Eye Yoga Exercises
Do eye yoga exercises have any merit? After doing research it seems it does. Most people are wearing glasses by the time 50 rolls around, so anything that helps strengthen our eyes and improve vision is up there on the anti-aging lifestyle list. And let’s not forget our eyes are “the windows to our soul.”
Have you spent half your life staring at a computer screen? If you have, you probably know how draining and tiring it can be to your entire body, not just your eyes. I have spent many years staring at computer screens so my eyes are completely stuffed!! I get stressed if I can’t find my glasses, so I’m open to trying anything that lessens my dependence on wearing glasses all the time.
Searching the net I found this natural way to try and improve your eyesight – so giving it a go, the only thing I can lose is my glasses! So you should ‘look into it’ (sorry!)
The following information is about one natural approach, which is in essence “eye yoga exercises.” The rationale is that the natural state of the body is to be at peace, but when we read to understand and learn new information, the mind becomes tense and tries to catch hold. This strains the entire body, including the eyes, leaving people feeling drained even though they haven’t physically exerted themselves. Modern occupations especially office computer work, can mean spending long periods of time concentrating on a screen full of documents or text – when you do this, you are in effect distorting the shape of your eyes. Coupled with the normal hardening of the eyes as you get older you are putting additional stres onto your eyes. Additionally the thought of exercising your eyes seems un-natural somehow!
The key to doing these exercises is to relax and empty the mind as if you are meditating.
Improving Visual Concentration
The first step is to strengthen visual concentration. Sit comfortably with your back and neck straight but not stiff. Start by holding each posture for a few minutes and gradually increase.
- Focus your gaze on the tip of your nose without blinking. Remain like this for as long as you can. Then close your eyes and relax.
- Focus on your “third eye” without blinking. This is the area between the eyebrows above your nose. Then close your eyes and relax. It may feel uncomfortable or hard to do at first, but do not let yourself become frustrated. Keep your focus on that area and with time, you will find this posture easier to do.
- Without turning your head, focus both eyes on your left shoulder. Remain like this for as long as you can. Then close your eyes and relax. Repeat this sequence with the right shoulder.
- After you are finished, place the palms of your hands on your closed eyes and rest for as long as you would like.
Imagination to Balance Visual Concentration
Lie on your back facing up. Your palms should face the ceiling and your legs should be about shoulder-width apart. If you are doing this exercise in your office then sit comfortably in your chair.
Close your eyes. Breathe into your belly. Feel it expand as it fills with air. Continue for a few minutes and then open your eyes. Look at some object. Close your eyes again and continue “seeing” that object. This exercise helps to relax your eyes. It also balances mental focus with imagination.
Meditation to Balance Visual Concentration
Lie on your back facing up. Your palms should face the ceiling and your legs should be about shoulder-width apart. If you are doing this exercise in your office then sit comfortably in your chair.
Close your eyes and place your palms over your closed eyes. Breathe into your belly. Feel it expand as it fills with air. Continue for a few minutes and then open your eyes. Look at some object. Look but keep your mind empty. Don’t let yourself attach to it or stare at it. This exercise teaches you how to focus without straining or depleting your eyes.
If menus are becoming harder to read in restaurants, or you’re reading novels at arm’s length it may be time to start giving your eyes as much loving care as the rest of your body. It may feel unnatural at first but persevere – I have been doing these exercises for a month now and my eyes are definitely less tired after a couple of hours staring at a computer screen.
We practice yoga to keep our bodies strong supple and fit, so why not eye yoga exercises to give us the same benefits.