Dr Kranthi R Vardhan - Weekly Newsletter - Issue#137

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the 137th edition of our Ayurvedic Wellness newsletter! In the digital age, our eyes are under constant stress due to screen exposure, artificial lighting, lack of rest, and environmental pollution. These factors, combined with an improper lifestyle, can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and even early vision deterioration.

In Ayurveda, the eyes (Netra) are considered a seat of Pitta dosha, specifically Alochaka Pitta, responsible for visual perception. To maintain clear, healthy vision, it is essential to balance Pitta, nourish the visual system, and adopt protective daily practices.

In this edition, we explore Ayurvedic methods to protect and strengthen eye health naturally—restoring clarity, brightness, and comfort.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Eye Health

According to Ayurveda, eye health is maintained by the balance of:

• Alochaka Pitta – Governs vision and light perception
  

• Vata – Influences blinking and tear production
  

• Kapha – Maintains lubrication and structural stability
  

Imbalances in any of these can lead to conditions like:

• Dryness, twitching, strain, fatigue (Vata imbalance)
  

• Redness, inflammation, light sensitivity, burning (Pitta imbalance)
  

• Watering, puffiness, heaviness, dullness (Kapha imbalance)
  

Ayurvedic Practices for Eye Care

1. Netra Tarpana (Eye Rejuvenation Therapy):

• A medicated ghee treatment where ghee is gently pooled over the eyes in a well formed from dough—soothes and strengthens vision.
  

2. Eye Washing with Triphala Decoction:

• Soak 1 tsp Triphala in warm water overnight, strain it, and use the water to rinse your eyes in the morning. This cleanses and cools the eyes.
  

3. Palming Technique:

• Rub your palms together until warm and gently cup them over closed eyes for a few minutes—relieves strain and improves circulation.
  

4. Blink Often and Follow the 20-20-20 Rule:

• Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to prevent digital eye fatigue.
  

Dietary Tips for Sharp Vision

1. Eat Eye-Friendly Foods:

• Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants—protects retina and supports clarity.
  

• Carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes: Contain beta-carotene and lutein, essential for healthy vision.
  

• Almonds and walnuts: Rich in omega-3s and vitamin E—reduce inflammation and support ocular nerve health.
  

• Ghee: Nourishes Alochaka Pitta, lubricates eyes, and promotes inner brightness.
  

2. Stay Hydrated:

• Drink sufficient warm water and herbal teas to prevent eye dryness.
  

3. Avoid Vision-Aggravating Foods:

• Limit sour, spicy, fermented, and excessively salty foods, which aggravate Pitta.
  

Herbal Remedies for Eye Health

1. Triphala:

• A classical Ayurvedic blend (Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amla) that detoxifies, strengthens vision, and improves digestive health—essential for eye function.
  

2. Yashtimadhu (Licorice):

• Cools Pitta, supports eye clarity, and soothes tired eyes—can be used in small doses internally or applied in herbal pastes.
  

3. Shatavari:

• Rejuvenates tissues and maintains ocular moisture, especially helpful in dry or irritated eyes.
  

4. Rose Water:

• Natural coolant for eyes—use as a wash or as drops for instant freshness and relief.
  

5. Saffron (Kesar):

• Enhances vision, improves blood circulation, and supports Alochaka Pitta.
  

Lifestyle Tips to Maintain Vision

1. Reduce Screen Time After Sunset:

• Avoid late-night device use. Blue light affects melatonin levels and strains vision.
  

2. Sleep Well:

• A restful 7–8 hours of sleep supports optic nerve function and refreshes the eyes.
  

3. Practice Eye Yoga:

• Exercises like eye rotations, focusing on near and far objects, and slow blinking can improve muscle tone and focus.
  

4. Use Protective Eyewear:

• Sunglasses during the day and blue-light filters for screens can prevent exposure-related damage.
  

Ayurvedic Therapies for Eye Rejuvenation

1. Shirodhara:

• Calms the nervous system and indirectly reduces Pitta and stress affecting the eyes.
  

2. Nasya Therapy:

• Instillation of medicated oil in the nostrils to improve neurological connection and eye clarity.
  

3. Netra Prakshalana:

• Cleansing of the eyes with herbal decoctions to remove toxins and rejuvenate tissues.
  

Key Takeaways for Eye Care

• Support with Diet: Eat ghee, Amla, carrots, and omega-3s for optimal eye nourishment.
  

• Follow Daily Eye Rituals: Triphala wash, palming, and cooling applications reduce fatigue and dryness.
  

• Use Herbal Allies: Triphala, rose, saffron, and licorice support vision and reduce inflammation.
  

• Rest Your Eyes: Regular sleep, reduced screen time, and blinking consciously protect vision.
  

Final Thoughts

Your eyes are not only windows to the world but also to your internal health. Ayurveda teaches us that by respecting nature’s rhythms and nourishing our Alochaka Pitta, we can enjoy clear, vibrant, and healthy vision for years to come.

Stay tuned for more practical Ayurvedic tips for everyday wellness!

With clear vision and wellness wishes,
Dr. Kranthi R Vardhan
 www.vardhanayurveda.com

P.S. Experiencing eye fatigue, dryness, or vision issues? Call us at 7997 108 108 for personalized Ayurvedic consultations and therapies like Netra Tarpana and Shirodhara. Forward this newsletter to your loved ones who spend long hours on screens. Access our newsletter archive here.