Eye Pillows: Not Just for Savasana!

Image: Carolman.net

A soft, cool eye pillow is my absolute favorite yoga prop. For me, an eye pillow offers instant relaxation by providing a little bit of pressure on the Third Eye point (that's the pressure point in the middle of the forehead). I also love that eye pillows are often scented with lavender or other soothing aromas. Plus, they're small enough to throw in your purse and take with you anywhere.

But if you think eye pillows are just for helping you relax for five minutes at the end of yoga class when you're in Savasana (Corpse Pose)--Think again!  Eye pillows are extremely versatile if you simply know how to use them.

Sleep Aid. For all the same reasons an eye pillow helps calm the mind during Savasana and restorative poses, it also helps when you've got trouble quieting the mind to sleep. I almost always drift off to sleep with an eye pillow over my eyes (mostly because my room isn't dark enough!), but it helps me let go of the day and drift off to sleep.

Extra Support (When You Need Just a Little). Maybe your knees are just a few inches away from the floor when you sit in  Sukhasana (Easy Pose) or your thigh is just an inch away from the floor in Pigeon Pose. There's not enough room for a block and it can take a long time to fold a blanket to give you the support you need. An eye pillow is the perfect solution.

Shoulder Soothers. If you're lucky enough to have two eye pillows try putting one on each shoulder the next time you feel tension set in. The light weight of the flax seeds and the soothing lavender will work together to remind you to soften and gradually melt the tension away.

What's your favorite use for an eye pillow?