Satyori — Anjana Dinacharya Quick Card
Dinacharya Quick Card
Anjana
Anjana · Eye Care
About
Anjana -- the application of medicated substances to the eyes -- reflects Ayurveda's recognition that the eyes are among the most precious and vulnerable of the sense organs, requiring daily protection and maintenance that goes far beyond what modern eye care typically provides. The classical texts classify anjana not as cosmetic but as therapeutic, placing it within the essential daily routine alongside tooth cleaning and bathing.
How to Practice
Anjana is applied using a smooth, rounded applicator stick (shalaka) traditionally made of gold, silver, or copper. For daily practice (sauviranjana): dip the shalaka into the collyrium preparation, close one eye, and draw the applicator gently along the inner rim of the lower eyelid from the inner canthus to the outer canthus. Repeat for the other eye.
Benefits
Strengthens the eyes and protects visual acuity throughout life. Removes accumulated Kapha from the eye tissues and channels.
Dosha Effect
Sauviranjana (antimony-based collyrium applied daily) pacifies Kapha in the eyes, preventing the heaviness, wateriness, and itching that characterize Kapha ocular conditions. It clears the visual channels (chakshuvaha srotas) and sharpens visual acuity.
Modifications
Vata types benefit from ghee-based eye preparations (Triphala Ghrita applied around the eyes at night) as their eyes tend toward dryness. Pitta types should use cooling preparations -- rose water eye wash or Triphala Ghrita -- and avoid heating collyria.
Classical Reference
Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 2.4-5: Prescribes sauviranjana for daily use and rasanjana for weekly purification. Sushruta Samhita, Uttaratantra (ophthalmology section) provides extensive detail on eye care practices and collyrium preparations.
Dinacharya Guide
Anjana is practice #7 of 14. The complete Dinacharya Guide covers all 14 practices with meal timing, exercise windows, sleep protocols, and seasonal adjustments for every dosha.