Bates Method – Part 1

For most people their sight is their most important sense.  This is probably due to the fact that about 80% of the information we take in via our sense is through our eyes.

If you have impaired vision as I do, we all know the standard options:

  1. Glasses
  2. Contact lens
  3. Laser Eye Surgery

There is one more option, the Bates Method that most people aren’t aware of.  Developed by a New York ophthalmologist he published his method in 1919 (yes 1919!).   People with

  • Myopia or short-sightedness
  • Hypermertropia or long-sightedness
  • Presbyopia or “old-age” sight i.e. loss of reading vision as you get older
  • Astigmatism

have all responded to the Bates Method.

In 1957, C A Hackett a Bates Method Teacher (the Bates Method is a instruction manual), analysed 10 years of her work in which she treated 2180 patients with problems with their eye sight.  She found 75%  achieved lasting improvement and 45% were able to do without their glasses completely.

Right now you are probably thinking, “if this is so great, why haven’t I heard of it before?”.  That’s a good question, and the answer probably is because it’s a way of re-educating your eyesight.   Which means it takes time and definitely isn’t a quick fix.

Related Posts

  • An alternative way to do simple mindfulness (Part 2)

    Following on from part 1, I want to introduce you to more ways to do simple mindfulness. 1. Tuning into sounds The hum of a gan, tickeing of a cloack, the round of rain on the window, voices outside the room.  Realing tuning in ot hte volume, pitch and noticing if there's a rthythmic quality to the sound. 2. Experimenting with taste Using a small pleasant tasting boiled sweet, chocolate melting int he mouth or taking a few sips of water.  Noticing the flavour, physical sensations and returning the attention when it wanders. 3. Smell Simply light a scented candle where your like the smell or inhale the sent of your favourite essential oil by placing a drop on a tissue. 4. Hold an object in your hands A pebble, wooden bead pen, cup etc any everyday object.  Focus your attention in to notice the temperature, the texture (roughness/smoothness), the shape and how it feels.  Experiment with your eyes start with open and then notice the difference if you close your eyes. Remember mindfulness is about training the mind, so you don't need to use breath as your anchor be creative, be kind to yourself and start simple with 30 seconds and build up the time slowly and gradually - its a practice not a race!  

  • Headaches – Treatment & Prevention – Part 1

    Previously, I explained the different types of headaches.  Now I want to explore how you can treat them. Orthodox treatment of headaches is over the counter painkillers, while stronger prescribed medication may be required for migraines. However it should be noted that frequent use of pain killers can trigger what are referred to as rebound or withdrawl headaches. (For more information on withdrawl headaches see >> http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/headaches/Pages/Painkillerheadaches.aspx Or http://www.migrainetrust.org/medication-overuse-headache )  Massage There is scientific evidence to confirm my experience that massing the neck, shoulder & upper back can help alleviate tension headaches and some migraines, specifically the frequency of headaches & the duration of headaches. Researchers believe that two mechanisms could be responsible. Firstly, the increased serotonin could help relieve the headache (many existing headache medications increase serotonin levels). Secondly, the increased hours of sleep and fewer night wakings may lower levels of substance P - a neurotransmitter responsible for pain. So next time you get a headache, consider booking a massage with us. Scientific References

    1. Cristina Toro-Velasco, Manuel Arroyo-Morales, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Joshua A. Cleland, Francisco J. Barrero-Hernández. Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Heart Rate Variability, Mood State, and Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Pilot Study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2009; 32 (7): 527 DOI: 1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.011
    2. Quinn C, Chandler C, Moraska A. Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches. Am J Public Health. 2002 October; 92(10): 1657–1661.

  • One for all you amateur athletes

    In my lifetime I have seen more and more people become what a friend insightfully called amateur athletes.  This is due to the impact of the public health campaign to get to us to recognise the importance of regular exercise to keep us healthy.  This has led to more people going to the gym regularly taking part in all forms of sporting competitions. I appreciate I am older than most of the clients who visit out clinic.  But when I was growing up it was quite rare for people to go the gym or for adults to take part in sports-based competitions who were not professional athletes. A recent review published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine concludes that sleep is an important determinant of health, wellbeing and performance in collegiate athletes, it is not always a priority for them.   In addition sleep allows the body to repair itself which is crutial if you are working towards a fitness goal e.g. a triathalon or marathon or big hockey game etc This made me wonder about the clients we see at the clinic, who are juggling demanding careers, personal fitness goals, busy social lives, families and sometimes living in environments that are not conducive to restorative sleep. So, I wanted to leave you with a question, how much of a priority is sleep in your life? Here is a reminder of some Sleep tips Reference https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/12/731.full