Ayurveda Article - Excellent Eyecare For All

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A FRESH PAIR OF EYES

 

Ancient ayurvedic treatises dwelt at length on the care and nurturing

of the eyes.

 

Today, we talk of our eyes in terms of pupil, retina, and iris. Back

then, thousands of years ago, Ayurveda understood eye structure quite

differently.

 

The eyeballs are said to be composed of all five elements-the

Panchamahabhutas-earth, fire, air, water, and space. Of these,

 

Earth governs the muscular part of the eyes.

Fire rules the blood vessels.

Air makes up the black of the eyeballs.

Water dominates the white of the eye, and

Space contributes to the tear ducts or cleansing channels.

 

Ancient ayurvedic healers identified dozens of causes that can bring

eyes to grief. Among them were:

 

Misuse of the eyes-straining too much, concentrating too hard on

minute objects, or looking too far in the distance constantly.

 

Injury.

 

Excessive anger, jealousy, or negative feelings. (Echoing the thought

that the eyes mirror the soul).

 

Suppression of natural urges like hunger, thirst, sleep, and the need

to cry.

 

Suppression or neglect of sleep. Also, changes in one's regular

sleep-

routine.

 

 

Therefore, Ayurveda has a different way of looking at eye problems.

It sees them as the result of disturbed dosha-balance.

 

Let's observe the ayurvedic perspective on three common eye

problems:

 

Crow's feet, dry eyes and eye strain

 

Causes: these are caused by a Pitta imbalance. Other factors include

worry, lack of sleep, excessive intake of alcohol, not drinking

enough water.

 

Cures: Stop using chemical-and-preservative laden make-up. Rest your

eyes as often as you can. Take regular breaks between computer jobs.

Protect your eyes against direct sunlight. M.Spa's Youthful Skin

Eye

Gel contains a blend of rare ayurvedic herbs including Sacred Lotus

to provide all-natural support for the delicate skin around the eyes.

This eye gel has a Chakshushya effect -- "that which imparts health

and longevity to the eye area." The formulation is pure, gentle,

balanced and holistic.

 

 

Dark Circles under the eyes

 

Causes: this could be either a Vata or a Pitta imbalance. Look for

these factors: have you been unwell lately? Not eating fresh food?

Suffering menstrual problems? Are you anemic? Have you been suffering

from anxiety or poor circulation? All these cause dark under-eye

circles.

 

Cures: Soothe your eyes with cotton-wool dabbed in rose-water. Place

the cotton pads on eyes for ten minutes, and lie still to ease away

tension. Avoid fried, greasy foods and leftovers-cook fresh meals.

Close your eyes as often as you can, putting your palms against them

to rest them further.

 

Puffy Eyes

 

Causes: are caused by an aggravated Kapha Dosha. When prolonged, this

condition can indicate that you might have a kidney or liver disorder-

therefore seeing a physician is advised. Other causes include slow

digestion, poor appetite, water retention and hormonal imbalances.

 

Cures: Drink lots of water, which will de-clog your body's

channels.

Eat lots of fresh fruit, and avoid make-up until the problem is

solved.

 

Eye-Friendly Lifestyle Tips

 

Protect your eyes from the ravages of the elements-sun, wind, water.

All of these can disturb the doshic balance of your eyes, interfering

with good vision and causing disease. Wear sunglasses, scarves, or

caps to shield your eyes when the elements are lashing about you.

 

One of the best eye-care routines you can follow is a daily self-

massage or abhyanga. At some point in life, you are sure to have

known the deliciously relaxed-almost sleepy-feeling that comes when

you gently rub the soles of your feet with a warm herbalized oil.

Done just 10 to 15 minutes daily, a massage will de-stress your eyes

and fill you with radiance.

 

Stress is an enemy of the eyes. When you're tense, angry, or

unhappy,

your eyes look swollen, dull, and unhappy. Avoid stressful situations

as far as you can. And when you are caught in one, respond to it as

calmly as you can.

 

Stress disturbs sleep, and lack of sleep is one of the biggest eye-

enemies. Make sure you get your full quota of rest to keep your eyes

sparkling and fresh. Maharishi Ayurveda's Slumber Time

Therapeutic

Aroma Oil is a blend of six pure essential oils-including sweet

orange, marjoram, lavender, and jasmine. If set up to diffuse a

little before you go to bed, the relaxing aromas of these oils will

ease you into sleep. For chronic sleep problems, Maharishi

Ayurveda's

3-part Blissful Sleep formula is the answer.

 

Pay attention to what you drink. The best drink for those with puffy

eyes and dark circles is plain warm water, which detoxifies the

system. Avoid ice cold and carbonated drinks. Stimulants such as

caffeine and alcohol are eye-dullers. Try reducing or, ideally,

giving up your intake of these substances, and your eyes will reflect

the difference very soon. If you find it difficult to fight the urge

for stimulants, try switching to Maharishi Ayurveda's mind/body

beverages. Pick and sip from among a wide range of herbal teas, or

try the Raja's Cup, a delicious time-tested beverage that

stimulates

the mind and energizes the body without a trace of caffeine.

 

Take time to learn what your body's nutrition needs are. In

general,

eyes feel nourished with foods like coconuts, raisins, papaya and

sweet juicy fruits. Reduce your intake of sugar. Avoid red meat and

heavy fried foods. These general rules work for everyone, but of

course, a vaidya can advise you best on what particular dosha

imbalance is causing your eye problems. He will prescribe you a diet

routine accordingly.

 

Say Yes to Yoga. Some yoga asanas, like Trataka, Shirshasana and

Surya Namaskara asana are very beneficial for eyes-they boost

circulation to the blood vessels and capillaries, relax the eyes,

and, over a period of time, can even improve vision.

 

 

Note : This ayurvedic information is educational and is not intended

to replace standard medical care or advice.

Copyright MAPI, 2002.

 

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