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Role of Dinacharya in Eye Care - A Preventive Approach

Article in Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences · April 2024

DOI: 10.21760/jaims.9.2.18

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 REVIEW ARTICLE February 2024

Role of Dinacharya in Eye Care - A Preventive Approach

Neethu Kesavan1, Thrijil Krishnan EM2, Saniya CK3, G.V Ramana4
1,4
Research Officer, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Mineral and Marine Medicinal Resources, CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH,
Goa, India.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, India.
3
Research Officer, National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma, CCRAS, Kerala, India.

ABSTRACT
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.

Key words: Dinacharya, Shalakyatantra, Netraroga, Life style changes, Anjana

INTRODUCTION preventive measures play a crucial role in maintaining

Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine indeed eye health and reducing the risk of developing various
emphasizes a holistic approach to health that includes eye diseases that can lead to vision impairment. The
both prevention and cure. It focuses on maintaining a leading causes of blindness and low vision are primarily
balance in various aspects of life, including diet, age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular
lifestyle, and mental well-being, to prevent diseases degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and
and promote overall health. Prevention is often glaucoma.[1] Eyesight is indeed a fundamental and
considered the most effective and cost-efficient invaluable sense that significantly impacts our daily
approach to healthcare. In ophthalmology, the lives. The ability to see clearly and perceive the world
around us is crucial for various activities, from
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Neethu Kesavan
navigating our environment to appreciating the beauty
Research Officer, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for of the world. In Ayurveda, the human sensory organs
Mineral and Marine Medicinal Resources, CCRAS, Ministry of are classified into two categories: Jnanendriyas (organs
AYUSH, Goa, India.
E-mail: neethukesavan89@[Link] of perception) and Karmendriyas (organs of action).
Submission Date: 15/12/2023 Accepted Date: 23/01/2024 Chakshurindriya, associated with the eyes and vision, is
Access this article online
one of the five Jnanendriyas and Chakshurindriya
Quick Response Code
(sense of sight) is given prime importance in Ayurveda.
Website: [Link]
The eyes are considered to be not only windows to the
external world but also windows to the inner workings
of the body.
DOI: 10.21760/jaims.9.2.18
The definition of a Swastha (healthy individual) in
Ayurveda is based on the balance of three Doshas

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

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE February 2024

(biological energies), proper Agni (digestive fire), Tridoshadushti. Hence all the three dosha along with
balanced dhatus (body tissues), and a harmonious Rakta are to be addressed to maintain the health of
state of mind, senses, and soul.[2] The term eye.
Swasthavritta refers to a lifestyle or regimen followed
Dinacharya for Netra Rakshana
to maintain health and prevent the occurrence of
diseases. It encompasses a set of practices and All the Acharyas have mentioned the mandatory
principles that are aimed at promoting overall well- practice of Dinacharya for health maintenance. Among
being and preventing imbalances in the body and mind. these, Special mention of certain daily regimen is
Swasthavritta involves adopting Dinacharya (daily important. These are practices which can be done
routines), dietary habits, and lifestyle practices that easily on a daily basis.
align with an individual's constitution (Prakriti) and According to Ayurveda, one should wake up early in the
help maintain the balance of Doshas, Agni, Dhatus, and morning in Brahma Muhurta which is beneficial for
other physiological components. Hence creating overall health and well-being. Ratri Jagarana (Staying
awareness among the people regarding these concepts Awake at Night) which causes Vata Pitta Dushti and
is necessary in this era of excessive and improper use Diva Swapna (Daytime Sleep) which causes Kapha
of sense organs especially the eyes. Dushti. These practises potentially contribute to health
Acharya Vagbhata, says efforts must be taken by an issues, including those related to the eyes. This may
individual to protect his eyes as for a blind person the lead to various life style disorders gradually.
day and night are equal and indistinguishable.[3] The regimens to be practised for maintaining the
Wisdom encourages us to appreciate the significance health of eye are:
of eyesight and take proactive measures to protect this
invaluable sense. It is the responsibility of every Anjana (Collyrium)
individual to take necessary actions to maintain its The procedure of application of collyrium on the lower
health. eye lids from inner canthus to outer canthus and vice
Eye is a Tejo-Maya Indriya, emphasizing the versa is called as Anjana.[5] Acharya mentions the daily
transformative and illuminating nature of vision use of Sauviranjana for Sleshma Sravanartham
associated with Agni Mahabhuta. The location of the (drainage or elimination of excess Kapha). The purpose
eyes in the head region, which is Kapha-Pradhana of Anjana Karma is Kapha Nirharana however, while
Sthana, highlights the role of Kapha in providing explaining the Timira Chikitsa, use of Snigdha Anjana
structural and nourishing support to the eyes.[4] It like Vasanjana is also mentioned. For a healthy person,
always has the tendency to get Kapha Dushti. While Anjana Karma maintains a disease free eye and it glows
explaining the Nidana of eye diseases, Acharya just like a bright moon in the clear sky.[6] The
Vagbata is explaining that the indulgence in general application of medicines in the eyes dilates the blood
causative factors of diseases (Sarvaroganidana) along vessels and this can enhance local blood circulation,
with improper use or abuse of the eyes providing nourishment to the eye tissues. Anjana
(Achakshushyasevana) can lead to an imbalance, with should not be done in ocular conditions like redness of
Pitta Dosha being predominant, affecting the five eyes, pain, excessive lacrimation and swelling.
layers or regions of the eye (Five Mandalas of Netra). Nasya (Nasal administration of medicine)
This imbalance could contribute to various eye
disorders. Hence the predominant Dosha which get Nasya, one among Panchakarma is a procedure in
vitiated in Netra are Pitta and Kapha and also Vata is which the medicated oils or herbal juices are instilled
the dosha which Controls movement, blinking, and in to the nostrils. In Pratimarsa Nasya, medicament is
other dynamic functions of the eyes. The Indriya Artha dripped in to the nose in lesser quantity and it never
Asamyoga of Netra causes Vata Pradhana causes complications and can be practiced daily.

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

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According to Acharya Vagbata, it is advisable and good eyes. Whereas the movement of the Dravya inside the
to practice daily from birth to death of a person.[7] It mouth constitutes Kavala. These procedures are more
prevents the disease of eyes, nose, ears and also effective in treating local inflammatory and
causes Indriya Prasadana.[8] Nose is the gate way to the degenerative diseases of oral cavity, nose and ears.
Shira and medicines used in various forms cure the However, the Samyak Lakshana of Kavala and
diseases of Shira. It causes Srotomukha Visodhana and Gandusha explains Indriya Prasadana which mentions
Akshilaghuta and found to be effective in Madhyama the importance of these procedures. The absorption of
Margaroga. This highlights the preventive aspect of medicines may happen through ophthalmic branches
nasal administration to maintain overall health in these of facial artery.
sensory organs. The administration of drugs through
Abyanga (oil massage)
Nasya (nasal drops), with potential absorption through
mucus membranes, may facilitate entry of therapeutic Acharya Vagbata mentions that oil massage on the
compounds into general blood circulation. body especially the massage over Shira (head),
Antioxidants properties may help protect the eyes Shravana (ears) and Paada (foot) leads to Drushti
from oxidative damage, potentially reducing the risk of Prasasadana and is essential in maintaining and
age-related eye conditions. By mitigating oxidative improving the vision. The regular massage of feet is
stress, these drugs may support overall tissue health, said to be beneficial to the eyes. Applying oils over
including structures related to the eyes and soles through massages can have a positive impact on
surrounding areas.[9] eyes by influencing the Siras (veins) connected to the
eyes. In the book Nadi Darpana, it is explained that
Dhumapana (inhalation of smoke)
there are ten Naadis (channels) in the head. Among
The inhalation and exhalation of medicated fumes these, Gandaari and Hastijivha are associated with the
from the medicated Dhumavarti is called Dhumapana. left and right eyes, respectively. Gandhari is
The fumes from the ignited medicines have Ushna and surrounding the Ida Naadi, extending from Pada, and
Tikshna Guna and Vata Kapha Shamana property. It ending in the left Netra (eye). Similarly, Hastijivha
helps in the evacuation of excessive Kapha Dushti in surrounds the Pingala Naadi, extends from Pada, and
Shiras. It helps to get lightness of head and clarity of ends in the right eye. This reflects the indicated
sense organs (Indriya Samsuddhi). Prayogika network of Naadis believed to be connected to eye
Dhoompana is advised for daily use and it prevents function in Ayurveda.[11] Acharya Charak also mentions
disorders of head and neck region caused by that Drushtiprasadana (brightens of vision) is obtained
imbalances in Vata and Kapha. This daily practice is by foot massage.[12]
said to cure Netrasula (eye ache) and discharge i.e.,
Mukha-Alepa
Kapha from the Sirah Pradesha, contributing to overall
health of eye.[10] Mukha Alepa is the procedure of application of herbal
paste over the face and it help to improve the eye
But this procedure is contraindicated in Timira
sight.[13] The ophthalmic branch of facial artery, facial
Netraroga. The excessive Dhumapana practice causes
nerve and trigeminal nerve are lying along the cheek
complications like blindness, deafness etc. Tikshna
and neck having branches to the eye. So, the procedure
Gandusha, Nasya and Dhumapana are advised in the
and the medicinal value of the Mukhalepa in turn affect
prodromal phase of Abishyanda Roga where the aim of
the eyes.
Dhumapana is nothing but the Kaphashamana.
Padatra Dharan (use of footwear) & Pada
Kavala & Gandusha
Prakshalana (Washing foot)
In Gandusha procedure, the medicated oil or Kwatha is
completely filled in the oral cavity and retained till Maintaining the hygiene of foot by wearing footwear
Dosha gets filled in the mouth or watering from the and washing foot are mentioned for maintaining the

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

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health of Netra.[14] The nerve endings in the sole are factors like dust, heat, radiations, excessive screen
highly sensitive. The stimulation of these nerve endings time, over straining the eyes like in dim light reading,
reflects in eye through sympathetic and para gadget use in dim light etc. Most of the Netraroga in
sympathetic supply. the current scenario can be prevented by healthy
Dinacharya and by avoiding negligence. In Neetisataka
Chattra Dharana (Use of Umbrella)
of Chanakya, it mentioned that Shiras is important
Drishti is Sheetasatmya and exposure to sunlight (UV among the whole body and eyes are most important
radiation), dry heat, wind and dust etc. alters the among all the sense organs. Hence by incorporating
balance of Dosha in the eyes and causes diseases.[15] healthy diet, use of protective eyewear, taking breaks
The sun's ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of during screen time, avoidance of straining the eyes in
cataracts and age related macular degeneration, if the dim light, adopting regular eye care practices, such as
eyes are exposed for a prolonged period.[16] Using an eye exercises and washing the eyes with clean water,
umbrella protects the eyes by shielding them from ensuring sufficient and quality sleep along with
environmental factors like sunlight, heat, dust and it is practising Dinacharya eyes can be protected.
considered as Chakshushya.[17] (beneficial for eye
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