AYURVEDIC TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES

The quality of food taken by a person determines his/her health including that of his/her eyes. Easily digestible foods, rich in fiber should be taken. A diet rich in whole grain cereals, sprouted pulses, fresh vegetables and fruits will guarantee a healthy eyesight. Food should be well digested before going to sleep. One should go to sleep only after 3 hours of eating. Regular intake of ghee and buttermilk is advised. Two to three liters of water is to be consumed to keep the body and eyes hydrated. Eyes should be washed regularly with clean and natural water. Eyes must be protected when traveling to avoid direct wind pressure, sunlight, dust, heat. Direct exposure to hot or cold winds must be avoided. It is not advisable to gaze continuously for a long time at an object or at work. Lukewarm or cold water must be used for showering. Regular passing of bowel is important. Reading in the correct posture(sitting upright)with proper lighting on the reading material. Sleeping with many pillows is not good for the eyes. Eye exercises have a major role in maintaining healthy eye sight. Regular eye blinking, palming is recommended to keep the eyes moist and clean. Practice of yoga and pranayama helps in circulation. Proper sleep is very important to maintain eye health. At least 6 to 8 hours of sleep is necessary Triphala powder soaked overnight in warm water and used as a eyewash in the morning after straining the water helps to keep the eyes clean and cool. A slice of aloe or cotton dipped in pure rose water on the eye lids keeps the eyes cool and fresh. Application of pure 'kajal' helps to remove excessive kapha, and improves vision. A shampoo applied on the head by crushing and soaking hibiscus flowers and leaves in water (for about 2 hours) will ensure a relaxed feeling. Soak a teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds in a cup of water overnight. Strain and use the water to wash eyes regularly to soothe tired, sore eyes. This also removes unwanted dirt. Castor oil and coconut oil can be mixed in equal proportions and applied on the head regularly, followed by a gentle massage. This will keep the eyes cool. Application of a drop of pure cold pressed coconut oil on each eye will prevent dryness and reddening of the eyes. Massaging the soles with cold pressed sesame oil before going to bed is useful in case of pain and reddening of eyes, insomnia. Massaging the closed eyelids with pure ghee or cold pressed sesame oil will guarantee good rest. Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenating therapies like nasya, shirodhara, akshidhara can also be done regularly under medical supervision. Hip bath or tub bath is also advised to improve circulation