Improvement in the Sense of Sight Through Yoga

!±8± Improvement in the Sense of Sight Through Yoga

The human eye is truly considered to be the most miraculous creation of God because it is not only capable of identifying and distinguishing between 10 million colors but is also able to perceive depth and light. All human beings grow up with the concept that 'seeing is believing' and indeed what is seen through the eyes is what is believed and it is this act of seeing which comprises the sense of sight.

The human eye is one of the five sense organs which works as long as the individual is awake and gets a respite only when the individual sleeps. Therefore, in order to enjoy a clear vision, it is imperative to practice eye exercises as these not only tone the eye muscles but also reduce the tension and the strain in the eye thus helping it to relax. Some of the yogic asanas which entail eye exercises as a part of the schedule are listed as follows:

- While performing asanas, the eye exercises are combined with inhalation and exhalation in the sense that one should move one's gaze up to the ceiling while inhaling and down while exhaling.

- Sambhavi mudra is a type of yoga in which the eyes are focused at a spot between the eyebrows and gradually moved down till the tip of the nose and then back up again. This cycle is recommended strongly to people who need to improve their eyesight as well as concentration.

- Another eye exercise which is commonly recommended as well as practiced entails keeping a clock in front and moving the eyes horizontally, vertically and diagonally between the numbers 12, 6, 3 and 9 respectively.

- While practicing the sitting postures of yoga the practitioner is required to roll the eyes in clockwise as well as anticlockwise direction alternatively.

The sense of sight in yoga is also used to refer to the existence of the third eye which is supposed to be located in between the two eyebrows. This third eye is believed to be a part of the ajna chakra or the bow chakra which is symbolized by an indigo flower with two petals and is universally associated with enlightenment and precognition. As per Upanishads, which are ancient Hindu texts, the human being is like a city with ten gates nine of which lead to the world and the tenth leads to higher consciousness and therefore should always remain open to enjoy healthy eyesight.