Yoga Therapy for Eye Strain

(Photo: Quentin Lagache on Unsplash.)

by Adriana Buenaventura, Ananda Certified Yoga Therapist

Have you experienced an uncomfortable piercing sensation in or around your eyes, accompanied by blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and a feeling that you can’t keep your eyes open?

You’re not alone!

Adriana Buenaventura

Many factors can contribute to eyestrain and other eye conditions, including long sessions of driving, reading, and working at the computer.

The discomfort surges rapidly and may last from fifteen minutes to several hours. Chronic mental or emotional strain can also cause malfunction and tension in the ocular muscles.

Common eye disorders can be reduced and even avoided by proper breathing, special eye exercises, and – surprise! – yoga postures that decrease intraocular (eye) pressure.

Yes, our eye muscles, just like the other muscles in our body, get strained and fatigued. And, like the rest of the body, the eyes reflect our mental and emotional condition and respond with tension-related pain and distress whenever we’re over-stressed.

Another factor to consider is indoor pollution which can cause headaches and burning eyes. To relieve eyestrain, stay away from smoke, and reduce the use of solvents, aerosol sprays, and other chemicals in your home. In the same way, air filters and houseplants can help keep the air clean.

Surprisingly, posture can be a very important factor for preventing eye strain. Regular practice of yoga eye and body exercises can relieve pressure on the brain and nervous system.

Here’s a simple exercise that will help rest your eyes:

  • Blink ten times rapidly, followed by three deep, slow belly breaths.
  • Repeat 5 times.
  • It’s recommended to do this exercise 3-4 times a day.
  • Even better, therapeutic yoga sessions can address patterns of muscle tension that may be specific to you.

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Adriana Buenaventura will offer private yoga therapy sessions at Pacific Naturopathic starting in October 2018. Please phone to schedule or to discuss your situation. (650) 961-1660.