The Number One Eye Remedy

By Shannon Sexton, Yoga+

Our eyes filter and absorb an endless stream of visual stimuli day after day. We often take them for granted, but when we strain them the pain can be acute.

According to ayurveda, the eyes are a seat of the pitta dosha (the fire principle), and most eye problems result from a pitta imbalance. If you have pitta-type eyes (medium in size; either light blue, light gray, light green, or hazel in color; and characterized by an intense luster), your chances for eye irritation and strain are higher than people who don’t. And if you’re around 40, you’re also more susceptible to eye problems because alochaka pitta (a subtype of pitta that governs vision) tends to decrease at that time. Stress, overwork, anger, anxiety, alcohol, spicy food, pollution, and bright, direct sunlight will also increase your risk for eye irritation.

The #1 Eye Remedy

According to ayurveda, the mind and vision are intertwined. As Pratima Raichur writes in Ayurvedic Beauty Care, “When the mind is tired or strained, nothing can rest the eyes; and when the mind is at rest, nothing can tire the eyes.” Meditation and relaxation exercises are the #1 remedies for eye irritation.

Here are some other ways to relieve common eye problems and put the sparkle back into your eyes.

Massage

One of ayurveda’s most effective remedies for eyestrain and for burning eyes is massaging the scalp and feet nightly with one teaspoon of castor oil. (If the weather is hot or if you have a pitta imbalance, use brahmi or coconut oil instead.) The oil pulls heat from the eyes and promotes a sound sleep.

Palming

While sitting comfortably, rub the palms of your hands together rapidly for 10 seconds. (If your eyes are hot or it’s summertime, omit this step and instead place thin, wet, cold cotton pads on the palms.) Close your eyes and cup your hands over them, blocking out all light without placing any pressure on the eyeballs. Tilt your head forward and rest your elbows on your knees. Breathing smoothly and deeply, relax in this position for 1 to 10 minutes, up to 5 times per day. If images or light appear in your mind’s eye, stay here until you can surrender to the “blackout” without straining. Palming relieves eyestrain and bloodshot eyes.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Fred H.

8:29AM PST on Jan 26, 2013

Thank you Megan, for Sharing this!

January 26
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Donna H.

8:43AM PDT on Sep 17, 2012

Thanks.

September 17
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Pat W.

8:47PM PDT on Aug 7, 2012

wow just tried the "Palming" it really worked!

August 7
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Rosie L.

11:53AM PST on Jan 24, 2012

thanks

January 24
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aj E.

7:04AM PST on Jan 24, 2012

thanks.

Emma S.

11:24AM PDT on Oct 20, 2011

Thank you - useful stuff for all of us hunched over and peering at Care2!

October 20
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Lynn C.

5:31PM PDT on Jun 3, 2011

I'm trying the coconut oil tonight. Thank you!

June 3
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Peg R.

3:09PM PDT on Mar 20, 2011

What do you do for cataracts? Anything natural would be helpful.

March 20
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Maira S.

9:03AM PST on Mar 9, 2011

Gracias!

March 9
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Lu Ann P.

3:18PM PST on Mar 4, 2011

ghee? really?
i'll try palming but skip the ghee.

btw, thats two remedies right there, and the article had plenty more even though it is titled, "The Number One Eye Remedy."