VISUAL HYGIENE & BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES IN AYURVEDA

ARTICLE: VISUAL HYGIENE & BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES IN AYURVEDA

An Analysis of Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya Dinacharyā Verses 39–40

Abstract

Ayurveda emphasizes preventive health by prescribing daily routines (dinacharyā) that maintain balance of the doṣas and protect sensory organs. Among these, care of the eyes and restrictions regarding harmful behaviours play a vital role. Verses 39–40 from Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam outline specific practices to prevent ocular strain, psychological distortion, and systemic imbalance. This article examines these verses with their classical meaning, modern interpretation, and practical relevance.

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Introduction

The sensory organs (indriyāṇi) are described in Ayurveda as windows through which the mind experiences the world. The health of these organs is essential for proper perception, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing. Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya—a foundational text of Ayurveda—devotes a major section in the Dinacharyā chapter to maintaining sensory health, especially the eyes (cakṣuḥ).
Verses 39–40 specifically instruct what not to do, forming the preventive aspect of eye care and behavioural hygiene.

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Sanskrit Verses (A.H. Su. Dinacharyāḥ)

३९
सर्वथा क्षेत न आदित्यं, न भारं शिरसा वहेत् ।

४०
नेक्षेत प्रततं सूक्ष्मदीप्तामेध्याप्रियाणि च ।
मद्यविक्रयसन्धानदानापानानि नाचरेत्॥

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Classical Meaning

These verses instruct that one must avoid:

• Looking directly at the sun

• Carrying heavy loads on the head

• Gazing continuously at objects that are too minute, too bright, impure, or unpleasant

• Engaging with alcohol in any form

These guidelines aim to protect the eyes, stabilize mental faculties, and prevent harmful habits.

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Detailed Explanation

1. Avoid Looking Directly at the Sun (सर्वथा नेक्षेत आदित्यम्)

Looking at the sun can cause direct injury to the retinal tissues. Ayurveda explains that the eyes are predominantly pitta in nature and excessively bright light aggravates ālochaka pitta, leading to burning, redness, blurred vision, and degenerative changes.

2. Avoid Carrying Heavy Loads on the Head (न भारं शिरसा वहेत्)

Carrying weight on the head increases pressure in the neck, scalp, and ocular region.
Ayurvedic reasoning: Increased vāta and pitta in the head region can disturb vision.
Modern correlation: Increased intracranial and intraocular pressure, cervical strain, and headaches.

3. Do Not Gaze Continuously at Minute Objects (नेक्षेत प्रततं सूक्ष्म)

Prolonged close work—reading fine print, embroidery, digital screens—causes eye strain.
Ayurveda warns against fatigue of ālochaka pitta and vyanavata leading to headaches, dryness, blurred vision.

4. Avoid Staring at Bright, Impure, or Unpleasant Objects (दीप्त–अमेध्य–अप्रियाणि)

• दीप्त (bright): excessive brightness damages the visual system

• अमेध्य (impure): dirty or filthy sights disturb mental clarity

• अप्रिय (unpleasant): continuous exposure creates mental stress

The mind and eyes are closely connected (manas cakṣuṣoḥ saha sambandham āha).

5. Avoid All Dealings with Alcohol (मद्यविक्रय–सन्धान–दान–पान)

This includes

• Selling

• Brewing or manufacturing

• Gifting

• Consumption

Ayurveda considers alcohol (madya) a substance that quickly aggravates pitta and rajas, weakening sensory perception, damaging liver function, and causing ocular disorders like burning and redness.

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Physiological Rationale (Ayurvedic Perspective)

1. Eyes are Pittadhātu dominant
   Anything that increases heat harms vision—sun, bright light, anger, alcohol.

2. Mental Clarity is linked with Visual Input
   Impure and unpleasant sights disturb the mind, which in turn affects ocular stability (manovaha srotas).

3. Excessive strain disturbs Vata
   Continuous focusing on minute or bright objects leads to vata prakopa causing dryness, twitching, strain, and headaches.

4. Balance of head region is crucial
   Carrying weight disturbs śiras marma and can lead to long-term visual issues.

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Modern Interpretation & Correlation

Ayurvedic Instruction	Modern Explanation
Avoid looking at sun	Prevents retinal burns, photophobia, macular damage
No heavy load on head	Prevents cervical spondylosis, eye pressure, migraine
No continuous minute work	Prevents digital eye strain, myopia progression
Avoid bright/filthy/unpleasant visuals	Protects mental health, prevents stress and fatigue
Avoid alcohol interactions	Prevents liver disease, optic neuropathy, cognitive impairment

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Clinical Importance for Ayurveda Practitioners

• These guidelines are essential while treating Netra Roga (eye diseases).

• Helps in preventing recurrence in conditions like Abhishyanda, Timira, and dry eye syndrome.

• Useful as counselling points for students and patients.

• Can be included in lifestyle modification protocols.

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Practical Guidelines (Easy Summary)

Avoid:
✔ Direct sun viewing
✔ Heavy loads on the head
✔ Overuse of mobile phones/books at close range
✔ Staring at bright screens
✔ Watching disturbing content
✔ Any involvement with alcohol

Promote:
✓ Regular blinking
✓ Eye-washing with cool water
✓ Use of Anjana (collyrium) and Nasya as indicated
✓ Adequate lighting during work
✓ Frequent breaks during close work

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Conclusion

The verses (39–40) of Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya Dinacharyādhāya present timeless principles of visual hygiene and behavioural discipline. These guidelines integrate ocular health, mental wellbeing, and ethical conduct. When practiced daily, they help prevent a wide range of eye disorders, maintain sensory clarity, and support a sattvic lifestyle. Their modern relevance is particularly striking in an age dominated by screens, artificial lighting, and behavioural addictions.