Within the context of natural vision improvement, the term “Relaxation” is used in the sense of the proper use of the visual system and the body. Looking in a relaxed way is the opposite of staring, straining, squinting, etc. It means looking without any effort made, as if you were observing with curiosity and interest. It is the opposite of trying to see. When talking about the way you look (to yourself or to others), do not use the term “trying to see”. Replace it with “looking to see”. Just saying it will change your perspective and the way you use your eyes.

This chapter will introduce you to the most fundamental techniques through which you will learn what visual relaxation feels like, so that you can recall it and retain it as you use your eyes throughout the day. The mastery of these techniques will take you a long way, whether you need to improve your eyesight or just protect its current condition.

 

LET’S PRACTICE

 

PALMING

Palming is a key relaxation practice

  • Sit straight at a table with your elbows supported by a couple of firm pillows (or yoga blocks), do not lean over

  • Rub the palms of your hands to create warmth, then put your hands together in the form of a shallow scoop

  • Close your eyes and place your hands over your eyes, overlapping your fingers, touching your face and forehead, but not touching your eyes

  • Relax. Breathe freely

  • If your mind shows you pictures, look at them with curiosity. Otherwise simply enjoy the darkness, as the black color brings the deepest level of rest to the eyes.

  • When finished, slowly remove your hands, then blink a few times to adjust back to the light

The optic nerve connecting the eye and the brain takes 2-5 minutes to relax when in the dark. Expand your palming sessions over time to at least 5 minutes or even longer to maximize the impact of your practice.

Always make sure your elbows are supported, so that your shoulders stay relaxed and there is no pressure put on your face.

Practice Lenses: no lenses needed

Tips & Watch outs:

  • PALMING is a great time to condition your brain to accept the way you want to see. Neuropsychology tells us that we must first show our brain what we want, we must believe it, and only then can we receive it. The best way to do this is to record your vision of your eyesight, in your own words, with your own voice, then just play it while you palm. Use the Perfect Eyesight Affirmations (provided below) to get inspired. Make any change you want, but keep the language in present tense, as if all of this has already happened.

  • PALMING is also a way to absorb learnings from the practice of any other technique

  • Start each vision improvement session with PALMING. Use the technique to release tension during any practice. When finished, palm again, and this time imagine the learning from your latest session.

Downloadable Resources:

Perfect Eyesight Affirmations

 

SUNNING

Same as Palming, the technique of Sunning is to be practiced with closed eyes. However, instead of the darkness, it brings light and warmth to the eyes and the whole visual system.

  • Sit or stand with your eyes closed, facing the sun

  • Slowly move your head as far to the left as you can comfortably reach, then as far to the right as you can comfortably reach. Continue moving back and forth

  • Enjoy the warmth and the contrast in light intensity between the middle (face towards the sun) and the far left and far right

  • Imagine the light passing through to the optic nerve and all the way to the visual cortex in your brain

A Sunning session should always be followed by Palming.

Practice Lenses: Use mono lenses L and R to make the practice easier, especially if you are highly light sensitive. Also use the mono lenses to deepen the experience for each of the eyes separately.

Otherwise the technique of Sunning can be practiced with both eyes together, without a shield.

Tips & Watch outs:

  • Sunning promotes an easy contraction and expansion of the pupil.

  • It is recommended to follow each Sunning session with Palming. Palm twice as long as you practice Sunning

  • If facing the sun is too uncomfortable (too strong), start the practice facing away from the sun, or facing the sky instead. Add light gradually and over time

 

OTHER RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

While usually taught for the purpose of seeing movement, many people find the practice of the LONG SWING and the SWAY highly enjoyable and capable of relaxing the eyes. The techniques are described in later chapters.