Chinese Eye Exercises

The Chinese eye exercises are based on acupressure points. They have been practised regularly in China to help reduce the rate of eye disorders. 

Failing Eyesight Due To Malfunctioning Liver

In Chinese medicines, if the eyesight is failing, it could mean that the liver is not functioning optimally. In this situation, the liver can gradually improve through dietary changes, daily Taijiquan, qigong, yoga, meditation and reflexology. 

You can also perform some simple foot reflexology:Just roll a wooden foot roller or rolling pin beneath the feet from the toes to the heels for 5 minutes, concentrating more on the the areas between the second and third toes on both feet (ie. the reflex areas for the eyes). Then concentrate on the liver reflex area, which is on the right foot below the ball of the foot, in line with the third, fourth and fifth toes. If the liver or gall bladder is not functioning properly, this area will feel very tender.

Failing Eyesight Due To Old Age

Failing eyesight could also be due to poor condition of the kidneys. Daily Taijiquan, qigong, yoga or meditation stress on stimulating and rejuvenating the kidneys. In taijiquan, all the movements involve the waist, and these movements massage the kidneys. Tao meditation also improves the quality of the jing which in turn rejuvenates the kidneys.

Chinese Eye Exercises – Warming Up Session

With the head facing forwards:

1. Move the eyes from left to right. Repeat 10 times.
2. Move the eyes from top to bottom. Repeat 10 times.
3. Move the eyes diagonally from bottom left to top right. Repeat 10 times.
4. Move the eyes diagonally from top left to bottom right. Repeat 10 times.
5. Move the eyes around clockwise. Repeat 10 times.
6. Move the eye around counter-clockwise. Repeat 10 times.
7. Rub the eyelids to improve circulation.
8. Perform palming to rest your eyes

Note: If you are old or have a tendency to become giddy or faint, do these exercises lying down. 

Chinese Eye Exercises – Part 1

You can do the following Chinese eye exercises after meals, during the commercial breaks while watching TV, or as often as you like.

With eyes closed

1. Using the middle fingers, massage the bone of the eye sockets. Move the fingers outwards and upwards, then down to the bridge of the nose, as indicated by the arrows in figure. Repeat 8 times.

2. Using the middle fingers, massage the hollows in the temples on either side of the face in an up and down movement. Repeat 8 times. (See Figure 1.)

3. Use the thumbs to massage the bones behind the ear lobes in an up and down movement. Repeat 8 times. (See figure 2.)

4. Use the thumbs to massage the bones behind the head on either side of top of the neck, in an up and down movement. Repeat 8 times. (See figure 2.)

5. Perform palming to rest your eyes

Chinese Eye Exercises – Part 2

This set of Chinese eye exercises is excellent for students during intensive study periods.

1. With the fingers, gently massage the areas in the back of the skull directly behind the eyes. These may be very tender. (See figure 2 above.)
2. Rotate the big toes clockwise and counterclockwise, then massage them thoroughly, on the front, back and top, to improve blood supply to the brain and optic nerves, and to relax the neck muscles.
3. Massage the eye reflex areas on the soles directly below the second and third toes on both feet.
4. Massage the eye reflex areas directly below the nails of the big toes.

Chinese Eye Exercises – Part 3

Check out the clip below.

Step 1: Massaging of “Yuyao”

• Identify the 2 “Yuyao” points located at the medical (inner) aspect of the eyebrows.
• Press your thumbs against the 2 points in a circular movement to a count of 8 beats per cycle. Repeat the 8 circles.

Step 2: Massaging of “Zanzhu” Points

• Identify the “Zanzhu” points which are located on both sides of the nasal bridge.
• Using either your right or left hand, place your thumb and index finger on the points. Press downwards and massage upwards to a count of 8 beats per cycle. Repeat for 8 cycles.

Step 3: Massaging of “Shibai” Points

• Identify the “Shibai” points on your cheeks by dropping a vertical line from the pupils of your eyes and a horizontal line from the nares (sides) of your nose. The cross point of these 2 lines is where the “Shibai” point is.
• Press your index fingers on the “Sibai” points and support your thumbs on the angles of your jaws with the same remaining middle, ring and little fingers on both sides of your chin. Massage the points in a circular movement to a count of 8 beats per cycle. Repeat for 8 cycles

Step 4: Pressing on “temple“ points and sliding round the eye sockets

• Identify the “Taiyang” points which are located at the most hollow areas of your temples.
• Press on the “Taiyang” points with your thumbs and flex the remaining fingers into a fist position.
• Use the knuckles of your index fingers to slide over from medial to lateral aspect of the upper eye sockets for the first 4 beats, and continue to do similarly over the lower eye sockets for the second 4 beats of each cycle. Repeat for 8 cycles.

When you have complete the 4-stage regime of Chinese exercise, look at a distance for a short while to ensure a total relaxation of your eye muscles.

No Miracle Cure in Chinese Eye Exercises

Similarly, do not expect miracle cure from Chinese Eye Exercises. You need pure hard work and patience to do at least some of these Chinese eye exercises daily. People who wear glasses should go without them for a few hours each day, and then gradually increase the time.