BANGALORE: It is understood that eye-related disorders are caused as a result of practices that strain the eye muscles and hence refractory errors are born.
The timeless development of modern science has successfully brought results for curing the eye disorders, and we have forgotten the yogic exercises and shat kriyas that attempt not only to strengthen the eye muscles, eye vision and eye power but also cure various refractory errors. We have been blessed with the knowledge of such yogic practices in our ancient scripture called Hath Yoga Pradipika.
Electronic gadgets, which could affect our eyesight, have become indispensable for the young and old alike. It is impossible for the world to progress today without computers and television. The software industry, stock markets, multinational corporations and even the school and college children depend on them.
Here are some simple eye-exercises, shat kriyas and yogic asanas that can be practised.
The eye exercises can be practiced easily by people of all ages. They comprise simple eye movements — vertical, horizontal, diagonal and circular movements. Such exercises are followed by simple relaxation exercises where in palms are cupped around the eyes. The darkness and warmth of the palms relaxes the muscles. However, these are only preparatory exercises to begin with the practice of shat kriyas.
The shat kriyas are cleansing techniques developed for the practice of cleansing the optical path, respiratory tract, GIT (Gastro Intestinal Tract).
Some of them attempt to cleanse the ENT passage (Ear Nose Throat). However, they are also immensely beneficial for the correction of visual disorders.
The most popular shat kriya is Jal Neti which is done using a neti pot. The neti pot is filled with lukewarm saline water and the spout of the pot is set by one nostril at an angle such that the water easily can flow out of the other nostril cleansing the tract. The body is slightly bent forward at 45 degrees and the head is bent to the left if we place the spout on the right nostril and vice versa.
The second shat kriya is Sutra Neti which is done using a rubber cathedral. The sutra can easily pass through the nostril and slide out of the mouth from the point where the tongue ends. The two end points of the sutra are held and it is gently pulled through the passage cleansing the nasal cavity.
It is advisable to practise these kriyas in the presence of a trained instructor.
Trataka is a major shat kriya exclusively for the eyes.
Bahya Trataka is commonly known as eye-gazing. This could be gazing at the sun at sunrise or sunset, the moon or a candle flame in a dark room. This exercises the eye muscles so it could result in irritation among beginners. However, it’s safe to continue the practice.
Antar Trataka is the advanced level of bahya trataka. Keeping the eyes closed, one imagines the rays of the sun or the coolness of the moon or the flame of the candle on the Agya Chakra (in between the eyebrows), Anahat Chakra (centre of the chest) or Manipur Chakra (navel region).
Yogic asanas help improve vision by inducing blood flow towards the head and the eyes.
Shirshasana or headstand causes a rush of blood to the eyes and the head and improves vision.
In Chakrasana or the full wheel posture, one is face-down and the spinal cord is concave. The body rests on the palms and feet, which are on the floor. The fingers of the hands point towards the feet and the head hangs freely. This posture too channelises the prana (flow of energy) to the head. It also bends the spine which induces opening up of blockages of the spinal vertebrae and hence to the brain as well.
Padhastasana is a standing forward bend, where the hands are by the feet and head is hanging freely, touching the knees. The asana induces sensations towards the neck, shoulders and head region. This is effective for improving for eye vision.