Yoga for puffy eyes: 6 poses to get rid of it! | XpertsReviews.com

Do you regularly wake up with puffy eyes and wonder if it means something bad for your health? While puffy eyes can be caused by many factors such as water retention, dehydration, certain allergies or aging, the problem can also simply indicate that you have been putting too much strain on your eyes and not getting enough rest. While it can be irritating, yoga can offer an unexpected remedy for puffy eyes. Yoga for puffy eyes can help minimize puffiness and improve overall eye health. While it is not a cure-all, it can be a refreshing and natural way to improve your appearance.

What are puffy eyes?

Puffy eyes are caused by fluid buildup in the tissues surrounding your eyes. This thin region under the eyes has minimal connective tissue, which makes the bags visible. Puffy eyes can be caused by various factors like lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep, allergies or sinus problems, excessive salt intake leading to water retention, dehydration, eye strain due to excessive screen time, and aging which can lead to weakening of the muscles around the eyes, says yoga expert Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar.

Read also : 7 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Those Unsightly Dark Circles

How Do Yoga Poses Reduce Puffy Eyes?

Yoga poses can help reduce puffy eyes in several ways, including:

1. Improves blood circulation

Regular yoga practice helps improve blood circulation and overall well-being, as shown by a study published in the International Journal of YogaCertain yoga poses can increase blood flow to the face, including the area around the eyes. This can help remove any stagnant fluid that could be contributing to puffiness. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

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2. Reduce stress

Regular yoga practice can help you manage stress and anxiety, according to a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. Many yoga poses and breathing techniques reduce stress, which may help reduce under-eye bags. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

3. Stimulate lymphatic drainage

The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste and excess fluid from the body, as shown by a study published in the Cold Spring Harbor Perspective in the Journal of MedicineCertain yoga poses can gently stimulate this system, promoting better drainage around the eyes and reducing under-eye puffiness. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

Best Yoga Poses for Puffy Eyes

Here are some of the best yoga poses to reduce under-eye bags, as explained by the expert:

1. Seated Forward Bend or Paschimottanasana

Paschimottanasana is known for its calming and soothing effects on the neurological system. The forward bending movement helps relieve tension in the back, neck, and shoulders, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. The pose also promotes deep breathing, which improves relaxation. This pose also helps improve blood circulation to the face and eyes, which helps reduce puffiness, as revealed in a study published in the International Journal of Science and Research.

How to do:

• Sit on a mat with your legs straight out in front of you.
• Inhale slowly while raising your arms above your head.
• Exhale slowly and gradually begin to bend forward from the hips, reaching towards your feet.
• Hold this position for 5 to 10 deep, slow breaths.

2. Downward dog pose or adho mukha svanasana

“Practicing downward dog pose is an instant stress reliever. Long-term stress can lead to weight gain, dark circles, puffy eyes, acne, age spots, and uneven skin tone,” the expert explains:

How to do:

• To begin downward dog, start on all fours in tabletop position.
• Simply press your toes into the floor, raise your pelvis and straighten your knees.
• Straighten your arms and gently look at your navel, keeping your head between your arms.
• Hold this position for 5 to 10 breaths, focusing on deep inhalations and exhalations.

3. Child’s Pose or Balasana

You can practice balasana after a long day of work or a rigorous workout. It can help relax and calm your muscles, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep, which indirectly helps reduce swelling. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

How to do:

• Kneel on the floor or a mat and sit back on your heels.
• Extend your arms forward, resting your forehead on the floor.
• Hold this position for 5 to 10 deep breaths.

4. Fish Pose or Matsyasana

Fish pose is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a major cause of puffy eyes. It also helps improve cardiovascular health, as shown by a study published in the International Journal of Yoga.

How to do:

• Lie on your back on the mat or floor, slowly lift your chest and place the top of your head on the floor or mat.
• Keep your lower back pressed against the floor.
• Hold this position for 5 to 7 breaths, focusing on deep chest breathing.

5. Legs against the wall pose or viparita karani

The raised legs against the wall pose helps drain fluid from the face and eyes and can minimize inflammation. It reduces the effects of the causes that can lead to puffy eyes and dark circles, as shown by a study published in the Review of Psychosomal Medicine.

How to do:

• Lie on your back on the mat or floor with your legs extended against a wall.
• Keep your arms relaxed at your sides.
• Hold this position for 5 to 10 minutes, breathing deeply and slowly.

6. Alternate nostril breathing or anulom vilom

Alternate nostril breathing or anulom vilom helps balance the nervous system and reduce stress. This indirectly helps reduce under-eye bags. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

How to do:

• Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
• Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and inhale through the left.
• Close your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through your right.
• Inhale through the right, then exhale through the left.
• Continue this pattern for 5 to 10 minutes.

Who Should Avoid These Yoga Poses to Reduce Puffy Eyes?

• Although yoga is generally safe, there are some poses that people should avoid or modify:
• People with high blood pressure should avoid inverted postures.
• People with neck or back injuries should be careful with forward bends and fish pose.
• Pregnant women should avoid lying on their backs for prolonged periods.
• People with glaucoma should avoid inverted postures.
• People who have recently had eye surgery should consult their doctor before practicing yoga.

Always consult a healthcare professional or qualified yoga teacher if you have any medical concerns or concerns.