for years to come. Here today we will talk about the ayurvedic perspective of eye care.

The eyes are working from the time you wake up till the time you sleep. Most people don’t realize that they don’t give enough rest to the eyes. They pay attention to their eyes only if they have a problem. Besides that, physical and mental stress- is also an important factor that can upset the eyes.

Eye disorders can come due to the natural aging process. This is because the Vata dosha aggravates every day, destroying the eyes. This will structurally make the eyes function weaker. So this Vata aggravation will affect the musculature, nerve supply, and lubrication of the eyes.

The simple tips to be done for the eyes to preserve the health of the eyes are as follows:

ASCHYOTANA (EYEWASH)

• The eye’s health can be preserved if the eyes are washed and cleaned regularly.
• It can also be included as one of the regimens to be done every day.
• On waking up in the morning wash the eyes with water. This helps to refresh your body.
• Herbs like Triphala powder or gooseberry powder can be boiled with water and used to wash the eyes when it is cool.
• Lukewarm water is used only in the cold season. Water is also gently splashed into the eyes without much force. This helps to remove the impurities.
• In conditions like inflammations of the eye, burning sensations, conjunctivitis, etc pouring rose water or juice of Aloe vera is very beneficial.

ANJANAM (COLLYRIUM)-

• Regular application of herbal eyeliner in the eyes will help to maintain its health.
• Traditionally made eyeliner is prepared with the help of cotton cloth (50 x 50 cm) soaked in lemon juice 6-10 times.
• The cloth is dried in the sun each time after it is dipped. This cloth is then rolled to form a wick.
• Dip this wick in coconut oil or ghee, take in a small lamp, and then light it. Once the wick is lighted, then put off the smoke.
• The smoke coming out can be collected in an earthen pot, which is kept over the flame. Once the whole wick is burnt, remove the earthen pot, scrap out the ashes deposited on the inside of the pot, and store the ash in a container.
• The ash is then mixed with ghee or coconut oil to form a thick paste, which can be applied to the eyes with fingertips.
• Anjanam can be applied to the eyes every day for their protection.

In case of diseases-

• Herbal sticks like Chandanadi varthi can be used. The stick is rubbed with honey and filtered. This is applied to the eyes in drops.  

BENEFIT-

1. Improves the strength and functioning of the eyes.  
2. Protects the eyes from excess heat and cold.
3. Cures diseases of the eyes like itching, burning sensation, pain, defective vision, etc.
4. It makes the eyes strong enough to render bright light.  
5. Helps to maintain the power of the eyes.  
6. Very beneficial in protecting the eyes of the postnatal woman and the newborn.  

Just like how gold and diamonds shine after cleaning with oil, cloth, and a hairy brush, similarly, the eyes become shiny after cleaning with Anjana.

HERBAL EYE PACK

Since the eyes are a place that is dominated by the fire element it should be protected from excess heat and cold. When the eyes are heated and cooled suddenly, they get inflamed. So it is not advisable to use too many of cooling things for the eyes in the hotter part of the day. Try to do these cooling & relaxing treatments before the eyes get heated too much.

• It is beneficial to keep one thin slice of cucumber or potato over the eyes. This helps to cool and relax the eyes. 
•  Cucumber paste spread over cotton kept over closed eyes is also another method of relaxing the eyes, Or keep a piece of cotton wool dipped in cooled Aloe vera juice.
• Whenever your eyes get tired or if you are exerting your eyes too much, any of these methods can be done to prevent any diseases.

SOME HEALTHY EYE HABITS –

1. Don’t stare continuously at fixed objects in the distance.
2. Blink periodically and look away at short intervals to keep from straining the eyes.
3. At the same time, staring at the TV close up is one of the main causes of myopia (near-sightedness). So watch TV from at least ten feet away–not too near and not too far.
4. Proper light is another factor in eye health. Avoid reading or working in either dim light or bright sunlight.   
5. Staring fixedly in the distance or close-up is especially harmful in bright sunlight, especially if you’re around water or reflecting objects.
6. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes in bright sunlight, but do not drive or read with them, as this will cause strain.
7. One of the biggest enemies of the eyes is lack of sleep.  If you tend to stay up too late, try going to bed just fifteen minutes earlier.
8. Gradually align your bedtime with the Ayurvedic routine–before 10:00 pm.
9. Gently splash your eyes and face with cool or slightly warm water. Repeat in the evening when you return from work or school.
10. But never use hot or icy water on the eyes. 
11. Also, avoid abrupt temperature changes. For instance, if you’re hot and sweaty, wait 10-15 minutes until your body adjusts before splashing cool water on your face and eyes.
12. Try to take a balanced diet according to your aggravated Dosha.
13. Shirodhara. 

As we cherish the gift of sight, let's prioritize eye health through mindful habits and natural practices. By embracing Ayurveda's timeless wisdom, we can protect our vision, prevent disorders, and radiate vibrant health. Begin your journey to luminous eyes today – nourish, cleanse, and soothe your way to clarity and well-being.

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

OATS PANCAKE RECIPE –https://yogvedalife.com/oats-pancake-eggless/