Screens and digital devices have become a major part of our routine / work these days and our eyes bear the brunt of digital strain & fatigue. The constant exposure to screens and artificial lighting can lead to eye discomfort, dryness, and even more severe issues like eye strain or headaches. Amidst this chaos, a simple yet powerful technique known as palming emerges as a natural remedy to alleviate eye strain and promote relaxation.
Palming, an age-old practice rooted in holistic healing methodologies, involves covering the eyes gently with the palms of your hands to create a dark, soothing space. Palming has multiple benefits, some of which are listed below:
Relaxation and Stress Relief
One of the primary advantages of palming lies in its ability to induce a state of relaxation. By gently cupping the eyes with the palms, the warm darkness created helps the eyes to relax, reducing the strain caused by constant exposure to bright lights or screens. This relaxation technique can also extend to the mind, helping to calm mental chatter and promote a sense of tranquility.
Improved Circulation and Eye Health
The act of palming encourages increased blood circulation around the eyes. The gentle pressure and warmth from the hands stimulate blood flow, promoting better circulation to the ocular region. Enhanced circulation can contribute to improved nutrient delivery and oxygenation to the eyes, potentially aiding in maintaining eye health and supporting optimal vision.
Reduction of Eye Strain and Fatigue
Palming serves as a natural remedy to reduce the strain accumulated from prolonged screen time or other visually demanding activities. Taking breaks to practice palming can relieve tired eyes by allowing them to rest in a comfortable, darkness-induced state, reducing the strain on the eye muscles.
Stress Reduction for Overall Well-being
Beyond its direct benefits for eye health, palming is also known for its broader impact on reducing stress levels. The practice encourages a moment of pause and relaxation, providing a much-needed break from the constant stimuli bombarding our senses. This brief respite can contribute significantly to overall stress reduction, helping individuals to unwind and reset.
How to Practice Palming:
Find a comfortable position. Rest your elbows comfortably on a table or desk. When palming, it is important that you are comfortable and relaxed with room to rest your arms naturally. You don’t want the weight of your head to rest in your hands.
Warm up your hands. Rub your hands together, creating some friction and warmth.
Make a cup or hollow with your palms.
Place your hands over your eyes. Be sure there is no light to be seen between your fingers. If there is light, correct the placement until there is perfect coverage.
Clear your mind and relax. Visualize total blackness, the most relaxing color for the mind. If total darkness is difficult to achieve, visualize a comfortable image or bring up positive thoughts: a starry night, or a favorite moment, person, or object.
Palming should be done for 5-10mins at a time and can be done multiple times a day. It is one of the best methods to relieve eye strain.
Things to note with palming:
Straighten your back and neck. Your back and neck need to create a straight line. This is important to prevent any major blood vessels in your spinal cord from being curved.
Be sure to not put pressure on your eyes or cheekbones. Palms should just be resting over the eye sockets.
Incorrect ways of doing palming:
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