Ayurveda gives prominence to thoroughly examine the whole body including brain. It is observed that a person’s general health is dependent on how every part of the body functions. Eyes or vision too is not exception to the above rule. This is dependent on general wellness along with influence of environmental factors, genetic structure, person’s food habits, air-borne pollutants, and person’s work environment.
With the help of Ayurveda most of the eye ailments can be cured. And the effect too stays for longer duration. One should first learn about a person’s lifestyle, habits, exercise routine, family history and ability to cope with stress before beginning an assessment as this will help provide satisfactory results.
Eye treatment (Netra Chikitsa) is as old as Ayurveda itself, and is one of the most decisive branch of Ayurveda. Netra in Netra Chikitsa means eye, and Chikitsa means treatment and both these words originate from Sanskrit. As eyes are the window to our world, it is no wonder that preference should be given for its treatment above all. Shalakyatantra is a comprehensive branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda, and is concerned with the diagnosis and management of Eye, ENT, Oro-dental, head and scalp disorders.
Since ancient times, right importance has been given to the eyes as one of the integral organs. Even in ancient Ayurveda texts there are proof with regard to various eye treatments. Also it has been proved that there was a systematic practice and rules as far as eye treatment was concerned. Among all the branches under Shalakyatantra, Netra Shastra is the most important and popular one. Under this area, a total of 76 eye diseases have been explained.
Image by Gundula Vogel
