Why is my lacrimal apparatus not working properly, and can Ayurveda help? - #16843

Your symptoms of alternating dryness and excessive tearing suggest an imbalance in the lacrimal apparatus, which Ayurveda associates with a Vata-Pitta disturbance. Dry eyes are linked to Vata (air element) imbalance, while excessive tearing is often a Pitta (heat) response to irritation. Factors like prolonged screen time, poor hydration, sinus congestion, and a diet high in processed foods and caffeine may be worsening the issue. Artificial tears only provide temporary relief, so Ayurveda focuses on nourishing the eyes, improving natural tear production, and ensuring proper drainage. One of the best Ayurvedic remedies for eye health is Triphala eyewash, which helps cleanse and strengthen the eyes. Soak Triphala powder in water overnight, strain it, and use the liquid to rinse your eyes in the morning. Additionally, Netra Tarpana (eye ghee therapy) with Triphala ghee or Mahatriphala ghee can deeply nourish the eye tissues and regulate tear production. You can also apply one drop of pure cow ghee in each eye at bedtime to lubricate dryness naturally. Since sinus congestion can block tear drainage, Nasya therapy (putting 2 drops of Anu Taila or sesame oil in each nostril daily) can help open up the tear ducts and improve moisture balance. Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health and tear stability. Increase hydration with warm water and herbal teas like fennel or licorice tea to prevent dryness. Eat ghee, almonds, walnuts, soaked raisins, carrots, leafy greens, and amla to nourish your eyes. Avoid fried, processed, overly spicy, and salty foods, as they can worsen Pitta and lead to inflammation. Since excessive screen time strains the eyes, follow the 20-20-20 rule—look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to reduce strain and promote natural blinking. Additionally, if sinus congestion is affecting your tear drainage, try steam inhalation with eucalyptus or ajwain and apply a warm compress around the eyes and nose to improve circulation. Ayurvedic herbs like Triphala, Amla, Yashtimadhu (licorice), and Shatavari support eye health and help balance tear production. With consistent Ayurvedic care, you should experience better moisture balance, reduced irritation, and improved overall eye comfort over time. Let me know if you need further guidance!

In Ayurveda, irregular tear production and eye discomfort are often linked to an imbalance in Pitta and Vata doshas, aggravated by excessive screen time, poor hydration, and dietary choices. To nourish and balance the lacrimal system, Netra Basti (therapeutic eye oil treatment) and Triphala eyewash can be highly beneficial. Soaking Triphala powder overnight, straining it, and using the water to rinse the eyes can help soothe dryness and irritation. Ghee, especially medicated ghee like Triphala Ghrita, is excellent for eye health and should be consumed daily. Diet plays a crucial role—reducing fried, spicy, and processed foods while increasing hydrating, cooling foods like cucumber, ghee, and soaked almonds can support eye moisture. Drinking plenty of warm water and herbal teas like fennel and coriander also aids tear balance. Practicing palming exercises and blinking consciously while working on a screen prevents strain. Nasya therapy (applying Anu Taila or cow’s ghee in the nostrils) can help improve tear drainage, especially if sinus congestion is contributing to the issue. Ayurveda offers holistic solutions to restore eye comfort naturally.