A portion of us rely on our eyes for navigation, communication, entertainment and other daily activities. Eye health contributes to a sense of well-being and holistic at-home eye care is a necessary resource. When we take a moment to step away from the screen and get into a darker environment, we start to feel less stimulated. Taking the eyes away from stimuli for moments of day can help to prevent eye fatigue.
Eye fatigue is common with our modern lifestyle from strain caused by screens, reading, driving and overuse. Straining can cause symptoms of blurred vision, floaters, broken blood vessels, eye pain and headaches. Combining ocular exercises and acupuncture points we can help to strengthen our eyes, prevent unwanted symptoms and changes in vision.
In Eastern medicine, observation of the eyes is an important tool for showing the health of our internal systems and how to treat these. Often an acupuncturist will focus on the treatment of the liver channel, blood and Yin when focusing on strengthening the eyes. Also, points around the eyes can help facilitate better motor function and clarity. Taking time each day to nurture the eyes, can be a simple self-care practice that leads to a more comfortable work-life through less eye strain.
Morning Recipe for Eye Health
1. Take 5 mins for ocular yoga: try near window if possible
a. Rub palms together put over closed eyes and breath
b. Keeping eyes closed & press the inner part of eyebrow (acupuncture point Bladder2)
c. Remove palms, look up to the ceiling, then look down to the floor. Repeat 6x
d. Rub palms and put over closed eyes again.
e. Open eyes, to look left then right 6x
f. Now find something close to focus on in front of you. Then look out window and pick something to focus on far away. Keep doing this. Repeat this 6x
g. Rub palms and put over closed eyes again. Breath.
2. Breakfast food for ocular health
o ½ cup your favorite hot breakfast grain: cook as directed
o Add your favorite milk or non-dairy seed/nut milk
o Handful of Goji Berries: helps to nourish blood and Yin
o 1-2 Dates cut and cooked together: nourishes blood and Spleen
o Tablespoon of Pumpkin Seeds: rich in zinc, important for Vitamin A transportation- for eye health
3. Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower) and Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) tea
Steep 1 tsp each together in cup of water for 15-20 mins and strain.
Eastern medicine uses Ju Hua for irritated, red eyes that need cooling and calming.
These items can be found at most health food stores, online herbal stores and Asian markets