You have achieved the art of deep meditation. But have you tried any eye relaxation? Have you even heard of it? It may be included in your routine to ease tension and even improve your vision.
Palming gives relaxation to the eyes and mind. It is the practice of covering the eyes with the hands while resting your eyes from all light stimulation.
- Palming for relaxation
Initially made famous by Dr. Bates, an ophthalmologist who believed eye exercises could improve one’s sight, palming has long been observed as a useful remedy for tired, stressed eyes, headaches, and neck and back tension.
Here’s how you do it:
- Find a cosy position. Rest your elbows comfortably on a table. When palming, it is important that you are relaxed to rest your arms naturally. You don’t want the weight of your head to rest in your hands.
- Straighten your back and neck. Your back and neck need to create a straight line. This is important to prevent any major blood vessels in your spinal cord from being curved.
- Warm up your hands. Rub your hands together, creating some friction and warmth. Or run your hands under warm water.
- Place your hands over your eyes. Position your hands with the base of the right pinkie on the base of the left pinkie and make an upside-down V with your palms.
- Cover your eyes with your relaxed hands. The base of the pinkie fingers should be on the bridge of the nose without obstructing the ability to breathe.
- Check your position. Be sure there is no light to be seen between your fingers. If there is light, correct the placement until there is perfect coverage. Be sure to not put pressure on your eyes or cheekbones. Palms should just be resting over the eye sockets.
- Begin relaxing. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Concentrate on inhaling and exhaling.
- Clear your mind. Clear your mind and relax. Visualize total blackness, the most relaxing color for the mind. If total darkness is difficult to achieve, visualize a comfortable image or bring up positive thoughts: a starry night, or a favourite moment, person, or object.
- Embrace the moment. Feel your breaths getting longer and longer. Concentrate on the warmth of your palms. Immerse yourself in relaxation, let go, and breathe. https://www.drsamberne.com/palming/
- Include Palming in your routine
Palming lets you slip into darkness letting your mind and body relax, something we greatly need in our overly chaotic modern life.
Find at least ten minutes without disturbance each day to practice palming. Try the first few moments of your lunch break or right after the school day. Palm before bed. Or get into the habit of preventative relaxation by palming in the morning to lessen the stress and tension before it builds. Click here for more health tips.
