In today’s fast-paced world, where screens dominate our daily lives, maintaining good vision has become more important than ever. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on eye health. Yoga, an ancient practice known for its holistic benefits, offers a set of asanas that can help improve vision naturally.
By adopting these yoga practices, you can develop healthy eyes and reduce the stress caused by our modern, screen-centric lifestyle. Remember, consistent effort and patience are important when it comes to achieving the long-term benefits of yoga for your eyesight.
Let’s learn about eight yoga asanas that can be included in your daily routine to promote better vision.
Palming (blinkless gaze):
Start by rubbing your palms together to generate heat and then gently place them over your closed eyes without applying pressure. Take deep breaths and relax for a few minutes. Palming helps relieve eye strain and relax tired eyes, making it an excellent exercise for anyone who spends long periods of time in front of a screen.
Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breathing):
Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Gently close your ears with your thumbs, place your index fingers on your forehead and the remaining fingers on your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, then exhale making a humming sound like a bee. This pranayama not only relaxes the mind but also stimulates the optic nerves.
Trataka (Candle Gazing):
Light a candle and place it at eye level. Sit comfortably and stare at the flame without blinking for as long as possible. This exercise strengthens the eye muscles, increases concentration and improves focus.
Blinking:
In our modern world, we often forget to blink while looking at the screen. This simple asana involves sitting comfortably, closing your eyes and blinking rapidly for 30 seconds. It helps to rejuvenate and moisturize the eyes.
Eye rotation:
Sit with your spine straight, close your eyes and slowly rotate them clockwise and then counterclockwise for about 10 rounds. This asana helps in improving eye flexibility and reducing eye strain.
Padmasana (Lotus Pose):
This classic yoga pose encourages blood circulation to the head and eyes. Sit with your legs crossed and rest your feet on opposite thighs. Keep your back straight and place your palms on your knees. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing and relax. Padmasana helps reduce stress, which can indirectly improve eyesight.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose):
Lie on your back, with your arms at your sides and palms facing up. Close your eyes and consciously relax every part of your body, including the muscles in your face. Shavasana promotes relaxation and can reduce stress that affects eye health.
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing):
Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your right nostril with your right thumb and take a deep breath in through the left nostril. Then close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your right nostril and exhale through it. Repeat this process by alternating nostrils for a few minutes. This pranayama increases the supply of oxygen to the eyes and provides relief from eye fatigue.
Incorporating these yoga asanas into your daily routine can be a proactive step towards maintaining and improving your eyesight naturally.
