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However, medical professionals do not support this practice because it can permanently damage a person’s eyesight. Research suggests that spending time safely in the sun can benefit the mind and body. However, people should not look directly at the sun, as it can cause permanent damage. This article describes what sun gazing is, its origins, and how to practice it safely. What is sun gazing Share on PinterestLaetizia Haessig/EyeEm/Getty ImagesSun gazing is a meditative practice that involves staring directly at the rising or setting sun to help focus attention and clear the mind. Proponents of sun gazing suggest that the practice provides energy and promotes healing. There is no scientific research to support the practice of sun gazing. However, there is evidence that the practice can be harmful. Experts agree that staring at the sun, even for a few seconds, can cause vision problems and even blindness. Such issues can occur even if an individual looks at the sun directly during a solar eclipse. Origins of sun gazing practice Sun gazing has its origins in several cultures worldwide. In ancient times, people revered and worshipped the sun and its energy. More recently, there has been a resurgence of sun gazing among people looking for natural and holistic ways to take care of the mind and body. Most individuals who practice sun gazing incorporate the practice into their daily meditation. While several bloggers and enthusiasts write about the benefits of sun gazing, no studies or reputable authorities mention or endorse the practice. However, research supports meditative practices in general. Evidence suggests that meditation may help alleviate the following:high blood pressurestressdepressioninsomniapainirritable bowel syndrome Sun gazing as a meditative practice could provide similar benefits as other types of meditation, but only if a person follows certain safety precautions during their practice. Are there any benefits of sun gazing Proponents of sun gazing view the sun as the giver of all life and energy on Earth. They claim that sun gazing helps a person feel reenergized and reinvigorated. An older study from 2014 noted that meditative practices that involve focusing attention on an object can help focus the mind. However, this supports the practice of meditation, not sun gazing, so people may want to try focusing on objects other than the sun. The study authors note that focused attention meditation may be particularly beneficial for people starting meditation, as it can help them develop their focus and attention. Known benefits of sun exposure While experts strongly advise against staring directly at the sun, being in the sun does have some health benefits. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D. The ultraviolet B (UVB) rays interact with a protein in the skin called 7-DHC. The interaction leads to the creation of vitamin D3. According to a 2015 study, the sun’s UVB rays also interact with the skin to produce beta-endorphin, a neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter can help with the following:promoting relaxationregulating the sleep and wake cyclereducing the effects of seasonal affective disorderimproving feelings of well-beingboosting the immune systemalleviating painpromoting wound healing The same 2015 study noted that exposure to sunlight can also help protect against certain diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. And research from 2016 showed that sunlight exposure can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. How to practice sun gazing Experts do not advise practicing sun gazing, as it can cause permanent eye damage. Instead, people can try sitting outside in the sun and focusing on another object, such as a tree or building. During a meditation practice, a person can try to focus their mind and focus their full attention on the object. Safety precautions When spending time in the sun, an individual should apply sunscreen and take steps to protect their eyes. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone wear sunscreen, regardless of their age, gender, or race. They also advise choosing a sunscreen that offers the following: an SPF of 30 or higherbroad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rayswater resistance Summary Sun gazing is a meditative practice that involves looking at and focusing on the sun. Although proponents of sun gazing state that it can help focus the mind, experts advise against the practice, as it can cause permanent eye damage. Instead, people can practice mediation outdoors in the sun. Last medically reviewed on March 31, 2022Mental HealthEye Health / BlindnessComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Baggerly, C. A., et al. (2015). Sunlight and vitamin D: Necessary for public health. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2015.1039866Lippelt, D. P., et al. (2014). Focused attention, open monitoring and loving kindness meditation: Effects on attention, conflict monitoring, and creativity – A review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171985/Meditation: In depth. (2016). https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depthSolar eclipse and eye safety. (2024). https://preventblindness.org/solar-eclipse-and-your-eyes/Sun protection and vitamin d. (2014). https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d/Sunscreen FAQs. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqsWeller, R. B. (2016). Sunlight has cardiovascular benefits independently of vitamin D [Abstract].https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/441266FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — By Jenna Fletcher on March 31, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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