We've all heard that old saying, "The eyes are the windows of the soul." It's undeniable that the eyes are one of the most valued of our 5 senses. We must treat our eyes gently, tenderly because they enable us to take in so much of the world. Since the age of eleven, I have had to correct my woeful nearsightedness with either glasses or contact lenses. Without such help, I am as blind as Mr. Mole in the children's classic, Wind in the Willows.
When I began yoga as a teen, I did not practice yoga eye movements. I didn't want to take the time nor did I think they would help much. However, considering how much "screen" I spend at the office, before my trusty computer, two years ago, I decided to include the yoga eye movements in my daily practice. I stated in a blog post that I was going to conduct an experiment to see if I experienced any improvement in my eye sight by doing the yoga eye movements. I observed no change in the first year of practice.
However, ten days ago, I had my annual eye exam and I was pleased to learn that the vision in my right eye had improved! Was it a coincidence? Maybe...maybe not. I can't prove yoga created the change. But at the least, the yoga eye movements which I explain below ease eye strain and can refresh the eyes. (Although, at the moment, I have inexplicable redness in my right eye - no feeling of irritation - but the eye looks red...)
Have you ever heard of Meir Schneider? Diagnosed as legally blind when he was a toddler, Schneider developed an eye exercise routine that incorporates what he calls "eye yoga" and Meir is a living testimony to the practice. He no longer wears corrective lenses. HE HEALED HIMSELF OF BLINDNESS! You can learn more about him on youtube.com.
Relaxation and proper use of the eyes can improve one's vision, he claims, and he worked unceasingly to create a program to help other people achieve similar results. My challenge is that I just can't squeeze in the additional time at the moment to do additional eye techniques. But, I will continue to practice the eye movements that area described below.
Yours for better vision with yoga!
Laura Venecia Rodriguez
Yoga Eye Movements
Type of yoga pose: Can be done seated or standing and may be combined with poses such as the lion or the shoulder stand.
Body parts targeted: Eyes, eye muscles, nervous system
How to do the pose:
Sit in a comfortable position on your mat or in a chair with your spine erect. Or stand if you prefer.
- Keep your eyes open throughout this exercise.
- Picture a large, ordinary clock in front of you with the numbers 1 to 12 in bold black.
- Look up at the imaginary number 12 on the top of your clock dial and stretch your eyes upward as far as possible in your sockets when practicing this technique.
- Begin moving your eyes clockwise around the imaginary dial stopping for one second at each number. Hold your head straight and motionless.
- When you have finished moving your eyes clockwise from 12 and back to 12, perform the same movements going counterclockwise, i.e., moving from 12 to 11 to 10 and so forth. When you have returned to 12, close and rest your eyes. Pause for a few seconds before repeating the movements.
- Perform the eye movements in a complete circle 2-3 times alternating from clockwise to counterclockwise.
Number of repetitions: 2-3 rotations in a practice session. Can also be done any time of the day to soothe and invigorate your eyes.
Key benefits from this pose:
1. Removes tension in the eyes.
2. Relieves eye fatigue.
3. Relaxes the entire nervous system.
4. Strengthens eye muscles.
5. Can relieve tension, headache, and eye aches.
Variation of the Around the Clock Eye Movements
The around the clock eye movements can also be done with the eyes closed. When the eyes are closed, the movements should be more relaxed and gentle. Never force your eyes to look to the farthest extent of their sockets.
Special hints and Laura’s experience with this pose
Follow the eye movements by lying in the sponge (complete relaxation) pose. This is a soothing way to complete your daily yoga routine. Take a couple of minutes during the day to do these eye movements when your eyes are tired and if you feel stressed. You can also combine the clock eye movements with other yoga techniques such as the lion or the shoulder stand.