7 yoga asanas that naturally improve eyesight

The world around us lives in a screen-heavy world, here is where our eyes could use a little extra care! While most of us know that good nutrition and proper sleep play roles in maintaining eye health, yoga has some surprising benefits for eyesight too. Certain yoga poses are believed to strengthen eye muscles, improve focus, and relax strain. Practised regularly, these gentle exercises can help give your eyes a well-deserved boost. Here’s a look at 7 yoga asanas that may naturally help improve our vision.

The palming pose, known as "Trataka" in yoga, is a powerful exercise for relaxing the eyes and reducing strain. It’s used in eye therapy for its ability to relieve tension around the eye muscles. Here’s how to do it:

- Sit comfortably and rub your palms together to create warmth.
- Close your eyes and gently place your warmed palms over your closed eyelids without pressing.
- Breathe deeply and relax, focusing on the warmth.

While not a classic “asana,” eye rolling is a traditional yoga technique used to stimulate circulation around the eyes. Eye-rolling exercises strengthen the eye muscles, helping focus and flexibility.

- Sit comfortably, keeping your head still.
- Slowly roll your eyes in a clockwise direction five times, and then switch to a counterclockwise roll.
- Try focusing on each direction as you roll to give each muscle around the eye a workout.

Also known as nose-tip gazing, Nasikagra Drishti helps improve focus and concentration while also strengthening eye muscles. It’s a simple exercise but requires patience and steady breathing.

- Sit in a relaxed position with your spine straight.
- Extend one arm forward and make a gentle fist with your thumb facing upward.
- Focus on your thumb while bringing it slowly toward your nose until it’s about an inch away.
- Hold your gaze, then slowly extend your arm again.

This exercise helps with eye muscle strength and flexibility. It’s often recommended for those who experience eye strain, as it helps in improving the proper blood flow to the eye area.

- Begin by sitting in a relaxed position with your eyes open.
- Slowly look upward as far as you can, hold the position, then slowly look downward.
- Repeat this movement five times each way, focusing on deep breaths with each shift.

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Bhramari, or bee breathing, is a breathing exercise known to relieve stress, which can have a positive impact on eye health by reducing tension around the eyes. This is also a calming exercise for the mind.

- Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
- Place your index fingers on the cartilage of your ears.
- Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, press your ears gently and hum like a bee.

- Feel the vibrations around your eyes and forehead area.

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The shoulder stand is a popular asana that helps increase blood flow to the upper body, including the head and eyes. Better circulation to the eyes can support eye health by bringing essential nutrients and oxygen.

- Lie down on your back and lift your legs up toward the ceiling.
- Slowly raise your hips and support them with your hands, so your body forms an inverted "V" shape.
- Hold this pose for a few breaths, focusing on deep inhalation and exhalation.

Balasana, or child’s pose, might seem too simple to have eye benefits, but its impact is significant for relaxation and stress relief. This pose helps calm the nervous system, which in turn can reduce strain on the eyes.

- Begin on your knees, sitting back onto your heels.
- Lean forward, stretching your arms out in front of you and resting your forehead on the mat.
- Breathe deeply, allowing all the muscles in your face, including those around your eyes, to relax.