Addressing myopia and the related eye strain from migraines in a holistic manner involves a blend of Ayurvedic practices. While Ayurveda has limitations in significantly altering refractive errors like myopia, it can certainly contribute to reducing strain and discomfort, potentially enhancing eye health.
First, consider adopting a daily routine known as “Eye Exercises,” which aid in reducing eye strain. Begin with “Palming.” To perform it, rub your palms together to create warmth and gently place them over your closed eyes without pressure. Do this for about 5 minutes whenever your eyes feel tired. It helps in relaxing the eye muscles and alleviating stress.
Diet plays a pivotal role in eye health. Incorporate ghee, particularly triphala ghrita (medicated ghee) into your diet — 1 teaspoon taken with warm milk in the morning can be beneficial. Triphala, a traditional blend of three fruits, cleanses and strengthens your eyes. Drinking a decoction made from equal parts of the triphala fruits everyday can assist. Boil a tablespoon of the mixture in water till it reduces to half, strain, and drink.
Ensure you consume foods rich in Vitamin A like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes which are crucial for eye health. Avoid excessive screen time and take frequent breaks following the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Regarding migraines, you might try Ayurvedic nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils), specifically using Anu Taila. A few drops in each nostril daily may ease migraine symptoms. Regular head massage with Brahmi oil aids in calming the nervous system.
However, ayurveda works best in conjunction with advice from your healthcare provider, especially for migraines. If your symptoms persist, it’s imperative to consult a specialist. Timely medical guidance is essential in ensuring overall wellbeing and in effectively managing your vision and discomfort.
Improving eyesight naturally, particularly with significant myopia like -5.0, can be challenging, but Ayurveda can offer supportive measures for eye health and possibly alleviate some discomfort associated with migraines. Your condition might be linked to an imbalance in pitta dosha, often associated with heat and inflammation, affecting both vision and migraines.
For your daily routine, start by incorporating Triphala eyewash. Triphala, a blend of three fruits, is beneficial in supporting eye health. Boil one teaspoon of Triphala powder in a glass of water, let it cool, then strain it. Use the liquid to wash your eyes every morning. Ensure that the water is at a comfortable temperature before using it.
In terms of diet, include more cooling and pitta-pacifying foods. Opt for more fruits like pears and apples, and vegetables such as cucumber and leafy greens. Avoid spicy, fried, and overly acidic foods, as they can aggravate pitta further. Hydration is vital, so ensure you’re drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day.
Practicing Trataka, a yogic technique, might also be beneficial. It involves gazing at a candle flame or a black dot without blinking for as long as comfortable, then resting the eyes. This can help strengthen the eye muscles and enhance concentration.
For migraines, applying a paste of sandalwood on the forehead can provide cooling relief. A paste can be made by rubbing a sandalwood stick on a stone with water until a smooth paste forms. Leave it on until it dries, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Stress reduction techniques like pranayama or meditation can help manage migraines better. Sudarshan kriya and Anulom Vilom are particularly effective. Practice these with guidance to ensure you’re doing them correctly.
Consume Brahmi with ghee (clarified butter) - about a quarter teaspoon, to nourish the nerve tissues and reduce stress. It’s also supportive for migraine suffers in general.
Lastly, since migraines could indicate more systemic issues, try to monitor any triggers, and if they persist in intensity or frequency, consult a healthcare provider for comprehensive assessment and care alongside Ayurvedic approaches.
