Staring at the computer screen for a long time or reading in poor lighting can cause symptoms such as dry and watery eyes, eye soreness, and pain around the eye socket. In severe cases, it can even lead to decreased vision. So how can we relieve eye strain?
Acupressure Massage for Relief
Gently Push from the Eyebrow to the Temples
Using the pads of both thumbs, gently push from the inner edge of the eyebrows to the outer edge. Apply comfortable pressure and repeat 20-30 times each time.
Temples: Located on the sides of the head, about one finger-width behind the outer edge of the eyebrows.
Gently Rub the Eye Socket
Use both thumbs to gently rub the area around the eye socket, from bottom to top, for 20-30 times. Apply gentle and slow pressure.
Massage the Acupoints around the Eyes
Use the thumb to gently massage the Jingming acupoint, the Zanzhu acupoint, and the Sibai acupoint for 3-5 minutes.
Jingming acupoint: Located on the face, slightly above the inner corner of the eye.
Zanzhu acupoint: Located on the face, in the indentation above the bridge of the nose, between the eyebrows.
Sibai acupoint: With both eyes looking straight ahead, follow a straight line down from the center of the pupils. There will be a depression above the eye socket along this line, which is the Sibai acupoint.
Press the Guangming and Fengchi Acupoints
Use the thumb or index finger to apply firm pressure on the Guangming and Fengchi acupoints for 3-5 minutes.
Guangming acupoint: Located on the outer side of the lower leg, 5 inches above the outer ankle bone, along the front edge of the fibula.
Fengchi acupoint: Located on the back of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the hollow between the upper part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper part of the trapezius muscle.
Hot and Cold Compress
First, apply a hot towel to the closed eyes for 30 seconds, then immerse a long towel in ice water and apply it to the eyes. Repeat this process several times. This can accelerate blood circulation in the eyes, promote blood flow, and quickly relieve eye pain caused by eye strain.
Look Up and Blink
Continuously staring at a screen for a long time can easily lead to eye strain. The simplest way to relieve it is to tilt the head back and blink continuously. This can improve blood circulation in the eyes. Usually, doing this blinking exercise 2-3 times can effectively relieve eye discomfort.
Eye Exercises
If you have been sitting in front of a computer for an hour, try doing some eye exercises. For example, look up and take a deep breath, then return your gaze to the center and exhale. Repeat this exercise three times, and then do the same movements downwards, to the left, and to the right.
Look into the Distance
Taking short breaks allows the eyes to relax. It's best to leave your seat and look at distant objects outside the window for about 10 seconds. Take a brief rest, as this can greatly help protect your eyes.
