Inversion therapy involves positioning yourself in an upside-down position for varying amounts of time with the aid of an inversion table. Inversion therapy can foster numerous health benefits, such as stress relief and improved circulation, but using it for eye problems is not one them. While inversion therapy may effectively treat back and neck pain, if you suffer from eye disorders, avoid doing inversion therapy exercises.
Function
Inversion therapy, which aids spinal alignment, applies traction to your spine. When in an inverted position, your spine slightly lengthens, which increases the space between your vertebrae and reduces pressure on your back. Inversion utilizes gravity to force the blood to flow downwards, creating increased blood flood to your brain and your eyes.
History
Inversion therapy methods, used as early as 3000 BC by yogis, gained popularity in the 1960s when Dr. Robert Martin developed the inversion table. Dr. Martin, an osteopath and chiropractor, developed inversion therapy methods to assist his patients with back and postural issues. However, Dr. Martin didn't take into account the effects it would have on vision,
Effects
When used by healthy adults, inversion therapy provides health benefits such as decreased back pain, reduced muscle tension, improved circulation and improved lymph function. However, inversion substantially raises the pressure in your eyes; thus, inverting yourself may cause eye damage, especially in people with preexisting issues such as glaucoma or ocular hypertension, according to the "Journal of the American Medical Association," or JAMA. Eye pressure may kill cells within your optic nerve, which can lead to a loss of vision.
Warning
Inversion causes increased intraocular pressure, which produces reversible visual field defects in over half of people who use inversion therapy, according to the June 1987 issue of "Archives of Ophthalmology." Inversion therapy may cause retinal hemorrhages or swelling, which is a hazard for people with ocular conditions, such as macular degeneration or sickle cell retinopathy. To prevent eye damage, avoid inverting for extended periods of time or performing strenuous exercises on an inversion table .
Considerations
While inversion therapy doesn't offer vision benefits, consider trying various eye exercises to improve your vision. Performing eye exercises, such as palming or sunning, may reduce eye stress and improve vision. To try the palming eye exercise, close your eyes and gently place your palms in front of your eyes, but avoid physical contact. Relax in this position for at least 10 breaths to reduce eye strain and foster improved eye function.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Inversion Therapy - Can it Relieve Back Pain?
- Sportsinjuryclinic.net: Inversion Therapy
- Teeter Hang Ups: History of Inversion
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Ocular Manifestions of Gravity Inversion; Thomas R. Friberg, MD; June 7, 1985
- Pubmed.gov: Optic Nerve Dysfunction During Gravity Inversion
- Seeing: The Bates Method: Techniques - Palming
