About Yoga and the Eyes

By Sangeetha Saran

When we talk about Yoga, we seldom mention the eyes and the major role they play in our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  Located in the sixth chakra – the area associated with the pineal gland and intuition – the eyes work with the brain to control the central nervous system.

Our eyes work better when they are rested and relaxed.  That’s why we close them when we need to concentrate or calm down.  In addition to being linked to our mental acuity and physical health, they also help us express our feelings and emotions. In William Shakespeare’s words, they are “the window to the soul.”

To function effectively, eyes need strong muscles and good circulation, two benefits provided by a consistent Yoga practice. There are also specific exercises that target the eyes.

Yoga Techniques for the Eyes

Repeat each series of exercises 3-5 times, being careful not to strain eye muscles. 

·       Palming

Rub your hands together until they are warm. Then cover both eyes with your palms, crossing your fingers across your forehead.  The energy, or prana, in your hands will soothe the optic nerve and increase circulation.  Your body needs to be free of tension to get the most from this exercise.

·       Tracking

Move your eyes from left to right and then from right to left. Cover with your palms to relax. Then move the eyes diagonally, starting with left to right and then going from right to left.  Relax.

·       Massaging

Warm your hands by rubbing them together and massage the area around the eyes, nose, and temples. Massaging the face, neck, and shoulders makes the eye massage even more effective.

·       Rotating the eyeballs

Close your eyes and roll your eyeballs clockwise three to five times. Rest and roll them counter-clockwise.

·       Resting with closed eyes

Avoid staring at books, televisions, or computers for long periods of time. Take short breaks to close your eyes and rest them before returning. 

Psychologists cite the success of EMDR, a process by which they use an eye tracking system to relieve traumatic memories, as further evidence of the link between the eyes and the psyche. Scientists, on the other hand, continue to discover more about the relationship between the eyes and the brain.

There may be a stronger link between the eyes and the mind, body, and spirit than we realize. If so, Yoga for the eyes could benefit far more than eyesight. It may ease emotional distress and increase brain power, too. 

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