Bates Method 101: Nose Drawing

Certified Bates Method Teacher, Nathan Oxenfeld, clears up the difference between Yogic Eye Movements ("eye exercises") and the Bates Method practice of Nose Drawing.

Nose Drawing is a simple relaxation technique that helps loosen and relax all the muscles and nerves of the eyes. It can be used to help see more clearly near and far. It should be practiced regularly with the eyes open to enhance eyesight and with the eyes closed to enhance memory, imagination and visualization skills. Learning the habit of "looking with your nose" instead of "looking with your eyes" can really help you break the bad vision habit of staring and allow for easier and automatic eye movements.

[xGatorchompx]

Your videos have changed my life, thank you.

[NathanOxenfeld]

No this was not the only practice I used to improve my eyesight. This is just one out of many dozens that I used every day for several months to get my vision back to normal. That's why I became a Bates Method teacher to help people learn all the practices and build a custom vision training plan no matter how bad the eyes are.

[janekasdan]

Oh my goodness I just realized that you live in Asheville and I pray that you and your loved ones and your home are all safe. I know you were away at the conference. Sending you prayers and so much gratitude for all you do.

[ellenheairld]

Hello Nathan. I've just discovered your series of videos and am going to start doing the exercises. I must say that I am extremely impressed at how involved you are with people who've watched your videos, and how frequently you respond to their questions. That is just awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

[Sabr]

I've had bad eyesight my entire life. I am going to do these exercises every day and I am going to change my life! Thank you! Beautiful tutorial. Love the explanations of the spine and connections to limbic system.

[rhysgerwin]

Love this practice!  So glad others are pursuing it.  Keep sharing and keep moving!

[jlscslewis]

Oh thank you!   I love your lessons.  My eyes have been getting much better. I have worn glasses since I was 11yo.

[chinookvalley]

This is so weird. I see MORE. When moving my head it actually lets me take in more objects, more color, more depth, more everything. My neck muscles are more supple, my back feels more flexible. I have TMJ and this actually seems to help the pain in my jaws. This exercise lessens my anxiety. I do animal rescue and now realize that animals use their whole head to look at something. This is so cool, natural, and healing to my whole body!!

[mumpygumboo]

This is great stuff... I tried the nose drawing for a little bit, and I swear my vision was better afterwards. I just need to do this daily now. I enjoy doing it, so it shouldn't be an issue to do this.

[alexanderworkchannel]

Strain is the enemy - Less strain, more gain

[leilani]

Nathan, thank you for this information. Nose drawing and gentle head movements to stimulate the top of the spinal column is a new concept for me and it makes so much sense. I have blurry short range vision, partly due to too much computer work and partly to post herpetic neuralgia after a shingles outbreak on my hip but somehow it affected my vision as well. I'm always looking for ideas to correct my poor vision naturally as well as dealing with the chronic pain and your suggestion is a gem, especially since it refers to nerves. I have a belief that if you can find a solution for one part of your body, e.g. eyes, then it probably will help another area of the body, in my case hip nerve pain. Thanks, again for your good work!

[vathsalaa]

This is so much fun and relaxing....I instantly see how much stress was going down....just wonderful!🤍 not just the content but also the way it conveyed..

[sarah]

I am going to start a daily vision routine because i really want to get rid of my glasses, relax my eyes, and give them love

[flamewingman]

Thank you Nathan. U replied to my comment and this was the kind of video I needed to see and was talking about! Thanks a lot for the details and steps on how to do it!

[omoowobhd]

Thanks for clarifying the difference between the 2 methods & sharing. I used portions of the Bates methods sporadically & noticed a big difference...

[alankritmathur]

Thank you Nathan for the video. Nose Drawing is very powerful.

[aklankrisz]

Thank You very much Nathan for that video!

[APEdawg]

Hi Nathan,
I have a similar prescription as you used to have. Around -3.00 and astigmatism in both eyes. I am doing all the excercises you have mentioned in your videos plus some others. I am dedicated to pursuing the excercises and just hope I am approaching this correctly.
Thank you for the videos.

[ohwhale]

Hi Nathan, I'd just like to say that I find your videos very helpfull. These exercises are very relaxing and easy. Thank you so much!

[ajmera]

I just practiced that om terrace. It works amazingly and a good way to relax eye muscles. Thanks for this fabulous video nathan. Please provide a video on blinking