Ayurveda is the traditional, holistic medical system of India, a practice that has had more than 5,000 years to develop. According to the Ayurvedic system, health and disease occur due to the relationships between three fundamental life forces, or doshas -- each connected with certain physical elements. A qualified Ayurvedic practitioner may treat an ailment, like bags under the eyes, with one of several traditional methods. Before adopting any remedy yourself, consult your physician.
External Applications
Ayurvedic medicine recommends applying several natural substances, such as common fruits and vegetables, to the area below and around the eyes to reduce swelling or dark circles. Slices of apple are recommended for their high levels of tannin. Cucumber is valued, as it is considered a "cooling" vegetable. The high levels of starch in potato are also effective, whether you use a slice or a peeled strip. As when adopting any new treatment, consult your doctor before applying anything to your eyes.
Diet
Many Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe a change in diet to correct an ailment such as bags under the eyes. As the Ayurvedic system is based on each individual having a particular combination of doshas -- the life forces associated with different elements -- the ideal diet for any one person will vary according to their particular dosha profile. Ayurvedic medicine considers that each dosha is related to particular bodily functions. In addition, each person belongs to one of three types, each a particular combination of doshas with its own physical and psychological attributes and its own recommended treatments. According to your own Ayurvedic profile, maintaining a healthy diet can dramatically improve puffiness or darkness under the eyes. As general dietary advice, the Ayurvedic approach to bags under the eyes would include meals prepared with more water, such as stews, soups and sauces. Consuming fresh fruit is also recommended, as it provides an additional source of water.
Tonic, Paste and Tea
Besides sliced fruit and vegetables, you can place cotton balls infused with rose water over your eyes to reduce swelling. If you don't have access to rose petals or rose water, you can simply moisten cotton balls with clean, cool water and set them over your eyes. Applying something cooling to the eyes is one Ayurvedic practice that aligns with Western medicine -- the Mayo Clinic recommends cold compresses to reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes. Another Ayurvedic remedy prescribes mixing powdered nutmeg with a small amount of milk to create a paste. Placing this paste over the affected areas is meant to reduce inflammation. Moistened tea bags are considered to have the same beneficial effect.
General Considerations
Ayurvedic medicine aligns with Western thinking in advising a low-stress lifestyle as a key remedy for bags under the eyes. Adopting a relaxation practice or getting additional sleep may reduce or reverse the appearance of sagging skin beneath the eyes. In addition, it's normal during aging for skin to lose elasticity, leading to bags in certain areas, such as under the eyes. Also, the appearance of bags under the eyes is not a medical problem, but may be a natural part of the aging process. Consult with your doctor to determine whether you have any cause for concern.
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