Eye Basti is a therapeutic Ayurvedic treatment for the eyes. It involves filling a dam made of dough around the eyes and then pouring warm medicated oil into it. The treatment is believed to
- nourish the eyes,
- improve vision, and
- relieve eye strain, dryness, and fatigue.
The dough dam is made of a mixture of flour and water, which is then shaped into a ring around the eyes. Once the dam is in place, warm medicated oil is poured into it, and the oil is allowed to soak into the eyes for a specific period of time. The type of oil used in Netra Basti can vary depending on the condition being treated. Typically, medicated ghee or oil made for eye basti from herbs like triphala, brahmi, or shatavari is used.
How to Apply Eye Basti
Eye Basti is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves pouring medicated oil or ghee into the eyes to provide nourishment and lubrication to the eye tissues. Here are the steps to perform Netra Basti:
- Preparation: The first step is to prepare the equipment and the medicated oil or ghee. The oil used in Eye Basti is usually prepared by mixing herbs like Triphala, Yashtimadhu, and Saffron with sesame oil or ghee. The oil should be lukewarm, not too hot or cold.
- Positioning: The patient is made to lie down on their back with a rolled-up towel placed under their neck to tilt their head back. The therapist will then place a small dough ring made from black gram dough around the patient’s eyes. The ring should be placed so that it fits snugly around the eyes without causing any discomfort.
- Pouring the Oil: The therapist will then pour the warm medicated oil or ghee into the ring, ensuring that the oil covers the entire eye. The patient is instructed to keep their eyes closed and blink occasionally to help spread the oil.
- Massaging: Once the oil is poured, the therapist will gently massage the area around the eyes for a few minutes. This helps the oil penetrate deeper into the tissues and enhances its effectiveness.
- Rest: After the massage, the patient is allowed to rest for a few minutes with their eyes closed. The therapist will then remove the dough ring and wipe away any excess oil around the eyes with a clean cloth.
- Follow-up: The patient is advised not to expose their eyes to bright light or dust for a few hours after the treatment. They are also advised to avoid rubbing their eyes or splashing water into their eyes for at least 2-3 hours after the treatment.
There are several herbal oils that are commonly used for Eye basti in Ayurveda. Here are a few examples:
- Triphala oil: This oil is made from a combination of three fruits – amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. It is known for its rejuvenating properties and is often used to treat eye disorders.
- Brahmi oil: Brahmi oil is made from the herb Bacopa monnieri, which is known for its cognitive and memory-enhancing properties. It can also help to soothe and nourish the eyes.
- Ashwagandha oil: This oil is made from the herb Withania somnifera, which is known for its stress-reducing properties. It can help to calm the mind and promote relaxation.
- Rose oil: Rose oil is known for its cooling and soothing properties. It can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the eyes.
- Saffron oil: Saffron oil is made from the spice Crocus sativus, which is known for its antioxidant properties. It can help to improve vision and reduce the risk of age-related eye disorders.
Common Eye Diseases Managed by Eye Basti
Eye basti is an Ayurvedic treatment that can help to alleviate a variety of eye conditions. Here are some common eye diseases that netra basti can help with:
- Dry eyes: Eye basti can help to lubricate and nourish the eyes, which can be beneficial for people who suffer from dry eyes.
- Conjunctivitis: Netra basti can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the eyes, making it an effective treatment for conjunctivitis.
- Glaucoma: Eye basti can help to improve circulation to the eyes and reduce intraocular pressure, which can be beneficial for people with glaucoma.
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Netra basti can help to improve vision and reduce eye strain, making it an effective treatment for myopia.
- Hypermetropia (farsightedness): Netra basti can help to improve focus and reduce eye strain, making it an effective treatment for hypermetropia.
- Cataracts: Eye basti can help to nourish the eyes and reduce oxidative stress, which can be beneficial for people with cataracts.
Tips and Tricks to Manage Eye Health
Ayurveda offers several tips and tricks for maintaining good eye health. Here are some Ayurvedic tips and tricks for eye care:
- Practice regular eye exercises: Ayurveda recommends practicing regular eye exercises to strengthen the eye muscles and improve vision. Some exercises include palming, blinking, and focusing on near and distant objects.
- Follow a healthy diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide the vitamins and nutrients that are essential for good eye health. Foods that are rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, are especially beneficial for the eyes.
- Practice good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes, can help to prevent the spread of infections and reduce the risk of eye problems.
- Protect your eyes from the sun: Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can damage the eyes over time. Wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim can help to protect the eyes from the sun.
- Use natural remedies: Ayurveda recommends using natural remedies, such as rose water or triphala, to soothe and nourish the eyes. Applying a few drops of rose water or triphala water to the eyes can help to reduce inflammation and irritation.
- Manage stress: Stress can have a negative impact on eye health. Ayurveda recommends managing stress through practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Get regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help to detect and prevent eye problems before they become more serious. Ayurvedic practitioners can also perform specialized eye exams, such as nadi tarangini, to assess the overall health of the eyes.