We all grew up hearing our grandmothers' nuskaas, or slang terms, for everyday objects and activities, such as "kadha" for "cough," "taap Swed" for "asthma," "shunthi lep" for "headache," and so on. The list would be infinite.
We don't feel the need to introduce everyone to Ayurved because it already exists in our culture. In order to reach the ‘har din har ghar Ayurveds’ ideal, it is necessary to provide the right education and to increase our knowledge.
People believe results and these results would be achieved by the efforts of all as one.
Ayurveda explains various activities or charya for maintaining health – like dina charya i.e. Daily routine, rutu charya i.e. lifestyle according to various seasons, etc. Here we will be discussing a generalized approach of lifestyle for health benefits.
The first thing to follow is waking up early, Brahm Muhurt as called by Ayurveda i.e. just before sunrise.
After that, Prataha karma of sauch vidhi or having clear bowels is expected. If it is not regular, it may be suggestive of indigestion. If not taken care of, it leads to the accumulation of doshas in the body causing multiple diseases including those of the eyes.
Also, as our five senses are integral to living life to its fullest, Ayurveda suggests many procedures to take care of them. Here we will do some procedures specifically for taking care of our eyes -
1. Nasya - or Nasal drops
The nose is considered a route to the brain by Ayurveda where all senses reside. numerous medicated oils and ghee can be used for the same. For a healthy person, sesame oil is preferred. It should be avoided if you are suffering from an active cough and cold.
2. Netra Seka
A slow and steady gushing of liquids on the eye. Eg. gulab jal, dugdha, triphala jal, medicated kwaths, and oils.
3. Anjan - Eye application -
Can be used in 2 forms daily and once a week. As eyes are easily affected by increased kapha, regular cleaning out of the kapha is necessary. Tupanjan can be used for this.
4. Padabhyanga or foot massage -
With anything from basic ghee to medicated oils, can be performed daily to avoid neuropathies and cracks in the soles and also to improve vision.
5. Mukh lepa -
Using various herbs to apply on the facial skin, which not only improves the tone and glow of the face but also improves the functioning of the senses. Chandan, vetiver, haldi, sariva, liquorice etc can be used along with water or milk.
6. Bidalaka -
It is the application of herbs on the closed eyelids. It uses medicines to calm the irritation of the eyes, decrease burning, and pain, and improve vision.
7. Yoga -
Regular eye movements, along with procedures like ‘trataka’ from yoga can definitely help in maintaining the health of the eyes.
8. Bath -
Ayurveda advises avoiding hot water baths overhead as it can hamper vision. Warm or cold water should be preferred to safeguard the eyes.
9. Adequate hydration
It is also important as nowadays we are continuously exposed to computers, mobiles, screens, etc which can cause dryness of the eyes.
10. Diet -
Old rice and wheat, green gram, ghee, pomegranate, triphala, honey, rock salt, black resins, etc are useful for eye health.
These very fundamental tips can lead to the betterment of your eyes so that you can see the beautiful world and enjoy it without obstruction.
Edited by – Vd. Neelesh Patil