WellSpring Practice Guides

The Bates Method

The Bates Method is a self-help technique to help the eye and its surrounding muscles to relax and adjust naturally to vision without the need for surgery or lenses. It’s principal is that by re-educating how we use our eyesight can help many vision defects and give an improvement to the vision. It is often used in conjunction with other techniques like the Alexander Technique, Homeopathy and Naturopathy.

Devised by Dr William H Bates, an American ophthalmologist, who believed that the use of glasses can ‘imprison’ the eyes. He believed that natural use and relaxation of the eyes can enhance vision that has been affected by a pattern of misuse of the eyes.

A practitioner will assess your eyesight and will suggest the number of sessions needed. They will teach you a series of simple exercises which you should practise daily. There are four basic techniques used and a brief description follows: (please consult a practitioner for guidance on how to do these exercises)

Palming: cupping the hands over closed eyes to shut out any light and relax the eye

Splashing: a morning routine of splashing hot and then cold water over the eyes 20 times; repeat in the evening using cold water first.

Focusing : Hold an object (e.g. a pencil) in each hand. Hold one at arms length and the other 6 inches in front of your face. Focus on one, blink, then focus on the other. Repeat several times

Swinging: Sway gently from side to side with your eyes focused on a point in the distance. As you move to the left, blink your left eye, and as you move to the right, blink your right eye. Blinking helps to lubricate the eyes and helps to stop eye strain.

Advice on breathing techniques, relaxation, diet and exercise may also be suggested.