Yoga of Perfect Sight

Candle Practice

When reading of fine print in candlelight is properly done, it proves extremely beneficial. It relieves the discomforts of the head and eyes and strain and improves the sight in cases of hypermetropia, astigmatism, presbyopia, myopia, early cataract, and glaucoma and in cases of retinal diseases. The flame stimulates the retinal cells and improves the blood circulation and gives a feeling of comfort, rest and relaxation.

When one reads in bright electric light or in the sun, the glare reflected from the paper causes strain and fatigue, sometimes loss of sight due to the development of serious complications. But in candlelight there is no reflection from the paper and the light is just sufficient to read.

Reading in candlelight may be done without or with glasses. If one candle is not sufficient, one may use two candles. While reading, if one shifts the sight on the white lines in between the lines of print with gentle blinking, the print becomes very black and legible. Reading large print is detrimental to perfect sight because the eye tries to see a larger area at a time and this disturbs the sensitiveness of the retina. Reading of fine print in good light and candlelight alternately is very helpful.

Concentration on the candle flame while counting 100 respirations is another way of helping the eyes and mind. It may be noted that the sight is on the flame but the mind is absorbed in respirations; then there is no strain. Staring at the flame is not good, it may cause strain and discomfort or headache. In such cases two candles may be used keeping them 9 inches apart; then the sight is shifted from one candle to the other with the gentle rhythm of inhalation and exhalation. After concentration one may do palming or practise the long swing. Concentration on candle flame is very useful in hypermetropia and presbyopia. It helps in dissolving the formation of early cataract and relieves the tension in glaucoma cases.