Love Your Eyes

The ancient writings of Yoga have A LOT to say about the five senses because this is the way we take in information from the outside world. Taking care of the five sense organs—eyes, ears, mouth, nose and skin—is paramount for physical and mental health.

It’s springtime in Oklahoma, so smoke from wildfires, allergens from trees and grass, and a little too much screen time are causing my eyes to be scratchy and blurry. Can you relate? Thank goodness Yoga and Ayurveda can teach us how to show our eyes some love.

Try some of these yoga-approved ways to care for your eyes:

Splash some cool water. The eyes are considered “hot” organs, so splashing them with cool water will keep them in balance. When you get up in the morning, wash your hands with soap and rinse them well. Then splash water into your eyes. Blink them rapidly at least seven times and make circles with the eyeballs several times in both directions. This will wake up your eyes and get the fluids moving after a night of sleep.

Gaze into a flame. Trataka is an ancient meditation practice that cleanses the eyes with tears. It also challenges your will! Light a candle and place it about 12 inches away from your face. Gaze into the flame without blinking until tears form in your eyes. Close your eyes and you’ll continue to see the flame behind your eyelids. Practice 2-3 times per week.

Oil your eyes. If you tend to have dry or irritated eyes this time of year, try placing one drop of organic, cold-pressed caster oil in each eye at bedtime. If you do this regularly you’ll discover you won’t need to use eyedrops any more. *Caution: Do not do this practice if you have had any type of eye surgery.

May your eyes always see beauty!