Autumn Qi Chats | Week 3

autumnvision
Written By Angi McClure

Your vision is so important!

This week’s Neuro-Qi Chat leads us to talk
about the brain’s relationship with eyes & more importantly YOUR relationship with your eyes.

Why Vision is so Vital…

The brain doesn’t just process what we hear or feel — it depends heavily on sight. For example, if you hear a “POP,” your body instinctively reacts (a winch, a crouch), but your eyes are what quickly scan to identify where the sound came from. Vision often tops the hierarchy of sensory information.

Ever notice that most fitness studios have mirrors? Many of us rely visually on how our bodies look and move. Interestingly, training away from the mirror can actually help your brain use more proprioceptive cues, feeling how your body is moving without depending on sight.

But while mirrors and visual feedback are everywhere, what often gets overlooked is training the visual system itself. Just like exercise or meditation, vision training deserves regular attention.

 

VISION TRAINING

 

Here are three practical tools you can add to your routine:

  1. Qigong Massage
    Massage around the orbital bone nine times out, nine times in. Then massage the four corners of the eye region, bottom & top near the nose, top & bottom towards the temples, nine times in each direction. Finish by swiping along the top and bottom nine times.

  2. Visual Training

    • Gaze Fixation: Stare steadily at a target for 10-30 seconds.

    • Smooth Pursuits: Follow a target moving in a circle, first clockwise, then counterclockwise, repeating each direction three times.

    • Pencil Push-Ups: Hold a pencil out at arm’s length, bring it slowly to your nose, then extend back out. Do this three times.

  3. Vision Reset
    Cup your hands over your eyes (softly), relax your face, and practice box breathing: inhale 4 counts → hold 4 → exhale 4 → hold 4. Let your eyes rest during this time.

 

Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!

Axial Lengthening

  • Aim for a 5-minute vision session that you can repeat multiple times through the day.

  • For real changes (neuroplasticity), consistency is essential: try 10-15 minutes a day, 4-5 days per week.

  • Think of it like brushing your teeth — something simple and non-negotiable.

  • Scan Chart - print here.

Watch Qi Chat with Angi | Week 3
Angi McClure
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Autumn Qi Chats | Week 2