Defective vision- Part 2
Having known the several factors causing
defective vision, let us now deal with the methods in the natural treatment and
prevention of these conditions.
As there are three main causes of defective
vision, so there are three definite and distinct lines of approach for natural
treatment. It is very difficult or impossible for us to know that the
particular eye condition might be the result of only one cause. It is more
likely that two or perhaps all three factors are involved and the most
successful treatment will be that deals effectively with all the three factors.
For a normal vision, the eyes and the
surrounding muscles and nerves must be completely relaxed. Strain keeps the
eyes rigid and fixed and causes staring. The normal eye is always moving – it
is never still. Continuous movement of the eye is absolutely essential for its
healthy action. The most important relaxation techniques are Palming and
swinging.
·
Palming:
It is essential to give a conscious
relaxation to the eyes and their surrounding tissues very frequently through
the day. We frequently close our eyes when we are tired. Palming is only an
improvement on this natural and unconscious process.
Method:
Sit in a comfortable position. Close your
eyes and bring your awareness on the breathing. As you inhale deeply and exhale
slowly, feel the body relaxing. Facial muscles are relaxed with a beautiful smile,
Shoulders loose and feet firmly on the ground. Rub both the palms gently to
generate heat between them and immediately cover the eyes, crossing them
slightly so that the left palm is over the left eye and right palm over right
eye and leaving sufficient space for the nose to be free. Do not press on the eyes,
but only cup the eyes so that heat generated by rubbing just relaxes the muscles.
You can now allow your elbows to drop on to your knees, keeping them fairly
close together. This is a comfortable position. Keep the eyes closed and
relaxed as possible and covered with the palms of the hands.
This should be repeated at least for five times
thrice a day. People having severe eye problems should do this for twenty
minutes each time thrice a day. This method of relaxation is one of the
greatest assets to the natural treatment of defective vision.
·
Swinging
Palming directly relaxes and
rests the eyes. Swinging causes relaxation to the eyes and the surrounding
tissues by its soothing and relaxing effect on the nervous system. This
technique relaxes both mind and body simultaneously.
Method: Stand upright with
feet little apart with hands kept loosely on the sides. Sway the whole body
from side to side like a pendulum of a clock very slowly. Raise each heel
alternately from the ground, but not the rest of the foot. There should be no bending
at the waist or hips. Swing for a minute with eyes open (with relaxed eyes) and
then swing with eyes closed. Alternate this opening and closing of the eyes
continuing the swinging action. Blink your eyes every now and then when the
eyes are open.
This swinging action
should be practiced two or three times a day for 5 to 10 minutes each time or
whenever the eyes feel tired and aching.
If this is performed correctly,
it gives a beneficial effect on the eyes and nervous system and relieves eyestrain.
Note: Glasses are not to
be worn while doing palming or swinging.
·
Blinking
People with defective
vision should cultivate the habit of blinking frequently and regularly to
prevent eyestrain.
Keep the eyes closed and
facial muscles relaxed. Relax the mind by bringing your awareness on the
breathing. Blink your eyes 10 times and do palming. Repeat this 3 to 4 times
every one-hour especially for those who view computers throughout the day.
·
Cold water wash
Immediately after brushing
the teeth, cup your hands and fill the palms with water. Immerse your eyes in
this hand cup and blink your eyes several times. Cold water flushes the eyes
and cleanses them. Eyewash freshens and tones the eyes. You can do this with
both eyes together or just concentrate on one eye then the other. Repeat this
about 5 to 6 times. This should be repeated twice or thrice a day. It is
essential that water should be cold, and not tepid.
Even washing the eyes with
filtered Triphala water is very beneficial. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor for
more details.
·
Eye muscle exercises
Eye exercises loosen up
the strained and contracted muscles surrounding the eyes that are usually rigid
and stiff for those with defective vision. By making them supple and pliable,
the eye is allowed to move and accommodate more freely.
Learn all the eye
exercises and kriyas(cleansing techniques ) for eyes from a qualified Yoga
therapist for maximum benefit.
·
Neck exercises
Yoga has several breathing
practices that loosen up the contracted neck muscles. Asanas and breathing
practices for neck and back pain should be done every day for at least half an
hour for the improvement in vision and betterment of health.
There are several asanas
that increase the blood circulation to the facial area especially around the
eyes such as shashankasana, padahastasana, paschimattanasana, sirsasana, etc.
Learn them correctly from a yoga instructor, get to know the contraindications
and benefits and keep practicing them every day.
Those intending to do
these techniques should be prepared to make alterations in their daily routine.
The first requisite is the faith in the efficacy of the treatment and the other
requisites are patience, determination and discipline. With the aid of these
helpers, there will be no obstacle in achieving the impossible.
Prabha Krishna,
Chief Yoga therapist, Diet
consultant,
Yogabharati.