I bring a passion for natural vision improvement with an understanding of holistic health through Ayurveda and psychological integration through Transformational Coaching and Nonviolent Communication.
An Ayurvedic perspective of health
Ayurveda is an ancient and comprehensive system of health for mind, body, and spirit.
It is considered a part of the Vedas, the Indian philosophical canon.
The word Ayurveda comes from 2 words:
- Ayuh meaning Life and
- Veda meaning Knowledge or Wisdom.
Therefore, Ayurveda means the Knowledge of Life.
Based on the laws of Nature, Ayurveda affirms that the relationship between the human being and the universe is intrinsic and cannot be separated.
Our eyes are not the problem!
According to Ayurveda, health is not the absence of disease.
When all the systems of the body are operating well, including digestion and elimination , and when the mind, intellect, and sense organs are pleasant and vibrant, health is considered to be optimal.
The eyes are connected to the rest of the body – they are not separate. They reflect the state of health physically and psychologically.
समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः ।
प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनाः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ॥४१॥
One whose elemental constitution, digestive fire, and functions of tissues and wastes are in the state of equilibrium and who has pleasant and vibrant mind, intellect, and sense organs, is termed as svastha (healthy).
– Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 16.41
To see is to know
The Sanskrit root vid, meaning to know (from which Veda is derived) is cognate with the Latin root vedere, meaning to see (from which we get video and visitor).
Seeing is knowing. Our outer vision relates to our intuition and inner knowing. And we only truly know what we have witnessed and experienced.
The eyes are light receivers
Eyes do more than help us navigate the world. Light received through the eyes is nourishment for body and mind. Just as plants need sunlight to grow properly, our systems are tuned to the light o the sun.
Sunlight is nourishment for our bodies, minds, and souls.
Primary Causes of Dis-ease
Ayurveda classifies 3 primary causes of dis-ease, or lack of ease in the body. The word disease has now come to be associated with a full-blown life-threatening illness. Here, we are using the word to mean that the body is not functioning optimally.
Considering the 3 aspects of our existence – body, mind, and soul– there are correspondingly 3 areas we can address.
At the soul level is the acceptance of change and impermanence as a fundamental part of Life. We can learn to:
- Align our daily and seasonal rhythms to live in tune with Nature’s ebb and flow.
- Cultivate presence and live in the present moment.
Psychological integration helps us digest undigested life experiences. Transformational Coaching and Nonviolent Communication are wonderful allies in this process.
Natural vision improvement principles such the Bates Method, EyeBody technique, and Eye-Soul method help integrates body and mind and undo the unhealthy impact to the eyes. As a result, the eyes have healthier blood and lymph flow and are better attuned to the needs of modern life.
Dr. Bates and the Bates Method
Dr. William Bates was an eye doctor who demonstrated through research and practice that most vision problems are caused by strain and tension in the eyes and mind.
Dr. William H. Bates (1860–1931)
…Dr. W.H. Bates, a New York oculist, became dissatisfied with the ordinary symptomatic treatment of eyes. Seeking a substitute for artificial lenses, he set himself to discover if there was any way of re-educating defective vision into a condition of normality. As the result of his work with a large number of patients, he came to the conclusion that the great majority of visual defects were functional and due to faulty habits of use. These faulty habits of use were invariably related, he found, to a condition of strain and tension. As was to be expected from the unitary nature of the human organism, the strain affected both the body and the mind.
– Aldous Huxley, The Art of Seeing
The Bates Method teaches that the eyes work best when they move easily and stay relaxed. Simple daily practices—like palming, blinking, moving the eyes gently, and spending time in natural light—help reduce tension and bring back natural clarity.
What is Transformational Coaching?
Transformational coaching is not about “fixing” or offering quick solutions. It is about cultivating presence, listening deeply, and co- creating a container where unconscious patterns can be brought into awareness and integrated.
Interpersonal Neurobiology, (Dan Siegel) teaches us that mind, brain, & relationships are deeply connected.
- The embodied brain provides the structure that enables the mind to function and connect. Its flexibility (neuroplasticity) affects our experiences.
- Relationships signify connection – they shape the brain through attachment and empathy. Supportive relationships help integrate the mind and brain, promoting resilience and safety.
- The mind regulates the flow of energy and information within you (embodied) and between you and others (relational).
When these three work together in balance, we experience integration — the foundation of mental and emotional well-being.
At the heart of this approach is the recognition that psyche and soma cannot be separated.
My training as a Transformational Coach includes Jungian psychology, Attachment Theory, Affective Neuroscience, Yoga Psychology, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and much more.
How I bring these together
When a client comes to me for improving their vision, I will work with them at various levels depending on their interest and my intuition. My main focus is to help them work with what the eyes are trying to tell them rather than to consider the eyes as malfunctioning.
With someone who is new to natural vision improvement, I will introduce some practices for relaxing the eyes as we go deeper into exploring the possible root causes of mental strain related to their vision.
If someone comes to me who already is familiar with the Bates Method, we may focus more on psychological integration based on Attachment Theory, Jungian psychology, Somatic integration, etc. while continuing to integrate vision practices.
At any time, an Ayurvedic perspective can be integrated, such as aligning with daily or seasonal routines.
This can be an amazing journey when approached in this way.
Disclaimer: As I am not a medical doctor, I do not diagnose or give prescriptions. I also do not guarantee results.