Qigong, the ancient Chinese exercise system designed to increase circulation, ease stress and improve vitality, can also help reduce stress on your eyes. Marc Grossman, doctor of optometry and licensed acupuncturist, notes on the website Acufinder.com that in Chinese medicine, different parts of the eye correspond to each of the major internal organ systems of the body, so exercises that work to balance the entire body can help improve eye health. At the same time, qigong eye massage and movement techniques work directly to speed healing. Qigong exercises are not a replacement for conventional medical treatments.
Meditation
According to the website Chikung Unlimited's article on qigong eye exercises, qigong meditation offers a holistic approach to eye care that can improve circulation to all the organs of the body and help heal the underlying causes of eye strain or disease. To do qigong meditation, sit on a straight-backed, hard chair with your feet on the floor. Place your hands on your knees and straighten your spine. With eyes open, allow your vision to relax so that the room appears fuzzy. Focus your mind on the middle distance and breathe deeply. Even a few minutes of siting qigong is a powerful tonic for your overall health, and gives your eyes a break from daily stress.
Chinese Eye Massage
Bring increased qi and blood circulation to your eyes by massaging the area around them. Anchor your index fingers on your forehead near your hairline and use your thumbs to gently rub the bony rims around your eyes in small circular motions, say Marc Grossman and Andy Rosenfarb in their book "Healing Your Eyes with Chinese Medicine." If you are especially concerned about eye issues caused by mental stress, like overwork or studying, spend a little extra time massaging the midpoint of each eyebrow. This is a major acupressure point.
Infinity Pattern Movement
According to qigong principles, your eyes need to move through their full range of movement, like any other muscle, if they are going to work well. Xiancai Xu, president of the Great Wall International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and author of "Qigong for Treating Common Ailments," recommends using an infinity sign or sideways figure 8 pattern to practice a full range of eye movement. Using both eyes, look to the upper left, then down and left, up and right, down and right, and back to the upper left, completing a figure 8. Xu recommends eight repetitions of this exercise in one direction, followed by eight repetitions in the opposite direction. Rest your eyes for a few seconds by closing them after this exercise.
Monkey's Eyes
Tina Chunna Zhang, qigong teacher and practitioner, writes in her book "Earth Qi Gong for Women" that some qigong eye exercises, like qigong whole body exercises, are patterned after the habits of animals. The monkey's eyes exercise uses blinking to refresh the eyes. Turn your head 45 degrees to the to the left. Blink quickly five times. Pause, then turn to the right and blink five times. Zhang recommends repeating this exercise eight times.
