2024-11-08 14:31:00
08 November 2024
This is a very specific form of gymnastics since it concerns our…eyes! In this case, eye yoga aims to rest the eye, when it, overworked, is tired. Ready to try?
It’s what ?
Eye yoga is said to have its origins in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, before an ophthalmologist from New York took inspiration from it in the 20th century, to improve the visual comfort of his patients. “It consists of toning, stretching and softening all the small muscles that surround the eyeballs,” relates Lara Histel-Barontini, in a book entitled The relaxation toolbox. In what way? By “exercises that must be practiced gently, without ever forcing, for 5 to 15 minutes per day”.
What is it for?
These exercises would make it possible to:
relax your eyes; improve dry eyes; tone, stretch and soften the muscles of the eyeballs.
For its followers, eye yoga also helps fight against eye fatigue. However, if this eye gymnastics allows you to relax, you should go to an ophthalmologist in case of problems.
When to use it?
For the author, the answer is simple: “as soon as the first signs of visual fatigue are felt, eye yoga can be used.” And to continue: “It can also be done in the evening before going to sleep. Resting the eye will be more effective during sleep.”
How to practice it?
The most classic exercises consist of:
Vertical movements: look towards the ceiling then, gently and without turning your head, direct your eyes towards the floor. And this, 10 consecutive times. Then look in front of you and close your eyes and exhale well and relax. ; Horizontal movements: same principle, looking to the right then to the left.
Another exercise: palming! Adopt a comfortable sitting position, back straight, shoulders relaxed. Then :
Rub your hands together to generate heat; Position the thumbs on the temples then stick the other fingers of the hand together; Place your palms on your closed eyes. Stay like this for 10 deep breaths. Appeasement guaranteed…
You can also blink for 30 seconds, deliberately exaggerating the movement. Ideal for stimulating the tear glands and moistening the eye. Finish this exercise with a deep inhale then exhale.
Circles…
One last example? Self-massage. In a lying or sitting position, massage the contour of your eyes with the pads of your index fingers in circles: starting from the eyebrows before going down the outside, under the eye. Gently of course, without pressing too much. And for optimal benefit, enlarge the circle until massaging the forehead, before sliding towards the temples. Then the scalp…
Source: Histel-Barontini, L. (2021). Tool 17. Eye yoga. The relaxation toolbox. (pp. 62 -63). Dunod – www.enavantlasante.org, site consulted on November 5, 2024
Written by: David Picot – Edited by: Emmanuel Ducreuzet
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#Eye #yoga #practice #news
**Interview with Eye Yoga Expert, Lara Histel-Barontini**
**Editor:** Today, we’re pleased to welcome Lara Histel-Barontini, an expert in eye yoga and author of ”The Relaxation Toolbox.” Lara, thank you for joining us!
**Lara Histel-Barontini:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share insights about eye yoga.
**Editor:** To start off, can you describe what eye yoga is and how it originated?
**Lara Histel-Barontini:** Certainly! Eye yoga combines techniques from Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine system, and modern ophthalmology. It focuses on toning, stretching, and softening the small muscles around the eyeballs. The practice gained traction in the 20th century when an ophthalmologist in New York adapted these ancient methods to help his patients achieve better visual comfort.
**Editor:** That sounds fascinating! What are the main benefits of eye yoga?
**Lara Histel-Barontini:** Eye yoga helps to relax the eyes, alleviate dryness, and tone the muscles that support the eyeballs. For many practitioners, it’s a go-to solution for combating eye fatigue, especially after long hours of screen time. However, it’s important to note that anyone experiencing persistent issues should consult an ophthalmologist.
**Editor:** When should someone consider practicing eye yoga?
**Lara Histel-Barontini:** Ideally, eye yoga should be practiced at the first signs of visual fatigue. Many people find it beneficial to perform these exercises in the evening, as this helps prepare the eyes for a restful night’s sleep.
**Editor:** Can you share a few simple exercises for our listeners to try?
**Lara Histel-Barontini:** Of course! A simple exercise involves vertical movements: look up towards the ceiling, then gently direct your gaze down towards the floor without moving your head. Repeat this 10 times. After that, look straight ahead, close your eyes, and take a deep breath to relax.
**Editor:** Those sound easy enough to incorporate into a daily routine! Any final thoughts for our readers?
**Lara Histel-Barontini:** Just remember, practicing eye yoga for 5 to 15 minutes a day can significantly enhance eye comfort. It’s about consistency, so I encourage everyone to include it in their self-care routines.
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Lara, for sharing your expertise on eye yoga. We appreciate your insights!
**Lara Histel-Barontini:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
