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!

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation, with those dry and watery eyes playing havoc on a regular basis. Mixing the wisdom of Ayurveda with modern insights can actually offer some solace and practical solutions. Let's dive in and figure this out together. In Ayurveda, eye issues like yours often relate to imbalances in the Pitta and Vata doshas, especially considering the symptoms you're describing—dryness (Vata) and excess tear production (Pitta). Computer screens and sinus issues can aggravate Vata, drying out the eyes, while dietary factors like caffeine and fried foods can spike Pitta, sometimes leading to excessive tear production. Netra basti, where medicated ghee is held in a dough ring over the eyes, could potentially nourish and soothe them. It may help balance Vata and Pitta, but you should definitely get this done by an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner because of its complexity. Triphala eyewash is another gentle yet effective solution. Triphala, made from three fruits, can be diluted to rinse your eyes. It’s cleansing and has anti-inflammatory properties, potentially easing irritation and restoring balance. Try it at night; boil water, let it cool, add a teaspoon of Triphala powder, let it settle, strain, then rinse. Once daily could be enough. Dietary changes are crucial. Stay hydrated—water is surprisingly vital for the tear film and overall eye health. Cutting back on caffeine, fried, spicy, and overly acidic foods can calm Pitta. Include foods rich in vitamin A (like carrots, pumpkins) and omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseeds, walnuts) for overall eye nourishment. Also, remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—this easy trick can reduce eye strain from screen time. If sinus issues persist, herbal steam inhalation with eucalyptus or tulsi leaves might ease nasal congestion, improving overall head circulation, and they come from Ayurveda’s expansive herbal lore. Still, if your symptoms are severe or not improving, please don't hesitate to reconsult with your healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic specialist. It's essential to find relief and balance, so let's keep an eye on this together.