Yoga for Bags Under Eyes: 6 Poses to Get Rid of Them!

Do you often wake up with puffy eyes and wonder if this is bad for your health? While puffy eyes can be caused by many factors, such as fluid retention, dehydration, certain allergies, or aging, the problem can also simply indicate that you are putting too much strain on your eyes and not giving them enough rest. While it can be irritating, yoga can provide an unexpected remedy for puffy eyes. Yoga for puffy eyes can help minimize puffiness and improve the overall health of your eyes. While it is not a miracle cure, it can be a refreshing and natural way to improve your appearance.

What are puffy eyes?

Puffy eyes are caused by fluid buildup in the tissues around your eyes. This thin region under your eyes has minimal connective tissue, which makes puffiness more noticeable. Puffy eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep, allergies or sinus problems, excessive salt intake leading to fluid retention, dehydration, eye strain from excessive screen time, and aging, which can lead to weakened muscles around the eyes, says yoga expert Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar.

Also read: 7 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Those Ugly Dark Circles

How Do Yoga Poses Reduce Bags Under Eyes?

Yoga poses can help reduce bags under the eyes in several ways, including:

1. Improves blood circulation

Regular yoga practice helps improve circulation and overall well-being, according to a study published in the International Journal of Yoga. Certain yoga poses can increase blood flow to the face, including the area around the eyes. This can help flush out stagnant fluid that may contribute to puffiness. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

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2. Reduce stress

Regular yoga practice can help you manage stress and anxiety, according to a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. Many yoga poses and breathing techniques reduce stress, which may help reduce puffy eyes. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

3. Stimulate lymphatic drainage

The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste products and excess fluid from the body, according to a study published in the Cold Spring Harbor Perspective in Medicine Journal. Some yoga poses can gently stimulate this system, which leads to better drainage around the eyes and less puffiness. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

Best Yoga Poses For Puffy Eyes

Here are some of the best yoga poses to reduce under-eye bags, explained by the expert:

1. Seated Forward Bend or Paschimottanasana

Paschimottanasana is known for its calming and soothing effects on the neurological system. The forward bend movement helps to relieve tension in the back, neck, and shoulders, reducing stress and anxiety. The pose also promotes deep breathing, which promotes relaxation. This pose also helps to improve blood circulation to the face and eyes, which helps to reduce puffiness, as found in a study published in the International journal of science and research.

How do you:

• Sit on a mat with your legs stretched out in front of you.
• Inhale slowly as you raise your arms above your head.
• Exhale slowly and gradually bend forward from the hips, reaching toward your feet.
• Hold this for 5-10 times, breathing deeply and slowly.

2. Downward dog pose or adho mukha svanasana

“Practicing downward dog pose provides immediate stress-relieving effects. Long-term stress can lead to weight gain, dark circles, puffy eyes, acne, pigmentation, and a blotchy complexion,” the expert explains:

How do you:

• To begin downward dog, start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
• Simply press your toes into the floor, lift your pelvis and straighten your knees.
• Extend your arms and gaze gently toward your navel, keeping your head between your arms.
• Hold this for 5-10 breaths, focusing on deep inhalations and exhalations.

3. Child’s Pose or Balasana

You can perform balasana after a long day at work or an intense workout. It can help relax and soothe your muscles, which will help you get a good night’s sleep, which indirectly helps reduce swelling. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

How do you:

• Kneel on the floor or mat and sit on your heels.
• Stretch your arms forward and rest your forehead on the floor.
• Hold this for 5-10 deep breaths.

4. Fish Pose or Matsyasana

The fish pose is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a major reason for puffy eyes. It also helps improve cardiovascular health, as shown in a study published in the International Journal of Yoga.

How do you:

• Lie on your back on the mat or floor, slowly lift your chest and place the crown of your head on the floor or mat.
• Keep your lower back pressed against the floor.
• Hold this for 5-7 breaths, focusing on deep chest breathing.

5. Legs up against the wall pose or viparita karani

The legs-up-the-wall pose helps drain fluid from the face and eyes and can minimize inflammation. It reduces the effects of causes that can lead to puffy eyes and dark circles, as found in a study published in the Psychosom Medicine Journal.

How do you:

• Lie on your back on the mat or floor and stretch your legs against a wall.
• Keep your arms relaxed at your sides.
• Hold this for 5-10 minutes, breathing deeply and slowly.

6. Alternate nostril breathing or anulom vilom

Alternate nogat breathing or anulom vilom helps to balance the nervous system and reduce stress. This indirectly helps to reduce eye swelling. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

How do you:

• Sit comfortably with a straight back.
• Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and inhale through your left nostril.
• Close the left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through the right nostril.
• Inhale through the right side and then exhale through the left side.
• Repeat this pattern for 5-10 minutes.

Who should not try these yoga poses for bags under the eyes?

• While yoga is generally safe, some people should avoid or modify certain poses:
• People with high blood pressure should avoid inverted poses.
• People with neck or back problems should be careful with forward bends and the fish pose.
• Pregnant women should avoid lying on their backs for long periods of time.
• People with glaucoma should avoid inverted postures.
• People who have recently undergone eye surgery should consult their doctor before practicing yoga.

Always consult a healthcare provider or qualified yoga instructor if you have any medical concerns or conditions.