Yoga is a beneficial form of exercise for reducing stress and increasing flexibility. It is also a healing practice that can alleviate or improve the symptoms of certain physical and mental health conditions. Specific poses in yoga, known as inversions, are recommended if you suffer from cataracts, according to Dr. Sandra Amrita McLanahan in a 2000 interview with "Yoga Journal." During inversions, your blood pressure increases, which helps cataracts by promoting circulation and the flow of lymph to your eyes.
Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
The legs-up-the-wall pose is both an inversion and a restorative yoga pose. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your buttocks near a wall. Scoot your butt close to the edge of the wall, and rest your legs on the wall. Relax your arms by your sides and close your eyes. If it is uncomfortable for you to perform this pose with straight legs, you may keep your knees bent. Rest in this pose for 30 seconds to one minute.
Downward-Facing Dog
The downward-facing dog pose is a quasi-inversion that may be appropriate if you're not ready for more challenging inversions such as the shoulder stand. According to yoga experts Georg Feuerstein and Larry Payne in their book "Yoga for Dummies," this pose increases circulation to your head because your head is lower than your heart, just as in a "real" inversion. Start on your hands and knees, hands slightly ahead of your shoulders and knees in line with your hips. Press into the floor with your arms, and straighten your legs, coming into an inverted "V" shape with your body. Relax your shoulders, head and neck.
Half Shoulder Stand
Fold two or three blankets, and wrap them in your yoga mat, making a sort of cushion for your upper body. Place them next to a wall, and rest the upper part of your back on the cushion to elevate your shoulders. Your head and neck should be resting on the floor, not the cushion. Relax your neck. Rest your arms next to your body. Bend your knees, and rest your heels on the wall with your knees slightly bent. Lift your pelvis and torso off the floor, and move your shoulders under your body. Support your back with your hands, placing them on your lower back, resting your bent elbows on the cushion.
Full Shoulder Stand
The full shoulder stand is an extended version of the half shoulder stand. Start in the half shoulder stand position. When you are ready, lift your heels off the wall, straightening your legs. Keep your back supported with your hands. If you have difficulty balancing, place your heels back on the wall. If you are new to yoga, you should not attempt this pose without the supervision of a qualified yoga instructor.
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