We see this beautiful world through our eyes. The eyes are one of the sensory organs of our body. They are made up of many minute and sensitive areas, one of which is the conjunctiva. The white portion of the eyes is conjunctiva which is a transparent membrane that also covers the eyelids. When the blood vessels present in the conjunctiva become inflamed, then this condition is known as conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is a very common disease. Here in this blog, you will get to know what is told about this disease and what are the treatments in Ayurveda.
What does Ayurveda say about conjunctivitis?
As mentioned by acharyas, conjunctivitis is a condition that can be co-related with Abhishyanda. Abhishyanda is composed of two words that are ‘abhi’ which means profuse or more and ‘shyanda’ which means discharge and secretion.
The root cause of any disease in Ayurveda is the vitiation of the three doshas. Based on the vitiation of doshas, Abhishyanda is of three types—
1- Vataj Abhishyanda: Its main symptom is unbearable pain in the eyes.
2- Pittaj Abhishyanda: Its main symptom is burning sensation in eyes.
3- Kaphaj Abhishyanda : Its main symptom is severe itching and water discharge from eyes.
4- Raktaj Abhishyanda: Its main symptom is redness in eye along with itching, pain and burning sensation in eye.
What are the symptoms and causes of Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an infectious disease. When it occurs, the following symptoms can be seen —
- Profuse itching and burning sensation in eyes.
- Redness is seen in the white part of the eyes.
- Teary eyes or sticky discharge from eyes.
- Blurred vision.
Swelling. - Eyes become sensitive to light.
There are several causes of conjunctivitis. These include –
- infections like bacteria and viruses.
- Allergies like dust and pollen.
- Irritants like chemicals in cosmetics.
- Foreign bodies like insect.
- Severe disease conditions like diabetes.
What are the treatments for Conjunctivitis in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda can treat conjunctivitis through following ways –
1- Lifestyle modifications :
These include precautions like practicing good hygiene, washing hands regularly, avoiding day sleep and suppression of natural urges like sneezing, cough and many more.
2—Dietary control :
It includes avoiding heavy, oily and hard to digest foods. Including more leafy green vegetables, pomegranate and rock salt.
3—Yoga :
This helps you to cope with stress and strain on your eyes. Moreover it also strengthens the muscles of the eyes. Following yoga postures can be helpful in conjunctivitis-
- Suryanamaskar
- Sarvangasana
- Bhujangasana
- Shavasana
4—Medications :
Ayurveda suggests ample medications for conjunctivitis. These are—
- Use of internal medications like— sudarshan churna, punarnavasav.
- Use of external medication in the form of—
- Dhara: In this medicated liquid is poured over the eyes.
- Washing eyes with medicated decoction like triphala.
- Aschyotana: Pouring medicated liquid in the form of eye drops.
- Vidalaka: In this, medicated paste is applied over the eyelids.
- Gandusha: Holding medicated liquid or paste for a while in your mouth.
5—Purification:
These include procedures that remove toxins from our body. For conjunctivitis these procedures are —
- Virechan ( Purgation)
- Nasya
- Rakta Mokshan ( Blood letting)
Takeaway:
Conjunctivitis can be fully cured through Ayurveda. If you are suffering with conjunctivitis then, you must visit a doctor before it becomes complicated. Eyes are the sensitive organs so never use anything herbal before consulting Vaidya ( Ayurvedic doctor).