With the rise of technology, our eyes are often being overworked. In yoga, an ancient method of holistic health, eye exercises are performed to improve vision and overall health of the eyes. Consult your doctor before practicing eye exercises.
Clock Gazing Exercise
Clock gazing exercise is an eye exercise practiced at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in New York City to improve the overall health of the eyes. To perform clock gazing exercise, start in a comfortable seated position. Hold your body and head completely still and imagine there is a large clock in front of you. Turn your gaze up to 12 o'clock and hold for a few seconds. Then turn your gaze to 6 o'clock and hold for a few seconds. Repeat this ten times.
Palming
The eye exercise known as palming is one of the best methods for improving eyesight, according to Structural Yoga Therapy founder Mukunda Stiles. Simply close your eyes and rub your palms together until they generate some heat. Place your palms over your eyes and block out all light. Open your eyes and focus on the darkness for a few minutes. Then close your eyes again, remove your hands and gradually readjust to the light.
Circles
To perform the circles eye exercise, keep your eyes open and start to rotate your eyes slowly in a clockwise motion. Try to reach your eyes as far as possible in all directions. Complete three full circles and repeat in a counterclockwise motion. This eye exercise can improve your vision by keeping the muscles of your eyes toned.
Tips and Considerations
Relaxing in a yoga pose known as Savasana with your eyes closed will give your eyes the rest they need. Simply lay on your back and allow your arms and legs to fall out naturally to the sides. What you eat may also effect your eyesight. Scientists at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center at Tufts University found that eating antioxidant rich foods may counterbalance the negative effects pollution has on eyesight. They recommend eating spinach, corm, broccoli, nuts and strawberries.
References
- Yoga Journal: Yoga to Improve Eyesight
- Yoga Journal: Bright Eyes
- "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy"; Mukunda Stiles, 2007
- "Gray's Anatomy"; Henry Gray; 1901 & 1977
