A good cry can work wonders
Did you know that crying can be good for the eyes? Although our culture generally teaches that crying is not socially acceptable, a good session of weeping can be beneficial. When we cry our tear ducts open up, the eyes are lubricated, dirt and debris is washed away, toxins are released through the tears, and eye muscles relax. Our eyes store emotional stress in them which can lead to chronically tense eye muscles. When a person is angry his gaze turns into a glare or stare, the eyes become narrower and the pupils constrict. Over time this can lead to severe eyestrain and stagnation of energy, resulting in visual problems. In TCM the condition of the eyes is ruled by the liver organ network. Eating liver balancing foods, such as fresh green vegetables, and working on the liver meridian through acupuncture and acupressure can, therefore, help to strengthen the eyes and improve the vision. The following three exercises may also be beneficial for eye problems.
Eye Circles
Sitting comfortably, relax the eyes and look straight ahead. Now look up and slowly make a large circle with the eyes, using your peripheral vision and without moving the head. Notice any jerky movement which can mean tense eye muscles. Make three slow circles, then look forward, close eyes and relax. Repeat, making circles in the other direction. Do this one more time each way and then relax completely.
Palming over eyes
Rub the hands together until they are warm. From a sitting position with elbows resting on a table, or from a kneeling position with elbows on the floor, place the heel of each hand over closed eyes. Palms cover the ridge around the eyes. Pressing gently and lightly into the hands will stimulate acupoints that benefit the eyes. Relax completely for a couple of minutes, then slowly release the hands and open the eyes.
Yoga Sitting on heels
Kneel, sitting on the heels, big toes touching, heels apart. Make fists with the hands and exhale slowly, at the same time leaning forward to bring the head to rest on the knuckles of the thumbs, which will put pressure on acupoints UB 1 and UB 2 (see image location). Rest and relax in this position for one or two minutes.