The eyes are a complex organ that detect and convert light. In Ayurveda, India's medical system, the eyes are considered part of the body's fire energy, also know as pitta. When one or more of your three energies are out of balance, fire, air, or water, vision or health of the eyes may be negatively affected and should be treated with Ayurvedic remedies. Consult with your doctor before practicing Ayurveda.
Pitta
If your eyes are red and sensitive to light, you may have a fire energy imbalance, known as pitta. To treat this imbalance, lie down with cucumber slices over your closed eyes for 15 minutes. You can also use an eye pillow in place of the cucumbers. Also, try splashing your eyes with cool water and then blinking several times. These practices may be performed daily until the symptoms subside.
Vata
Vata is the air energy in the body and when imbalanced, your entire body may experience excessive dryness, including the eyes. One Ayurvedic treatment used to restore moisture in the eyes is called Netra Basti. Start by warming a 1/4 cup of ghee, the clarified butter used in Indian cooking. Once the ghee is melted, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then lay back and bathe each eye with the ghee for up to seven minutes. It may be wise to have someone help you, or to use an eye cup for less mess.
Kapha
Kapha is the water energy in Ayurveda, and if you have eye ailments in relation to a kapha imbalance, you may wake up each morning with a crusty substance surrounding your eyes. To relieve this symptom, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend sprinkling the eyes with rose water. You may also want to reduce the amount of dietary fat you intake each day.
Rest
Regardless of your imbalances, one of the best things you can do for the health of your eyes is to give them rest. An eye exercise called "palming" is one of the best ways relax the eyes, relieve eye strain and improve eyesight, according to Mukunda Stiles, author of "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy." Simply close your eyes and rub your palms together briskly until heat is generated. Then cup the palms over your eyelids, blocking out all light. Open your eyes and focus on the darkness for three minutes.
References
- "Ayurveda, The Science of Self Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad; 1984
- "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy;" Mukunda Stiles; 2007
- Yoga Journal; Bright Eyes; Catherine Guthrie
- "Gray's Anatomy"; Henry Gray; 1901 & 1977
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