Vision is very important for every sportsperson be it shooting, cricket, tennis or any other sport. Burning eyes, eye strain, eye diseases will definitely affect the performance.
Ancient Ayurvedic books have dedicated certain chapters to personal care only. These are described under Dinacharya (Daily routine) & Rutucharya (Seasonal routine). In this article we will be focusing on the eye care measures.
Following three steps can be followed to maintain the health of the Eyes.
Ahara (Diet)
The following diet enhances our eyesight. It will work on both Anatomical & Physiological aspects of the eyeball. The foods which strengthen our eyeball are mentioned under Chakshushya category (referred to as vision tonics).
1. Coriander seeds or Coriander is used in traditional Indian food on day to day basis. Coriander seeds are used in the form of tadka or powder as a spice for taste enhancing.
2. Draksha (Raisins) – Derived from grapes, reduces pitta. 5-6 pieces of raisins can be consumed about 5 to 6 times a day.
3. Rice- Shashtik shali rice (the one which is reaped in 60 days) is considered the best. If it is taken with Ajadugdha (goat milk), it works wonders. Goat milk has lot of vitamin A essential for eyes. It also enhances the nerve function.
4. Mudga (Green gram) – Can be consumed in the form of vegetable, khichdi with rice, mudga yoosha (green gram soup).
5. Amla- Can be consumed in the form of candy or supari (mouth refresher) as per the taste. It is specifically recommended in netra roga (Diseases of eyes).
Vihaar (Daily regime)
1. Proper sleep at night- A quality sleep at night is very essential as per Ayurveda; however sleep hours may vary from person to person. Sleeping in daytime causes many health problems.
2. Wearing suitable footwear- It will help avoid cracks & keep the feet clean. Ayurveda describes relation between foot health & eyes. If feet are not taken care of, it will lead to eye problems. Immersing feet in lukewarm water & massaging with oil is beneficial to the eyes.
3. Avoid direct exposure to sun.
4. Use of Anjana (Applying collyrium) – Ropan (healing) & Prasadan (enhancing) type of anjana can be used to maintain eye health.
5. Rasanjana and other methods like bidalak are described in Ayurveda as a regime to keep the eye & vision healthy.
6. Nasya (Administrating medicated oil/ghee etc in the nasal cavity) – This is also a part of Dinacharya (daily regime).
7. Trataka is an exercise to strengthen the eye muscles. While performing Trataka; a person needs to look at the flame of a diya without blinking the eye until tears come out of the eye depending upon individual strength.
Aushadhi (Medicine)
1. Trifala (a combination of three herbs – Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki) can be used in the form of decoction or powder.
2. Shatavari (a herb) formulations are useful for vision enhancement.
3. Aloe vera can be used internally in various formulations or as an application in the form of gel over eyes.
Note: Anjana, Nasya and the use of medication should be under the supervision of doctor only.
Dr. Jaydeep R. Gangal
MS (Shalakyatantra – Ayurvedic eye specialist)
