5 Yoga asanas for eye health

Staring at a computer screen for hours at a stretch is detrimental to all parts of our body, with your eyes, and back being hit the most. With regard to eye health, long usage of screens can lead to strain on the eyes, causing discomfort. While it is imperative to take enough breaks while working to relax your eyes, it is also equally important to exercise your eyes, to help them stay healthy. Yes, you can exercise your eyes too, and here is where Yoga can help you. Here are 5 Yoga asanas you should try for healthy eyes

1. Trataka (Focused Gazing)

Trataka is an ancient yogic practice that involves focusing your gaze on a single point, such as a candle flame. This helps improve concentration and strengthens eye muscles.

How to do it:

Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight.

Place a candle at eye level about 3 feet away.

Light the candle and focus your eyes on the flame without blinking as long as you can.

When your eyes water or feel tired, close them and visualize the flame in your mind.

Repeat this for 2 to 3 minutes daily.

2. Palming (Hand Relaxation for Eyes)

Palming is a simple and relaxing technique that helps soothe tired eyes and reduce eye strain almost immediately.

How to do it:

Sit comfortably with your back straight.

Rub your palms together to create warmth.

Close your eyes gently.

Place your warm palms over your closed eyes without putting pressure on them.

Relax and breathe deeply for 1 to 2 minutes.

Benefits:

Palming helps relax the muscles around the eyes, reduces tension, and improves blood flow around the area. It also gives your eyes a break from screen time and bright lights.

3. Eye Rolling (Netra Vyayama)

Eye rolling is a simple exercise that strengthens the eye muscles and improves flexibility.

How to do it:

Sit comfortably with your head still and spine straight.

Close your eyes gently.

Slowly roll your eyes in a clockwise direction, making a full circle.

Repeat this 5 times.

Then roll your eyes counterclockwise 5 times.

Benefits:

This exercise helps relax the eye muscles, improves blood circulation, and reduces eye strain caused by prolonged screen use or reading.

4. Shambhavi Mudra (Eyebrow Center Gazing)

Shambhavi Mudra is a yogic practice that involves focusing your gaze on the space between your eyebrows. It helps calm the mind and relax the eyes.

How to do it:

Sit comfortably with your spine straight.

Close your eyes and gently gaze at the point between your eyebrows (also called the “third eye” area).

Keep your eyes relaxed and breathe deeply.

Hold this gaze for 2 to 3 minutes.

Benefits:

This practice reduces eye tension, improves concentration, and helps relieve headaches caused by eye strain.

5. Sirsasana (Headstand)

Sirsasana, or the headstand, is an advanced yoga pose that improves blood flow to the eyes and brain, promoting eye health for the long-run.

How to do it:

Begin by kneeling on the floor and interlocking your fingers to form a supportive base for your head.

Place the top of your head on the floor inside your hands.

Slowly lift your legs off the ground and straighten them upward, balancing on your head and forearms.

Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds if you are a beginner.

Slowly come down and rest.