A review on the relationship between the management of refractive errors (Timira) and binding traditional Sri Lankan remedies on great toe on feet

Abstract

Background: The history of traditional medicine in Sri Lanka runs beyond the era of great king Rawana. It has eveloped its own way independently according to the needs of the human being. It is gifted from generation to —neration as a great heritage which helps to maintain the health of the Sri Lankan nation. Sri Lanka has been i•herited to traditional eye physicians who have great miracle powered remedies and treatment procedures. One Of treatment methods from them is binding traditional remedies on great toe on feet for refractive errors (Timira). An eye that has refractive error when viewing distant objects is said to have ametropia or be ametropic. This eye, when using accommodation, cannot focus parallel rays of light (light from distant objects) on the retina. The word •ametropia" can be used interchangeably with "refractive error" or "image formation defects." Types of ametropia include myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Timira is a condition in Ayurveda shalakyatantra that can be comparing W'ith the refractive errors. It is a disease that can be attributed to wide range of clinical conditions starting from mild •ng ofvision and having potential risk Of permanent vision loss. Purpose: To make an outlook on the relationship between the management of refractive errors (Timira) and binding raditional Sri Lankan remedies on great toe on feet Methods: Primary data was collected using traditional Sri Lankan treatises and secondary data was collected from some traditional eye physicians. Findings: All the traditional eye physicians who have been interviewed, was revealed the same practicing method. The patient was given the prepared traditional remedy and he was advised to bind it once a day. Repeating this method continuously for about three months the patient could be able to gain the normal visual acuity . The ingredients Of the remedy was a secret of the tradition and it can be powder form or paste form. Considering primary data, this relationship can be explained from three aspects. They are according to the acupuncture, according to the traditional •nila"shastra and according to the shad chakras. Conclusion: The spleen channel originates its superficial course on the medial side of the big toe and the pertaining organ of spleen. Spleen channel is related with manipoora chakra from shad-chakras. Thejo bhootha is related with Manipoora Chakra and vitiation of the Samana Vata and Pachaka Pitta which belongs to Manipoora Chakra caused eye diseases. So considering eye diseases, binding traditional medicine on the great toe has significant potency of relieving of them. The medicinal qualities of that remedies absorbed by the great toe and then it stimulates the manipoora chakra. The stimulation of manipoora chakra effects on the eye and reduce the eye diseases like refractive errors. So it can be concluded as binding traditional Sri Lankan remedies on great toe on feet is an effective method Of treating eye disease. Location of Primary Work: Gampaha Wickkramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, Srilanka