Eye Spa Therapy

 After the age of forty, alochaka pitta, the elemental fire energy associated with vision, tends to diminish. The eyes then become more susceptible to irritation. Eye strain is also sometimes caused by dryness of the conjunctiva (due to excess vata in the system). In some cases it is related to excess heat and acidity in the stomach (due to excess pitta), both of which render your eyes more sensitive to dry air, excessive reading, computer work, contact lenses, or chemical solutions. The eyes are also related to the liver, and stagnant heat in the liver is yet another common cause of eye strain.

Making your own remedy to relieve eye strain:

--list--Prepare a solution of rose water. Take 1 ounce of distilled or purified water, add 5 drops of pure rose water, and use the solution to rinse your eyes. Use a dropper or an eye cup, and be sure the water is neither too cold nor too hot. This solution soothes irritation. (Buy pure rose water from a health food store and check to make sure that it has no preservatives or artificial ingredients). If the irritation is acute, you can put 3 drops of pure rose water into each affected eye. Rose water is cooling and tonifying and will quickly soothe burning, irritated eye.

The simplest and best remedy for irritated eyes: Put a single drop of pure, genuine castor oil (without preservatives) into your eyes at bedtime. Rubbing a little castor oil on the soles of your feet at bedtime also helps. Remember to wear some old socks that you don't mind throwing away after a certain number of treatments. (Castor oil is quite thick and sticky and can create a film in your washing machine).

If excess acid and high pitta are a causal factor of eye strain, pacify acidity by taking 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel 3 times a day before meals.

Try washing your eyes with one of the remedies below:

Tridoshic eyewash (for high pressure, burning, tension, irritation): try triphala eyewash: ¼ tsp. in 1 cup water, boil for 10 minutes, cool and strain.
Pitta eyewash (for inflammation): use organic rose water (most commercial rose water has chemicals in it that will sting the eyes). See instructions above.
Kapha eyewash (for mucus conditions): try diluted cranberry juice, 3-5 drops in a teaspoon of distilled water.

You can purchase an eye wash cup at most health food stores. Be sure to strain herbs extra well through many layers of cheesecloth or through an unbleached coffee filter.



General Eye Care

Take frequent breaks while reading or using a computer, placing your hands over your eyes to soothe them. Also, only read while sitting straight up. Use a non-glare computer screen if possible.

When you wash your face in the morning, fill your mouth with cool water and hold it there; then splash cool water over your open eyes. When you are done washing your face and eyes, spit the water out into the sink. This has a cooling effect both from outside and within. This will refresh your eyes and create a sense of wakefulness. Then proceed with the exercises below.

 
Ayurvedic Eye Exercises as taught by Dr. Vasant Lad

The following exercises will strengthen your eyes.

First, blink the eyes rapidly several times. Then, with eyes open, move your eyes in this pattern:
Up and down
Side to side
Diagonally from top left to bottom right
Diagonally from top right to bottom left
Clockwise in a circle
Counterclockwise in a circle

Hold your arm outstretched in front of you. Look at the tip of your index finger, and gradually bring the finger close to you, following it with your eyes, until it touches your "third eye," between your eyebrows.
Look at the tip of your nose, and then up toward your "third eye."
Finally, close your eyes tightly, then release. These exercises are beneficial for improving the circulation of the eccentric muscles of the eyeball.

After finishing the exercises, or anytime your eyes feel tired or strained, rub your palms vigorously together for a few seconds to generate some warmth, then place them lightly over your eyes. Feel how soothing the warmth is. Keep them there for a minute or two to strengthen and nourish your eyes.

Sun salutations (a sequence of yogic exercises) also help keep the eyes strong. Try to work your way up to 12 sets every morning.