Simple exercises for the eyes will relieve and prevent ocular migraines, which are visual disturbances that occur with or without headache pain. Mukunda Stiles, author of "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy," says several yoga eye exercises help strengthen the eyes muscles and purify the optic nerves, making them less susceptible to eye pain and vision impairment.
Eye Exercise 1
Move your eyes in a straight line to the far right without moving your head. Keep your eyes focused, noting the farthest point you can see without distortion. Then move your eyes slowly to the left. Again, focus on the farthest point you can see. Repeat twice in each direction, then close and relax your eyes for a few moments.
Eye Exercise 2
Close your eyes and rub your palms briskly together until they become warm. Then place your palms directly over your eyes, shutting out all light. Then open your eyes and focus on the blackness. This will allow your optic nerves to rest. Stay like this for 30 to 60 seconds. Gently readjust your eyes to the light. Repeat twice.
Eye Exercise 3
With eyes open, begin to rotate the eyes in a clockwise motion. Take your time, making the circles as big as possible. Take a break and close the eyes for one breath. Repeat in a counterclockwise motion. Take another rest and repeat twice in each direction.
Eye Exercise 4
Lie flat on your back with your legs straight and arms alongside your body, in the yoga pose known as savasana, or the corpse pose. Take an eye mask, eye pillow or towel and place it over your eyes, blocking out as much light as possible. Simply lie there and relax the eyes. This will relax the optic nerve, relieve eye strain and improve eyesight, according to Stiles. Stay in this position for 15 to 30 minutes daily.
References
- "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy: Yoga and Ayurvedic Purification Practices"; Mukunda Stiles; 2007
- All About Vision: Ocular Migraines
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