Eye Strain: Soothing Self-Acupressure
Weary eyes from screen overuse is an all too common symptom in our “modern” world. The best remedy for protecting eyesight is to take regular breaks from screens. I like to use the Pomodoro method when I need to do get things done on a computer. 2 to 5 minutes rest for 30 minutes of screen-time. During break periods, doing the following eye acupressure set will revitalize your sight and focus. Of course, this exercise can be done at anytime, when your eyes need soothing, from chronic or acute strain.
Duration: 5 minutes
Treats: alleviates symptoms of eye strain, pain, pressure, blurry vision, dry eye, over-lacrimation, floaters
Actions: expels wind, moves blood and qi in eyes and head, invigorates meridians which run through eyes, soothes muscles in/around eyes
If you are unsure, consult with your health care provider(s) before attempting any new exercise.
Self-Acupressure for Eye Health
Do this acupressure set in a upright and relaxed position, whether seated or standing. Look straight ahead with a gentle gaze, perhaps out a window at nature, or at a distant object on a far wall.
Rub palms together until hands are warm, place palms gently over eyes and take a few deep breaths, preparing your intention for exercise to follow
DU-20 Baihui
location: at the vertex of head, on the midline connecting apex of ears
tap-press lightly with fingers of both hands - 36x
Yintang
location: at the midpoint between the eyebrows
knead-press up and down with index finger, without lifting - 36x
GB-14 Yangbai
location: 1 cun above eyebrow in depression on forehead, directly above pupil
gently knead-press both sides up and down with middle fingers, without lifting - 36x
Tianying
location: in a depression on the brow bone, above the outer edge of the eye
knead-press back and forth, without lifting, the Tianying acupoints with the middle fingers - 36x
ST-2 Sibai
location: with eyes looking straight ahead, point is directly below the pupil, in the depression of the infraorbital foramen (small round hole in cheekbone)
with both thumbs under the jaw bone, circle-press ST-2 Sibai with middle fingers - 36x
Acupoints on Eye Ridges: Zanzhu, Yuyao, Sizhukong, Tongziliao, ST-1 Chengqi
location: on the bones surrounding the eye socket (see image)
curl fingers and press temples with thumb pads , then use the insides of the index finger knuckles to massage the eye sockets in a circle, first the upper sockets from inside to outside, and then the lower sockets from inside to outside - lightly 6x, slightly stronger pressure 6x
Taiyang
location: at temple, in depression 1 cun posterior to outer edge of eye
circle-press Taiyang on both sides of head with middle fingers, in clockwise motion - 36x
GB-19 Naokong
location: on occiput (back of head), 3 cun above hairline, 2 cun lateral to midline
lightly tap-press GB-19 Naokong on both sides with three fingers - 36x
Linggu
location: on the back of the hand, distal to the junction of of the metacarpals of the thumb and index finger
point-press Linggu with thumb - 36x
Shangbai
location: on back of hand, between the index and middle fingers, in depression just proximal to the web of these fingers
knead-press Shangbai with thumb, up and down the point, without lifting finger - 36x
Closing: Bring Qi Down to Dantian
hold hands on lower abdomen, close eyes
breathe in all the good qi you’ve cultivated into your eyes and then down the body to your lower abdomen - the Dantian, your storehouse of energy
breathe out: breathe out all the stale, stagnant qi from your eyes, forehead, face, vertex, occiput, entire head
repeat breaths in and out until you are ready to open your eyes
