Ayurveda views strabismus (squint) as a condition related to an imbalance of the doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta, which affect the netra (eyes) and their associated muscles and nerves. The goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to strengthen the eye muscles, improve nerve coordination, and balance the doshas.
Here are some of the Ayurvedic therapies and remedies commonly mentioned for treating strabismus, which a practitioner might consider for a baby or child:
External Therapies (Kriyakalpas)
These are localized treatments performed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Netra Tarpana (or Tharpanam): This is a key therapy where a pool of medicated ghee (clarified butter) is held around the eyes using a dough dam. The warm ghee nourishes and strengthens the eye muscles and nerves. It is considered particularly effective for soothing Vata and Pitta imbalances.
Netra Dhara (or Parishek): This involves a continuous, gentle stream of medicated liquid or herbal decoction being poured over the eyes. It is believed to cleanse the eye channels and relax the muscles.
Nasyam (Nasal Therapy): Medicated oils or powders are administered through the nostrils. Ayurveda considers the nose a gateway to the head and eyes, and this therapy is thought to be highly effective in treating eye conditions.
Shirodhara and Shirobasti: While not directly on the eyes, these therapies involve pouring warm oil on the forehead (Shirodhara) or retaining a pool of oil on the head (Shirobasti). They are used to calm the nervous system, which can help improve eye coordination.
Netra Abhyanga: This involves a gentle, specific massage around the eyes with medicated oils to improve circulation and muscle tone
Occasional squinting, or strabismus, in infants can be distressing, and I appreciate your willingness to explore Ayurvedic treatments carefully. While Ayurveda offers supportive measures, I must emphasize that squinting, especially if your pediatric ophthalmologist recommends surgery, should be closely monitored by your eye doctor. The decision to have surgery, while not an easy one, is made to ensure long-term healthy vision, so weigh your options wisely. It is often helpful to combine Ayurvedic support with traditional monitoring methods to ensure all aspects are covered. Remember, the goal is your child’s well-being and comfort, so keep an open line of communication with your eye doctor.
HELLO PRERNA,
WHAT IS INTERMITTENT SQUINT? -It means sometimes one eye doesn’t look in the same direction as the other. In your baby, this happens a few times a day and shifts between eyes
WHY DOES IT MATTER? -When eyes don’t align, the brain can’t always combine the two images into one, In young children, this may lead to the brain ignoring one eye (lazy eye or amblyopia). Over time, this can affect depth perception and clarity of vision .
WHY SURGERY IS SUGGESTED? -Because if the eye muscles dont align properly on their own, doctors sometimes operate to correct the position early so vision develops normally.
Ayurveda describes eye disorders under NETRA ROGA . Squint like conditions are explained as Vikrit Drishti (disturbed eye coordination) due to imbalance of vata (movement, nerve signals) and Pitta (clarity, light/heat in the eye)
GOAL OF AYURVEDA -nourish and strengthen the eye muscles and nerves -improve coordination between brain, nerves, and muscles - maintain clear vision and prevent further weakness -support the child’s overalll growth and development so the eyes are not working in isolation.
INTERNAL SUPPORT
1) MAHATRIPHALA GHRITA= 2-3 drops with warm milk =nourishes éye tissues
2) SAPTAMRIT LAUHA= very mild dose
EXTERNAL THERAPIES -Oil massage with Bala Taila gently massaged on head, around eyes , arms, legs -> strengthen nerves, calms vata
-MILD COLLYRIUM= medicated ghee applied around eyelids
-Netra tarpana= dont at clinic
LIFESTYLE GUIDANCE -sleep= regular, peaceful sleep is essential for nerve balance -Avoid strain= no bright lights , screens, or direct sunlight in eyes -Playtime= encourage tracking toys gently to train both eyes together
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Viddha karma in ayurveda is very useful in your case but needs to evaluate
We usually advise Netra Tarpana n some eye exercises I.e trataka along with supportive medicines but usually we recommend above 5 years
Consult nearby ayurvedic practitioner
In the context of Siddha-Ayurvedic practices, addressing a condition like intermittent squint (strabismus) involves understanding the imbalances in the doshas that might contribute to this situation. In young children, it is important to focus on gentle and supportive treatments that harmonize the body’s balance without aggressive interventions.
According to Ayurvedic principles, imbalances in Vata dosha, which governs movement and nerve impulses, could be a contributing factor in such neurological and muscular discrepancies. To support balancing Vata, especially for a young child, consider Ghee (clarified butter) massages. Gently apply a small amount of warm ghee around the eyes and forehead in circles, ideally in the morning or evening when the child is calm. This can help to soothe and balance the nervous system.
At this early age, it’s also essential to maintain a nourishing diet that supports healthy tissue development. Mashed sweet potatoes, well-cooked lentils with a sprinkle of cumin and a touch of ghee, and warm milk with a hint of turmeric may help strengthen the tissues supported by the sapta dhatus.
Light eye exercises such as gently moving a colorful object slowly side to side for the child to follow with their eyes can be beneficial. However, it’s crucial to perform these exercises without forcing or straining the child’s vision.
Monitoring the child’s general health and development with regular check-ups is vital to ensure nothing other serious is affecting vision. If the squint becomes more pronounced or is accompanied by other symptoms such as unusual behavior or developmental delays, seeking prompt medical advice from a specialist is necessary. Always remember that, especially for such young patients, any Ayurvedic treatment should complement primary medical advice and not replace necessary medical interventions.
Lastly, creating a calm and stable environment for the child to mitigate stress is also helpful in managing Vata imbalance. Consistency in daily routines, bedtime rituals, and ensuring a loving, stable atmosphere can significantly support overall well-being.
HELLO PRERNA,
1) AVOID CAUSES -avoid excess screen exposure, bright light, strain, and wrong feeding posture -ensure proper nutrition, breastfeeding in balanced posture
2) NOURISHMENT FOR EYES -Afetr age 1 gentle ghrita based therapies like mahatriphala ghrita internally= 3 -5 drops twice given -Externally retention of medicated ghee over eyes usually >5yeats not in infants
3) COLLYRIUM/MEDICATED APPLICATION -Sauviranjana anajana but only under expert supervision
4) OLEATION MASSAGE -Daily gentle massage of scalp and around eyes with Bala Taila helps strengthen nerves and msucles -improves coordination of oculomotor nerves
5) DIET -light nourishing diet with ghee, milk, dates, green leafy vegetables, -avoid junk, to much dry/spicy food
6) EYE EXERCISES -simple playful methods= making child follow toys/light source slowly in different directions -encourage muscle strengthening and coordination
THANK YOU
DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA
