How Your Eyes are the “Master Switch” for Your Whole Nervous System
Liver time is associated with the Spring!
In TCM, the Liver controls tendons and ligaments and energetically opens up to the eyes. Staring too long (especially at screens), can drain our Liver energy, and since the Liver is in charge of the smooth flow of energy in the body, this can lead to a stagnant or even a deficient Liver system!
—> Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation include irritability or rage, red and itchy eyes, tension headaches or pain in your neck and shoulders, rib/side pain or abdominal pain, breast distention, alternating bowels of constipation and loose stools, moderate to severe PMS symptoms, and pain with your cycle.
—> Symptoms of Liver Blood Deficiency include dry or blurry vision, eye floaters, pale and dry skin, fatigue, dry and brittle hair and nails, weak muscles and tendons, a light or short cycle, fatigue, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping.
So how does this all relate to our nervous system and spinal cord? Check out this image:
Your eye movements directly affect your neck’s mobility. When your gaze shifts, your neck’s movement naturally follows.
If your eye control is off or it’s been strained for too long, it can cause your neck muscles to tighten which will also affect your spinal cord. Remember that if one part of our alignment is off, the rest will follow. This is why we often see neck problems associated with lower back problems or shoulder problems, too!
In order to relieve your neck muscles, we also need to release our eye muscles. You can think of your eyes as the “Master Switch,” or “Steering Wheel,” for your whole spine (which houses our nervous system).
Keep your eyes fixed on a single object in your level field of vision and then shake your head side to side, slowly. Do this for 30 seconds to a minute.
Keeping your eyes fixed on that single object, nod your head yes, slowly. Do this for 30 seconds to a minute.
And my absolute favorite - while sitting in a chair, put your hands behind your head like you’re going to do a sit-up. Now, without moving your head at all, turn your gaze diagonally up and to the right. Hold that gaze for 30 seconds. Recenter, then repeat on the left. (This exercise may cause you to yawn! This is a favorable outcome as this means your nervous system is responding!)
Nervous system dysregulation can cause chronic inflammation, spinal misalignment, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, spinal misalignment, pain in the joints, and irritability. Incorporate these exercises to keep your neck relaxed and reduce pain. Your nervous system will thank you!