Eye Qigong for Clear Vision

The Wood Element

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the universe is organized into the five elements. Each element is associated with a season, organ system in the body, sense organ, and aspect of our consciousness or spirit.

The spring season is associated with the wood element, which corresponds to the liver organ system and the sense organ of the eyes. This is a season of growth, and the eyes allow us to see new potentials and guide our direction of growth. The spirit association of the wood element is the Hun spirit, which is represented by a green dragon. The Hun gives us a clear direction in life and is responsible for our visions, dreams, projects, and ideas.

Wood Out of Balance

In our modern times, we are often pushed to grow too quickly, with less time to pause and connect with our intuition or dreams. Emotionally and spiritually, this can cause stress and frustration and puts us at risk of burnout and lack of direction. Physically, we may develop eye strain, dry eyes, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension. Think of a plant that gets too much sunlight and not enough water: it becomes brittle and dry rather than supple and flexible. These symptoms are further exacerbated by the amount of time we spend on electronic devices and screens rather than connecting with nature and other living beings.

The liver system in TCM regulates the smooth flow of Qi or energy throughout the body. When we are under more stress, the flow of Qi gets choppier. Wood grows in spirals, and when we practice moving fluidly in spiral patterns, we nourish the wood element and encourage the Qi to flow more smoothly. One such practice is with these eye exercises below. These exercises moisten and strengthen the eyes, calm the spirit, and help connect us with our intuition.

Eye Qigong Practice

If you wear contact lenses or glasses, remove them before practicing. Find a comfortable seat and breathe softly into the belly. On the inhale, the belly rises. On the exhale, the belly falls.

Part 1: Circle with the eyes open

1. Look back and forth, all the way to the left and all the way to the right, repeating several times.
2. Now look up and down, all the way up and all the way down, repeating several times.
3. Close your eyes and rest.
4. Move your eyes in a circular, clockwise direction. Notice where there are gaps and move back and forth over those areas to smooth them out, then continue clockwise.
5. Close your eyes and rest. Inhale and exhale, allowing the energy generated from the circular movement to condense between your eyebrows. This is the yintang or "third eye point" and connects you with your intuition.
6. Now, move your eyes in a circular, counter-clockwise direction, smoothing out any areas with gaps.
7. Close your eyes and rest, bringing your attention to the point between your eyebrows.
8. Rub your hands together and cup them very lightly over your eyes, sending healing energy from your hands into your eyes and brain.
9. Then gently brush your hands over the top of your head to the back of your neck, around and down the front of your neck, down your heart, and over your belly. Bring your attention to your lower abdomen, just below your belly button, where your energy is stored.

Step 2: Circle with the eyes closed

1. Keep your eyes closed, and now move your eyes back and forth, left and right.
2. Then move your eyes up and down, up and down.
3. Rest, breathing softly with your belly.
4. With your eyes still closed, move them in a circular, clockwise direction, moving as slowly and smoothly as possible.
5. Rest, bringing your attention to the point between your eyebrows, condensing the energy into a bright ball of light.
6. Repeat in the other direction, smoothly moving your eyes in a circular, counter-clockwise direction.
7. Rest, bringing your attention to the point between your eyebrows. Imagine the ball of energy there growing brighter.
8. Now, sink that ball of energy down into your belly and focus your attention in your lower abdomen, placing one hand over the other just below your belly button.
9. Rub your hands gently over your belly in a clockwise direction, sending loving energy into all the organs in your abdomen. Then, spiral your hands in the other direction, condensing the energy down into a bright pearl of energy where it can be stored.
10. Smile at your life force energy, and when you are ready, gently open your eyes.