Eye pillows have been used for thousands of years. In ancient times, various cultures such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used eye pillows made of various materials such as linen, cotton, or silk filled with herbs like lavender, chamomile, or peppermint. In this post, we'll review the benefits of incorporating an eye pillow into your self-care routine and how it can help you reduce stress, improve your sleep, and enhance your meditation practice.
What is an eye pillow?
An eye pillow differs from an eye mask and is a small cushion filled with natural materials like flaxseed, lavender, or chamomile. Its purpose is to block out light and create gentle pressure that relieves tension and promotes relaxation. At Onanea, we've designed our eye pillow with a 100% cotton cover filled with the highest quality flaxseed and dried lavender. Lavender is a versatile herb known for its calming and soothing properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy. It has been found to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. Lavender's gentle, floral scent creates a serene atmosphere that can help ease tension and promote a sense of calm.
The benefits of using an eye pillow
An eye pillow is an easy way to prioritise physical and mental health. Placing it over your eyes promotes relaxation and calms your nervous system. Indeed, the gentle pressure on your eyelids stimulates the vagus nerve, triggering the Oculocardiac Reflex, leading to a cascade of relaxation throughout your body, reducing blood pressure and heart rate, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Eye pillows are also an efficient way to reduce eye strain and headaches. Lastly, it can enhance your meditation or yoga practice by helping you to focus and deepen your relaxation.
How to use an eye pillow in your self-care routine
Using an eye pillow in your self-care routine is simple and easy. First, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax. Lie down on your back, place the eye pillow over your eyes, and make sure it covers your forehead as well. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to fully relax. You can use the eye pillow for as long as you like, but 10-20 minutes is a good starting point. You can also use the eye pillow during meditation or yoga practice to enhance your experience. After use, store the eye pillow in a cool, dry place for future use.
ONANEA's eye pillow goes further as it can be safely heated in a microwave or cooled in freezer. A warm eye pillow provides a wonderfully soothing sensation that instantly relieves dry eyes strained by a long day looking at screens while a cooled one reduces puffiness, swelling, and the appearance of dark circles.
In conclusion, incorporating an eye pillow into your self-care routine is a simple and effective way to prioritise your physical and mental health.
