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Bloodshot eyes in headstand.

 
 

James
User

Jan 31, 2001, 5:20 AM

Post #1 of 5 (99 views)
Bloodshot eyes in headstand. Can't Post
Hi All,

In Light On Yoga, Guruji writes:
'While going up or holding the headstand the eyes should never become boodshot. If they do, the pose is faulty.'
I believe I have noticed this in my practice but I don't know how to correct this. In uttanasana, also, my eyes become bloodshot.
Can anyone offer their thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks In Advance, James.

Mia
Novice

Mar 5, 2001, 1:57 PM

Post #2 of 5 (97 views)
Re: Bloodshot eyes in headstand. [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi James...I had a student show me her "blood shot" eyes a couple of days after her 4th class. We had done headstands...but, as she is just beginning, her pose was very modified. She is the only one who I've seen have this... I never have this problem, myself. What causes this?

James
User

Mar 5, 2001, 11:52 PM

Post #3 of 5 (96 views)
Re: Bloodshot eyes in headstand. [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Mia,

I do not know what causes the effect, but your description sounds as though your student had bloodshot eyes two days after doing the pose. Is this correct?

I have noticed that my eyes do not remain bloodshot after doing the pose; I assume, though I have never measured it exactly, that they become normal again soon after doing the pose.

I wish my pose was as successful as those of the rest of your students.

Kind Regards, James.

erin
Enthusiast

Mar 18, 2001, 5:34 AM

Post #4 of 5 (95 views)
Re: Bloodshot eyes in headstand. [In reply to] Can't Post
In your attmept to broaden the shoulders you are probably shoving the shoulders too far forward and creating strain on the neck. Soften and lift the shoulders up and just balance on the head. Don't make it harder than it is.

I have also been struggling with a version of the same problem. I have been instructed to "warm up" prior to sirsasana. (I will do some standing poses, adho mukha vrksasana/svanasana, etc.) then I take the pose very slowly. If I try to go quickly I get broken blood vessels around my eyes, not in them, and I feel pressure in my eyes and burning in my face, especially in my lips, which tells me something is not quite right. I have been instructed to do the following: I put my head in to position, wait 15 seconds, lift my hips and straighten my legs, wait another 15-20 seconds then take my feet and legs up slowly. I come down just as slowly. In the pose I tend to grip my chest - squeezing my heart which causes circulation to be restricted. I don't have this problem in adho mukha vrksasana or other inversions - only sirsasana and sometimes if I am not paying close attention I get it in uttanasana.

Matt
Novice

Mar 18, 2001, 6:04 PM

Post #5 of 5 (94 views)
Re: Bloodshot eyes in headstand. [In reply to] Can't Post
hi james,

of what i hear of your problem i would say that you need to first slow things down in your practice. my advice would be to practice adho mukha svanasana with the head on a block so that the head and eyes can relax before practicing salamba sirsasana. i would also advise you to practice some supported forward bends before salamba sirsasana. practice salamba sirsasana with the crown of your head directly on the blanket. the tendency is to allow the weight to fall on the front of the head. if this problems persists try this alternative. take 2 chairs and place a sticky mat or a blanket on each chair with the chairs against a wall(the seats of the chairs should face each other). then place your shoulders on each chair place your hands on the side of the seat with you fingers pointing away from your head and body. slowly exhale up into the pose and stay only a short amount of time keeping the head and neck realaxed and the crown of the head directly facing the ground. in any case, if the pressure in the eyes comes, come down immediately! i would also consult a qualified Iyengar teacher as well.i wish u the best in Yoga.

Namaste,
Matt

 
 
 


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