Alochaka Pitta
The subtype of Pitta located in the eyes that governs visual perception, optical chemistry, and the emotional expression through tears.
Alochaka Pitta — Overview
Alochaka pitta is located in the eyes. Its governing element is air. It maintains iris color and is responsible for visual perception. The transparency of the lens and cornea of the eye, as well as the cone cells of the retina, are related to this subtype of pitta.
Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter Three: The Doshas and Their Subtypes
Alochaka Pitta: Visual Perception and Optical Chemistry
Alochaka pitta is present in the eye and governs the luster, color, and translucence of the eye. It is present in the cornea (maintaining transference and translucence), the iris (maintaining color), the lens (maintaining transference), and also in the vitreous humor and the cone and rod cells. It maintains the temperature of the eyeball, color of the iris, color vision, and vision of light.
When you look at an object, the image is formed on the retina and absorbed by the sharp quality of alochaka pitta into the optic nerve. Then prana vayu carries that image to the mind for interpretation. Alochaka pitta maintains visual perception and three-dimensional (binocular) vision. Along with prana, it governs accommodation—the constriction or dilation of the pupil so that appropriate light enters and falls on the retina for clear perception.
Certain enzymes and neuropeptides in the retina, including rhodopsin (a physical expression of alochaka pitta), transform the optical image into optical sensation. The visual impulse is generated by alochaka pitta and carried by prana to buddhi, where sadhaka pitta interprets it. This meeting point is in the occipital cortex; trauma here can cause blindness. The anterior chamber of the eye is filled with aqueous humor (a pitta liquid), while the posterior chamber contains vitreous humor (a kapha liquid). Crystals suspended in the vitreous humor cause floaters.
Alochaka pitta is also associated with emotions through tears. Tears of joy and love are sweet, scanty, and cool, coming from the lateral (outer) side of the eye. Tears of anger come from the center, are sour and hot. Tears of grief, sadness, frustration, and fear come from the medial (inner) side and are bitter and astringent. The root cause of alochaka pitta disorders is suppressed tears and avoidance of seeing reality.
Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter Three: The Doshas and Their Subtypes
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.