3 Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices For Clearer Intuition

By Courtney Alex

One thing I love about Eastern self-care practices such as Ayurveda is the view that our physical body, emotions, behaviors, and the spiritual metaphors associated with them, are all one. In other words, the formless and the formed realities are both taken into account, and nurtured, in equal measure. Recently, I took a class with DeAnna Batdorff, Founder of The dhyana Center in Sebastopol, about eye care - how our eyes are associated with clear perception, or inner vision. As we cleanse the physical eyes, we also cleanse the ‘third eye’, our intuitive lens, and with it, our ability to make good choices for ourselves based on what we ‘see’.

And while I learned SO much, as I always do from DeAnna - about how our eyes represent masculine and feminine, why sinus and eye pressure affects our ability to both ‘see’ and act based on what we see, which oils and herbal formulas are best to use at which times and why (for that you’ll have to download her tutorial ;) - below I’ll share just a few of the practices we learned so you can experience more clarity for yourself:

1. Neti Pot

Yes, Neti Pot is for clearing the sinuses, which also have a direct affect on the eyes. Not only does the connection between each side represent the interplay between masculine and feminine principles (and likely our relationships too) but swollen sinus cavities can put pressure on the optic nerves surrounding the eyes which affects our all-around sight. In fact, the word Neti refers to vision. Clear the sinuses using a Neti pot often, and you may be surprised by how easily you can improve your ability to  ‘see’ and ‘act’ with ease and clearer perception.

INSTRUCTIONS: For best results, first use an herbal steam with an Essential Oil like Eucalyptus or Rosemary to gently open sinus passageways. DeAnna recommends using a hot towel over the face, while I take a shortcut and use oils in my shower. After, fill the Neti Pot with warm previously-boiled saltwater - 2 cups of water to ½ teaspoon of sea salt*. Run 1 cup of warm saltwater through each nostril while breathing out from the mouth - right to left first, then left to right. Make sure the forehead is relaxed and that it stays above the chin as you work. After, do some twists and deep breathing exhalations through the nose to further clear out.

*Note that DeAnna recommends staying away from Himalayan Pink Salt both because of its politics and because it is too strong at ‘moving’ for daily use. That said, you can save your reserves for days when you have a cold and the sinuses are blocked.

2. Eye Flush

While I washed my eyes with a blend of previously-boiled warm water and Rose Hydrosol to soothe, nurture, and strengthen the blood vessels in my eyes, you can also use Frankincense or a light sun tea made of Lemon Balm for calming. This is done about once per week and can also help to alleviate dark circles and dry eyes. To do this one, you’ll need a glass eye-wash cup, very clean supplies so as not to infect your eyes, and a few minutes over the bathroom sink or outdoors.

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill the eye-wash cup with the Hydrosol of your choice, fit it over the eye socket to make a seal, and then tilt your head back. I like to start with my eye closed in order to be gentle with my body, and then slowly breathe as I blink my eye open to flush the eye. Then, roll your eyeball in each direction to work the solution around and loosen any particles. Do this for 15-30 seconds, then dump out the water and repeat with the other eye. Again, this can be done about once per week. 

3. Castor Oil Eye-Drops and Massage

Yup! Just like it sounds! Just a drop of Castor Oil in the eyes helps break down scar tissue both physically and metaphorically. Make sure to use a bottle that’s kept clean and just for the eyes, in order to avoid contamination. Always use a Q-tip or clean glass dropper to retrieve the oil.

INSTRUCTIONS: Use a Q-tip or clean glass dropper to dip into the bottle of Castor Oil and dab a drop in the inner corner of your eye and/or under the eyelids just before bed. Just use a touch - it shouldn’t drip onto your pillowcase. Massage in circles around your eyes for some extra love and to relieve tension. Of course, this is also nice for nurturing the skin. This one can be done nightly or as needed.

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For information on live and download-able Ayurvedic self-care classes, products (her handmade herbals and oils are quite magical!), or treatments with DeAnna and team, including more of this series shared above in 'Self Care Basics: Eye-Care', please visit: www.dhyanaCenter.com