Here is a list of Ayurveda-recommended exercises to correct eyesight and cure eye diseases

by Ayurveda Admin

Eyes are the window to the mind. It is one of the most attractive features of a person. In the present time, new eye diseases have become a major threat to humankind. Integration of concepts of Ayurvedic preventive ophthalmology, principles of Yoga and Naturopathy and traditional practices of eye exercises are essential to tackle this problem. For correction of refractive errors and the cure for other eye diseases, the following exercises are advisable:

Sunning - The eye is exposed to the sun for 5 minutes daily. First, apply sundrops made from garlic juice and honey to the eye using a glass rod. After this, sit facing the sun with your eye closed and chin raised, then sway your body from side to side like a pendulum for 5 minutes

Eye wash - After sunning, come to the shade and rinse your eyes by blinking about 20 times into a weak solution of Triphala Kashaya in a pair of eye cups that are placed to cover the muscles and the surrounding tissues of your eyes. Prepare the Kashaya by boiling one cup of water with ¼ cup of Triphala powder added to it. Pour it into the eye cups when lukewarm. Use fresh Kashaya each time.

Palming - Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and covered by palms (the fingers being crossed on the forehead). Elbows should rest on a cushion to avoid pressure on the eyeball. While palming, take deep breaths with your mouth closed. The time for exhalation should be more than inhalation. Repeat this respiration process for 50 to 100 times. This improves eyesight and brings relaxation and relief from pain. This exercise can be practised many times during the day.

Swinging/Shifting - Shifting is moving your eyes from one side to the other. Shifting can be practised with open or closed eyes. For swinging, stand one foot away from a board with vertical lines drawn on it. Then move your body from left to right and vice versa for 50 to 100 times. At this time, your eye should move along with the body and your sight should not be fixed on anything. Blink once when you reach the end of one side.

Candle flame - Sit facing a lighted candle about one foot away and move your body back and forth with respect to the flame in tune with your respiration. Repeat this for 50 to 100 times

Candlelight reading - Here, a printed book is held in front of the eye at a sufficient distance to see clearly in candlelight. Rather than reading the words, the eye should follow the white space between the lines. Move the head sideways a little and blink often. This exercise saves the eyes from cataracts, glaucoma and other old age diseases.

Playing with the ball - Toss the ball to the ground and observe the ball bouncing moving your sight and head at the same time. Repeat this 50 to 100 times. After this, toss the ball from one hand to the other, moving your head and sight with the ball, and blink when you catch the ball. Repeat this 50 to 100 times.

Vapourisation - Put two or three drops of eucalyptus oil or crystals of menthol in boiling water. Cover your head and allow the vapour to hit your face. Keep blinking for some time till you perspire.

Cold pads - Wipe out your perspiration, place cotton pads soaked in cold water over your eyes and squeeze. Relax for 10 minutes.