E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Dinacharya in Eye Care

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 2 February
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Role of Dinacharya in Eye Care - A Preventive Approach

Kesavan N1*, Krishnan EM T2, Saniya CK3, Ramana G4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.2.18

1* Neethu Kesavan, Research Officer, Ministry of Ayush, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Mineral and Marine Medicinal Resources Ccras, Goa, India.

2 Thrijil Krishnan EM, Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, India.

3 Saniya CK, Research Officer, National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma CCRAS, Kerala, India.

4 GV Ramana, Research Officer, Ministry of AYUSH, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Mineral and Marine Medicinal Resources CCRAS, Goa, India.

Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine indeed emphasizes a holistic approach to health that includes both prevention and cure. In ophthalmology, the preventive measures play a crucial role in maintaining eye health and reducing the risk of developing various eye diseases that can lead to vision impairment. The ability to see clearly and perceive the world around us is crucial for various activities, from navigating our environment to appreciating the beauty of the world. The term Swasthavritta refers to a lifestyle or regimen followed to maintain health and prevent the occurrence of diseases. It encompasses a set of practices and principles that are aimed at promoting overall well-being and preventing imbalances in the body and mind. All the Acharyas have mentioned the mandatory practice of Dinacharya for health maintenance. Hence here an attempt has been made to compile the procedures to improve the health of the eye through which the various diseases of eye can be prevented. The daily regimens like Anjana, Nasya, Dhumapana, Kavala, Gandusha, Abyanga, Padatra dharana, Snana etc are included for maintaining eye health. The eyes should be always protected from the external factors like dust, heat, radiations, excessive screen time, over straining the eyes like in dim light reading , gadget use in dim light etc. Most of the Netraroga in the current scenario can be prevented by healthy Dinacharya and by avoiding negligence.

Keywords: Dinacharya, Shalakyatantra, Netraroga, Life style changes, Anjana

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Neethu Kesavan, Research Officer, Ministry of Ayush, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Mineral and Marine Medicinal Resources Ccras, , Goa, India.
Email: 		Kesavan N, Krishnan EM T, Saniya CK, Ramana G, Role of Dinacharya in Eye Care - A Preventive Approach. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(2):117-121.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2948

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-12-15 2023-12-25 2024-01-05 2024-01-15 2024-01-23
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None declared Nil Yes 19.45

© 2024by Kesavan N, Krishnan EM T, Saniya CK, Ramana Gand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Neethu Kesavan et al. Role of Dinacharya in Eye Care - A Preventive Approach

Introduction

Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine indeed emphasizes a holistic approach to health that includes both prevention and cure. It focuses on maintaining a balance in various aspects of life, including diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being, to prevent diseases and promote overall health. Prevention is often considered the most effective and cost-efficient approach to healthcare. In ophthalmology, the preventive measures play a crucial role in maintaining eye health and reducing the risk of developing various eye diseases that can lead to vision impairment. The leading causes of blindness and low vision are primarily age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.[1] Eyesight is indeed a fundamental and invaluable sense that significantly impacts our daily lives. The ability to see clearly and perceive the world around us is crucial for various activities, from navigating our environment to appreciating the beauty of the world. In Ayurveda, the human sensory organs are classified into two categories: Jnanendriyas (organs of perception) and Karmendriyas (organs of action). Chakshurindriya, associated with the eyes and vision, is one of the five Jnanendriyas and Chakshurindriya (sense of sight) is given prime importance in Ayurveda. The eyes are considered to be not only windows to the external world but also windows to the inner workings of the body.

The definition of a Swastha (healthy individual) in Ayurveda is based on the balance of three Doshas (biological energies), proper Agni (digestive fire), balanced dhatus (body tissues), and a harmonious state of mind, senses, and soul.[2] The term Swasthavritta refers to a lifestyle or regimen followed to maintain health and prevent the occurrence of diseases. It encompasses a set of practices and principles that are aimed at promoting overall well-being and preventing imbalances in the body and mind. Swasthavritta involves adopting Dinacharya (daily routines), dietary habits, and lifestyle practices that align with an individual's constitution (Prakriti) and help maintain the balance of Doshas, Agni, Dhatus, and other physiological components. Hence creating awareness among the people regarding these concepts is necessary in this era of excessive and improper use of sense organs especially the eyes.

Acharya Vagbhata, says efforts must be taken by an individual to protect his eyes as for a blind person the day and night are equal and indistinguishable.[3] Wisdom encourages us to appreciate the significance of eyesight and take proactive measures to protect this invaluable sense. It is the responsibility of every individual to take necessary actions to maintain its health.

Eye is a Tejo-Maya Indriya, emphasizing the transformative and illuminating nature of vision associated with Agni Mahabhuta. The location of the eyes in the head region, which is Kapha-Pradhana Sthana, highlights the role of Kapha in providing structural and nourishing support to the eyes.[4] It always has the tendency to get Kapha Dushti. While explaining the Nidana of eye diseases, Acharya Vagbata is explaining that the indulgence in general causative factors of diseases (Sarvaroganidana) along with improper use or abuse of the eyes (Achakshushyasevana) can lead to an imbalance, with Pitta Dosha being predominant, affecting the five layers or regions of the eye (Five Mandalas of Netra). This imbalance could contribute to various eye disorders. Hence the predominant Dosha which get vitiated in Netra are Pitta and Kapha and also Vata is the dosha which Controls movement, blinking, and other dynamic functions of the eyes. The Indriya Artha Asamyoga of Netra causes Vata Pradhana Tridoshadushti. Hence all the three dosha along with Rakta are to be addressed to maintain the health of eye.

Dinacharya for Netra Rakshana

All the Acharyas have mentioned the mandatory practice of Dinacharya for health maintenance. Among these, Special mention of certain daily regimen is important. These are practices which can be done easily on a daily basis.

According to Ayurveda, one should wake up early in the morning in Brahma Muhurta which is beneficial for overall health and well-being. Ratri Jagarana (Staying Awake at Night) which causes Vata Pitta Dushti and Diva Swapna (Daytime Sleep) which causes Kapha Dushti. These practises potentially contribute to health issues, including those related to the eyes. This may lead to various life style disorders gradually.

The regimens to be practised for maintaining the health of eye are:


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Anjana (Collyrium)

The procedure of application of collyrium on the lower eye lids from inner canthus to outer canthus and vice versa is called as Anjana.[5] Acharya mentions the daily use of Sauviranjana for Sleshma Sravanartham (drainage or elimination of excess Kapha). The purpose of Anjana Karma is Kapha Nirharana however, while explaining the Timira Chikitsa, use of Snigdha Anjana like Vasanjana is also mentioned. For a healthy person, Anjana Karma maintains a disease free eye and it glows just like a bright moon in the clear sky.[6] The application of medicines in the eyes dilates the blood vessels and this can enhance local blood circulation, providing nourishment to the eye tissues. Anjana should not be done in ocular conditions like redness of eyes, pain, excessive lacrimation and swelling.

Nasya (Nasal administration of medicine)

Nasya, one among Panchakarma is a procedure in which the medicated oils or herbal juices are instilled in to the nostrils. In Pratimarsa Nasya, medicament is dripped in to the nose in lesser quantity and it never causes complications and can be practiced daily. According to Acharya Vagbata, it is advisable and good to practice daily from birth to death of a person.[7] It prevents the disease of eyes, nose, ears and also causes Indriya Prasadana.[8] Nose is the gate way to the Shira and medicines used in various forms cure the diseases of Shira. It causes Srotomukha Visodhana and Akshilaghuta and found to be effective in Madhyama Margaroga. This highlights the preventive aspect of nasal administration to maintain overall health in these sensory organs. The administration of drugs through Nasya (nasal drops), with potential absorption through mucus membranes, may facilitate entry of therapeutic compounds into general blood circulation. Antioxidants properties may help protect the eyes from oxidative damage, potentially reducing the risk of age-related eye conditions. By mitigating oxidative stress, these drugs may support overall tissue health, including structures related to the eyes and surrounding areas.[9]

Dhumapana (inhalation of smoke)

The inhalation and exhalation of medicated fumes from the medicated Dhumavarti is called Dhumapana. The fumes from the ignited

medicines have Ushna and Tikshna Guna and Vata Kapha Shamana property. It helps in the evacuation of excessive Kapha Dushti in Shiras. It helps to get lightness of head and clarity of sense organs (Indriya Samsuddhi). Prayogika Dhoompana is advised for daily use and it prevents disorders of head and neck region caused by imbalances in Vata and Kapha. This daily practice is said to cure Netrasula (eye ache) and discharge i.e., Kapha from the Sirah Pradesha, contributing to overall health of eye.[10]

But this procedure is contraindicated in Timira Netraroga. The excessive Dhumapana practice causes complications like blindness, deafness etc. Tikshna Gandusha, Nasya and Dhumapana are advised in the prodromal phase of Abishyanda Roga where the aim of Dhumapana is nothing but the Kaphashamana.

Kavala & Gandusha

In Gandusha procedure, the medicated oil or Kwatha is completely filled in the oral cavity and retained till Dosha gets filled in the mouth or watering from the eyes. Whereas the movement of the Dravya inside the mouth constitutes Kavala. These procedures are more effective in treating local inflammatory and degenerative diseases of oral cavity, nose and ears. However, the Samyak Lakshana of Kavala and Gandusha explains Indriya Prasadana which mentions the importance of these procedures. The absorption of medicines may happen through ophthalmic branches of facial artery.

Abyanga (oil massage)

Acharya Vagbata mentions that oil massage on the body especially the massage over Shira (head), Shravana (ears) and Paada (foot) leads to Drushti Prasasadana and is essential in maintaining and improving the vision. The regular massage of feet is said to be beneficial to the eyes. Applying oils over soles through massages can have a positive impact on eyes by influencing the Siras (veins) connected to the eyes. In the book Nadi Darpana, it is explained that there are ten Naadis (channels) in the head. Among these, Gandaari and Hastijivha are associated with the left and right eyes, respectively. Gandhari is surrounding the Ida Naadi, extending from Pada, and ending in the left Netra (eye). Similarly, Hastijivha surrounds the Pingala Naadi, extends from Pada, and ends in the right eye


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. This reflects the indicated network of Naadis believed to be connected to eye function in Ayurveda.[11] Acharya Charak also mentions that Drushtiprasadana (brightens of vision) is obtained by foot massage.[12]

Mukha-Alepa

Mukha Alepa is the procedure of application of herbal paste over the face and it help to improve the eye sight.[13] The ophthalmic branch of facial artery, facial nerve and trigeminal nerve are lying along the cheek and neck having branches to the eye. So, the procedure and the medicinal value of the Mukhalepa in turn affect the eyes.

Padatra Dharan (use of footwear) & Pada Prakshalana (Washing foot)

Maintaining the hygiene of foot by wearing footwear and washing foot are mentioned for maintaining the health of Netra.[14] The nerve endings in the sole are highly sensitive. The stimulation of these nerve endings reflects in eye through sympathetic and para sympathetic supply.

Chattra Dharana (Use of Umbrella)

Drishti is Sheetasatmya and exposure to sunlight (UV radiation), dry heat, wind and dust etc. alters the balance of Dosha in the eyes and causes diseases.[15] The sun's ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of cataracts and age related macular degeneration, if the eyes are exposed for a prolonged period.[16] Using an umbrella protects the eyes by shielding them from environmental factors like sunlight, heat, dust and it is considered as Chakshushya.[17] (beneficial for eye health).

Snana

In general, taking a bath refreshes the body and sense organs. According to Ayurveda, Head bath with cold water is advisable for the health of eye and hot water head bath causes Drishti Hani (damage to the eye).[18] Also Acharya Vagbhata mentions that bath is contraindicated if a person has any eye diseases.[19]

Ratri Charya: (Night regimen)

It is advised that, after having the dinner one should wash the hands properly and then touch the eyes with moist fingertips. This may be mentioned to maintain the Sheetatva over the eye which is Satmya to the eyes. For the strengthening of vision, intake of Triphala with honey and ghee is explained.

Conclusion

The prime factor or the basic pathological change behind the eye disorders is Abishyanda. Pitta (Alochaka) the functional factor along with Kapha has inevitable role in Netra Swasthya. Hence the measures to prevent the Pitta and Kaphadushti along with the maintenance of normal function of Vayu should be adopted for proper healthy functioning of eye. Abishyandi Ahara, which refers to heavy and unctuous foods that can contribute to excess secretions, should be avoided from the diet to prevent eye disorders. The eyes should be always protected from the external factors like dust, heat, radiations, excessive screen time, over straining the eyes like in dim light reading, gadget use in dim light etc. Most of the Netraroga in the current scenario can be prevented by healthy Dinacharya and by avoiding negligence. In Neetisataka of Chanakya, it mentioned that Shiras is important among the whole body and eyes are most important among all the sense organs. Hence by incorporating healthy diet, use of protective eyewear, taking breaks during screen time, avoidance of straining the eyes in dim light, adopting regular eye care practices, such as eye exercises and washing the eyes with clean water, ensuring sufficient and quality sleep along with practising Dinacharya eyes can be protected.

References

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11. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ’susrutavimarsini’ Hindi Commentary. Susruta Samhita of Maharsi Susruta Vol.2 (ChikitsaSthana 24/70), Varanasi; Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2018. p-362.

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15. Khurana A.K. Comprehensive Opthalmology. 9th Edition, New Delhi; Jaypee Brothers Medical publishers; revised reprint 2023.p-82

16. https://www.kcretina.com/blog/retina-health-and-lifestyle-choices-how-habits-affect-your-vision.

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