A Site for Sore Eyes - Improve eyesight naturally by the Bates method

Most people are aware that TV, regular computer use, lack of natural sunlight and lack of exercise—in fact so many aspects of modern life can be detrimental to our eyesight. Most people also think that—short of laser surgery—they will just have to bow to the inevitable: that our eyesight will get worse and worse with time. Fortunately, this is not the case.

The Bates Method

In the late 1800s in the United States, Dr. William Bates, a respected eye surgeon, became disillusioned with his profession. If glasses aid our vision, then why are people continually prescribed stronger and stronger glasses? He was convinced that there must be a better way to deal with our eyes—and the Bates method was born. Bates is a holistic approach to seeing, integrating mind, body, and spirit. The Bates philosophy is that we have a tremendous capacity to heal ourselves, and that vision is not entirely physical—it’s also mental. According to Bates, eye defects are caused by eyestrain. Here are a couple of quick tips for relaxing the eyes.
Palming

When you’ve been on the computer all day, you haven’t had enough sleep, and you feel an ache starting to build up behind the eyes, what do you do? Well, palming is one of the best things that you could do. Take glasses off. If you can, remove contacts. Rub your palms together vigorously, to warm them up a little and cup them over your closed eyes. You shouldn’t be putting any pressure on the eyeballs, but the idea is to cut out any chinks of light. If you’re sitting down, with your elbows on the desk in front of you, prop them up with a few books if you have to, but make sure you’re not slouching, as that will restrict the blood flow. Palming is intensely relaxing. The combination of warmth and complete darkness is more relaxing to your eyes than sleep. For palming to work you need to relax, physically and mentally. If you think of it as a chore, it won’t benefit you. Think of it, instead, as a holiday for the eyes. Palming is so beneficial that you should try to fit as much in as you can—lying down in bed the last thing at night or first thing in the morning if you can’t find any other time.
Swaying or Swinging

Mothers who rock their babies to sleep know instinctively that the swaying motion is very relaxing. Bates uses this in a very precise and disciplined way to relax the eyes and nervous system.

For this exercise, you need to be standing in front of a window. Place your feet a little more than shoulder distance apart. Look out to the distance, straight ahead without staring. Staring differs greatly from healthy looking. When you stare you don’t blink, and blinking gives your mind a momentary rest. Look out directly in front, focusing on a particular building or object; sway your body and weight from one foot to the other. Do it in slow, fluid movements without jerking. Be sure to keep both feet flat on the floor. Do this for a few minutes, observing how the building opposite seems to be swaying with you. Observe colors, shapes, and sizes. Then close your eyes and continue swaying in the same rhythm. Focus on the scene in your mind’s eye. Observe that the building is now whooshing past you, in the opposite direction. You may find that your eyes start to water or stream—this is a good sign.

For more information about the Bates method, and to find out what you can do to improve your eyesight naturally see the Web site is www.seeing.org.

For details of the British Natural Eyesight Conference on October 24–26, 2008, in Hemel Hempstead, which will feature guest speakers from around the world and give guests the chance to find out about interesting NVI techniques See www.bnec.org.uk

Mastoor Khan is a freelance writer with an interest in preventive health issues.

Last Updated
Oct 22, 2008