Have you ever wondered if simply looking at the sun can offer benefits for your health and wellbeing? Sun gazing, also known as solar healing, is the practice of staring directly at the sun during sunrise and sunset to absorb its healing energies.
While sun gazing may sound unconventional, it’s actually been practiced for thousands of years in ancient cultures around the world. From ancient Egyptians and Mayans to Yogis in India, many believed that the morning and evening sun provided powerful healing effects for the mind, body and spirit.
In this article, we’ll explore the theory behind sun gazing and 9 science-backed ways it can improve your mental and physical well-being when practiced safely and correctly.
What is Sun Gazing?
This is the practice of staring directly at the sun during the first hour of sunrise or the last hour before sunset.
Unlike sunbathing, the eyes are not protected by sunglasses during sun gazing. The practice involves starting with just 10 seconds of gazing on the first day and slowly increasing by 10 seconds each day over a 9 month period until you reach 44 minutes.
Sun gazers follow a strict protocol to ensure safety and benefits. This includes standing barefoot on grass or sand while gazing to allow absorption of energies from the sun and earth. The gaze is focused about 10 degrees above the horizon in the direction of the sun.
The Theory Behind
According to sun gazing advocates, the eyes absorb sun energy in the form of red, blue, yellow and ultraviolet light wavelengths. These lights provide nourishment for the body and stimulate healing processes when absorbed at the proper times and in specific amounts.
Additionally, sun gazers believe that direct sunlight absorption by the retina stimulates the pineal gland. This small gland in the brain regulates circadian rhythms and produces hormones like melatonin that influence mood and sleep patterns. Stimulation of the pineal gland can help optimize biological functions.
While more research is still needed, a number of potential sun gazing benefits have been observed. Let’s explore some of the ways it may enhance your mental and physical well-being.
9 Potential Benefits of Sun Gazing
1. May Release Feel-Good Chemicals
Exposure to early morning sunlight may stimulate the brain to release mood boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins. So by starting your day with sun gazing, you may experience a natural high and sense of vitality.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
Speaking of sleep, sun gazing can also have a positive impact on the quality of your sleep. By regulating your circadian rhythms and promoting a healthy sleep-wake cycle, sun gazing can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
3. Could Support Eye Health
Sunlight exposure causes the retina to release neurotransmitters that carry messages through the optic nerve to parts of the brain that regulate the circadian rhythm. In fact this maintains the health of the retinal neurons and optic nerves.
4. May Lower Stress and Anxiety
While the soothing warmth of the morning sun’s red, orange and yellow rays have an anti-anxiety effect. Starting your day with sun gazing can lower cortisol levels and instill a sense of calm.
5. Helps Generate Vitamin D
Although we get most vitamin D from the sun’s UVB rays penetrating our skin, our eyes also absorb UVB rays which may promote vitamin D synthesis. Also vitamin D is crucial for immune function and healthy bones.
6. Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Spending time in nature and basking in the warmth of the sun can have a calming and soothing effect on your mind and body. It also promotes relaxation, reduces stress levels, and allows you to connect with the natural world around you.
Now that we’ve explored the incredible wellness benefits of sun gazing, you may be wondering how to incorporate this practice into your daily routine. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Start slowly and gradually increase the time spent hazing at the sun to allow your eyes to adjust.
- Choose safe times to gaze, such as during sunrise or sunset when the sun’s rays are less intense.
- Protect your eyes by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or using other forms of eye protection.
- Combine sun gazing with other healthy habits like meditation or gentle exercise to enhance the overall benefits.
7. Strengthened Immune System
Sunlight has been shown to have immune-boosting properties. When you engage in sun gazing, your body absorbs the sun’s rays, which stimulates the production of white blood cells and enhances your immune system’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.
8. Increased Focus and Mental Clarity
The sun’s rays have a positive impact on cognitive function, enhancing focus, clarity, and productivity. Sun gazing can help sharpen your mental acuity, making it easier to concentrate on tasks and improve overall cognitive performance.
9. Alleviation of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months when sunlight exposure is limited. Sun gazing can be an effective natural remedy for SAD, as it provides the much-needed sunlight that can alleviate symptoms and lift your mood.
Key Takeaways
- Sun gazing is staring at the sun during the first hour after sunrise and last hour before sunset.
- Traditional sun gazing follows a slow building protocol up to 44 minutes over 9 months.
- Potential benefits include better sleep, eye health, vitamin D and mood regulation.
- Light entering the eyes helps balance hormones, neurotransmitters and biological rhythms.
- Always follow proper safety precautions like limiting time, building slowly and standing barefoot on the ground.
Remember, this should be practiced responsibly and in moderation. Always prioritize your eye safety and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing eye conditions.
In conclusion, sun gazing offers a myriad of wellness benefits, from improved mood and mental health to enhanced energy levels and strengthened immune function. By embracing the power of the sun, you can elevate your well-being and experience the transformative effects of connecting with nature’s greatest source of light and life.
So why not take a moment today to step outside, gaze at the sun, and let its warmth and radiance envelop you in a renewed sense of vitality and wellness? Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for it.
