Why Do an Eye Massage?

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

When Do I need an Eye Massage?

After a busy day staring at a computer or reading a book, your eyes might feel tired and dry.  An eye massage may be just what you need to soothe them.  Make sure you remove your contact lenses or glasses before you begin

I suggest you try the simple self eye massage techniques either together or separately to soothe those tired and dry eyes.

Using your fingertips for an Eye Massage

Place your thumbs on the inner corners of your eyebrows, pressing gently for several seconds. Apply pressure at various points around the edge of the eye.  Repeat this technique using your fingers, massaging gently outward from the corners instead of applying pressure with this eye massage.

Use thumb and index finger to massage the bridge of your nose.  Glide your thumb and finger along your nose, upward motion with some light pressure.  Press and squeeze for 4 breaths.

Next, place middle finger on your cheek bone, directly below the middle of your eye. Massage the center part of your cheek for 4 breaths.

Repeat this several times, spending a little extra time at the indentation of the inner eye socket, where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows – an especially tender point on many people.

Figure Eights for Eye Massage Relaxation

By tracing an imaginary figure of eight (the horizontal version, like the infinity sign), approximately 10 feet from you, this exercise increases the flexibility of your eyes while relaxing the eye muscles. Trace the figure with your eyes without moving your head, first in one direction, then in another.  Remember to breathe, relax, and blink from time to time to help your eyes relax.

Using the palms of your hands for an Eye Massage

Used to reduce stress around the eyes, the exercise involves using your palm to diffuse stress, relax the muscles around the eyes and induce circulation to the eyes.

Begin with warm hands rubbing your hands together gently should be sufficient to warm them up.  Cup your hands over both eyes for this eye massage.  Place the heels of your palms on your cheekbones and rest your elbows on the table.

Concentrate on your breathing for both of these eye massages. After a minute or two with your palms, apply light pressure to each eye with the heel of your palm and hold for a minute.

What are some benefits of Eye Massage?

Eye Massage has a number of benefits that include;

• Stimulating blood flow to the skin, muscles and capillaries in the areas around the eyes, helping to drain excess fluids, reduce sagging areas, tone the muscles and nourish new cell growth.
• Speeding up lymphatic drainage to remove toxins.
• De-stressing the muscles that cause crow’s feet.
• Activating the pressure points around the eye sockets to help release tension in the visual system and increase the flow of life energy to the eyes.
• Ensuring that the application of any skin feeding and moisturizing agent is gently but surely worked into the skin for maximum effectiveness.
• The opportunity to slow down, breathe and relax and give some nurturing to yourself and your eyes with these simple techniques.

At the end of each of these eye massage exercises open your eyes wide for a moment and take some deep breathes, enjoy the relaxed and refreshed feeling your eyes now enjoy.