Ayurveda Eye Care: For a Clear View

 Kapha eyes are usually large and clear with thick lashes.  Pitta eyes are sharp, penetrating and sensitive and are prone to itchiness or redness.  Vata eyes are small, nervous and dry.

Daily Care:
·         Ayurveda recommends rising before sunrise.  After waking-up in the morning, fill your mouth with water, close the eyes and sprinkle cool water on them about 10-15 times.  Do not use hot water on the eyes, or very cold water.
·         Do not stare continuously, especially while looking at long distance objects.  Blinking or giving rest to the eyes is good.  Do not look at the objects in bright sunlight for a long time.  Avoid reading, writing or working with eyes in improper light, or when the light is not sufficient.  Take a break and give rest to the eyes if you feel heaviness or tiredness in the eyes.
·         Staying up late in the night and sleeping after sunrise is harmful for the eyes.  In case of staying up late, drink a cup of water after each half-hour.
·         Try to maintain regular and clean bowel movements.  Constipation weakens the eyesight.  In addition, too much anxiety, mental stress, grief, anger and worry are harmful for the eyes.
·         Regular eye exercises maintain excellent eyesight.  See Eye kriya.
·         Another simple way of protecting the eyes is through “palming.”  Rub the palms of both hands for about 30 seconds, close the eyes and gently place the warm palms over the eyes.
·         Using triphala eye drops, (see recipe on next page), can cleanse the eyes and may improve eye conditions such as glaucoma.

Triphala Eye Wash:
Ingredients:
            1/4 tsp. triphala
            8 ox water

Boil pure water and add the triphala powder.  Simmer covered for 5 minutes.  Strain the liquid through many layers of cheesecloth to filter out the triphala residue.  Allow to cool and apply into the eyes, 5 drops per eye, with an eyedropper.