Train your vision
Many of us overlook the importance of our vision until we start experiencing age-related changes in our eyesight. But wait, did you just acknowledge my point? That was a test! Your eyes don't lose clarity and sharpness simply because of aging. Rather, their performance diminishes due to underutilization. Remember, just being able to see doesn't guarantee that you are maximizing your visual capabilities.
In Chinese Medicine, the eyes require a flow of Qi to bring blood for nourishment and moisture. The Liver receives an influx of rising Yang Qi in the Spring season, which directs Qi and blood to the eyes.
In spring, the emphasis can be on vision training when the Liver Qi is at its peak. Movement is crucial for the Liver Qi, encompassing the entire body, visual training, and self-care practices.
Look Around
I aim to reduce your screen time, so I'll keep this short. Let's be honest, we tend to spend too much time glued to our screens and not enough time looking away. Below, I'll share some self-care and mobility exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
4 Tips for Vision Training
#1. WEAR YOUR QI GLASSES
Our eyes need Qi and blood and you’ve all learned that can be achieved with ‘Awakening the Qi’ sensory scrub. I demonstrate in a video how to awaken the Qi around the eyes to prepare you for vision work.
Click here to watch my video on Instagram. And guess what… NO, you don’t need an account to view the video! Yay!
BENEFITS:
❤️ calms the mind
❤️ soothes eye strain
❤️reduces headaches + migraines
❤️moves Qi around the eyes for better vision
❤️reinvigorates the creative spark (a great computer break drill when you get mentally stuck!)
#2. DO SOME PUSH UPS!
Vision pencil push ups that is! This easy vision drill is perfect to blend with other exercises when you want to challenge your vision and movement skills.
Click here to watch me do pencil push ups!
BENEFITS:
❤️ Helps with visual acuity
❤️ Can help with reading fatigue & even comprehension
❤️ Relieve headache and migraine tension
❤️ Can settle minor anxiety attacks*
(*This drill while done for 1-5minutes with slow nasal breathing can affect the rate of the heart through a reflex known as ocular-cardiac reflex!)
#3. TAKE A BREAK
I don’t think we understand how much STRAIN our eyes go through on a daily basis. It’s the balance of Yin among the Yang in our habits of abundance. Just take a BREAK and cover the eyes.
Click here to learn eye cupping for visual self-care. Or click the image to the right ———>>>>
BENEFITS:
❤️ Calms the mind and body immediately
❤️ Alleviates headaches and migraines
❤️ Relieves dry eyes
TIP: when you stare are your computer, we don’t blink as much and it dries your eyes. So apply this break every 20 minutes during screen time
❤️ Can help you return to a better sleep for those who wake between 1am-3am. Try this mid-day between 11am-1pm to settle the heart. Try it for a week and you’ll notice a difference in your sleep habits!
#4. EYES ON THE PRIZE
Are you THAT PERSON when someone tosses you the keys, you swat as it like you’ve been attacked by a bee? If so, then this last vision drill is just for you. We need our eyes to track moving objects.
Seriously, how do you drive if your visual tracking is poor?
Check out this video to learn smooth pursuits!
You only need to take 5 minutes out of your day to complete these 4 drills OR space them out and use them throughout the day (when you wake, during your workout or outdoor activity, while at your computer, etc). Make vision drills a part of your daily movement. Your future self will thank you!
If you are interested in training your vision from a neurological and Qigong perspective, then take the time to check out the Bamboo Bodies Membership. The Spring training is open and ready for you to move that QI!
