Dark circles- unwanted shadow under your eyes

“The eyes are the window to your Soul”.

The Eyes, the best creation which enables us to see this beautiful world. A beautiful face with equally beautiful eyes connect deeply with us.

So much is written about eyes. But what about under eyes? Yes! Under eyes… the ugly dark black circles… Aren't they casting an unwanted shadow on your beautiful eyes? Just imagine… you are getting ready for a party; wearing an elegant dress with matching accessories and pretty smile on your face….. and then …those Dark circles under your eyes…gives sorrow in your eyes. Such is an impact of these dark circles!

Dark circles under the eyelids are common in men and women. Often they are accompanied with swollen puffy eye bags to worsen the situation. They make you look exhausted and older than you are. To make matter worse, they can be difficult to get rid off.

Dark circles are generally caused due to fatigue or lack of sleep. Even over sleeping can also cause puffy eye bags and dark circles. Aging is also associated with dark circles and wrinkles around eyes known as crows’ feet. Yet another aspect is the genetic factor when small kids have developed dark circles.

Over exposure to the Sun can cause excess melanin production and thereby develop dark circles. Digital strain on eyes due to laptop, computers or mobiles is also one of the reasons found nowadays. Certain allergic reactions to oral food or local cosmetics can cause dark circles and puffy eye bags. Dehydration is yet another important cause. Especially people who often fast for longer duration tend to have dark circles due to dehydration. Same is observed in under-nourish people.

One needs to check if there is any underlying cause such as worm infestation or low Hemoglobin which leads to the condition. Even hormonal imbalance like thyroid can generate dark circles. As per Ayurved, वैवर्ण्य or कृष्णवर्णता is due to vitiated वातपित्तदोष. Hence a treatment to pacify वातपित्तदोष works best in dark circles management. There are a number of home remedies to improve the appearance of your eye. However if the swelling or discoloration worsens over time, schedule a visit to your nearby Ayurvedic Vaidya.

Tips to follow-

• Take adequate sleep. Minimum 7-8 hours sleep is what your body and mind demands.

• Hydrate yourself well.

• Have a healthy nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

• Avoid digital strain. Follow 20-20-20 rule that is after every 20 minutes observe an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Apply कुंकुमादि तेल or चन्दनबलालाक्षादि तेल under eyes in a circular pattern over night.

• Keep cotton ball soaked in milk over eyes.

• Apply बिडालक (लेप of herbal medicines mixed with rose water or milk) over eyes.

For a more effective and permanent solution, medical treatments are the best to reduce the dark circles. Medical treatments ensure that you have correctly diagnosed the issue and receive the best treatment. In Ayurved, तर्पण , a panchkarma treatment is advised for overall eye health.

“Behind the most beautiful eyes, lay secrets deeper and darker than the mysterious sea. Let your healthy beautiful eyes be the curious mystery for others.”