Bates Method – Part 2
In Part 1, I introduced the Bates Method.
It was created as result of over three decades of clinic practice as an ophthalmologist. It is based on the theory that errors of focusing are temporary abnormalities which, due to the inability of the eyeball to change shape and when exposed to the healing powers of the body, can be reduced in severity or eliminated. While conventional wisdom is based on the work of Hermann von Helmholtz states that errors of focusing are due to the inability of the lens to change shape.
Dr W H Bates postulated that focusing problems where the result of strain, either emotional or due to “trying” to see. The logical anti-dote to strain is rest, hence he developed palming a technique for resting the eyes.
As I know lots of my readers spend long ours in front of computer screens which can strain the eyes. I wanted to share with you this simple version of palming.
- Cover your eyes with your cupped palms.
- Add a pillow under your elbows if more height is need to keep your back relaxed and straight.
- Breathe deeply while you palm for a few minutes.
Some people have found palming helps with headaches and dry eyes.
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