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Techniques: Palming
All the methods used in the eradication of errors of refraction (improving vision) are simply different ways of obtaining relaxation...
This lesson is an introduction to the art of palming, as developed over a hundred years ago by Dr. Bates:
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... most people, though by no means all, find it easiest to relax with their eyes shut. This usually lessens the strain to see, and in such cases is followed
by a temporary or more lasting improvement in vision..... ..... But some light comes through the closed eyelids and a still greater degree of relaxation
can be obtained in all but a few exceptional cases, by excluding it. This is done by covering the closed lids with the palms of the hands (the fingers
being crossed upon the forehead) in such a way as to avoid pressure on the eyeballs. So efficacious is this practice, which I have called "palming", as
a means of relieving strain, that we all instinctively respond to it at times, and from it most people are able to get a considerable degree of relaxation.
Dr Wm. H. Bates:
The Cure of Imperfect Sight Without Glasses (1919)
There should be no light, or as little as possible, allowed to enter the eye. Once you are palming, open your eyes and look around to see if you can
adjust your hands in such a way as to exclude as much light as possible. Close your eyes.
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11/6/2019 Bates Method - Techniques: Palming
Note:
Palming is supposed to be relaxing, but you may end up being tight in your hands and arms in order to exclude
light. Don't overdo it, and if necessary compromise. The next time you palm you may find a better position for
the hands. Palming in a darkened room can be helpful.
Palming Positions
Sitting in a dining-type chair in front of a table with a stack of cushions, (or foam pads) on it. The cushions are for resting
your elbows: there should be enough cushions so that you are able to easily bring your palms to your eyes without stooping
forward (too few cushions), or having to look up (too many cushions). Rest your elbows on the cushions and bring your hands
to your eyes. Close your eyes, rest with the darkness, and don't forget to breathe!
Lying on your back, with a few books or pillow under your head, and your knees up and feet flat on the floor. Bring your
hands to your eyes, and start palming. The disadvantage of this is that you have to hold your arms up, which can be difficult if
you want to palm for a long period.
For the first time, try setting your alarm clock to ring at the end of five or ten minutes. Palm, and after the alarm goes off ask yourself if the ringing
alarm left you feeling relieved.... or annoyed! If you felt relieved, then palm for less time; you can benefit from palming for just fifteen breaths at a
time. If you felt annoyed, then ..... throw the alarm out the window.
If you one day find yourself happy to continue, then do so: you can't do too much palming if you are feeling happy.
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This latter method can also be used if you find palming unenjoyable. Don't palm for long, but do palm often, up to as much as twenty times in
one day.
Start palming today, and do it every day for a week. If you like it, keep going and make it a regular part of your every day routine.
Techniques
Basic Principles
Palming
Sunning
The Swings
1. Introduction
2. The Long Swing
3. The Head Swing
4. The Prayer Swing
5. The Optical Swing
6. The Drifting Swing
The Sway
Colour Days
Vision Games
Teachers
Resources
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