Panic attacks can be overwhelming, but not every episode requires external assistance or intricate breathing techniques. Lauren Auer, a trauma therapist from Illinois, has introduced a straightforward eye movement method that can effectively interrupt a panic attack using just a pen and a few minutes of your time.

The Mechanism Behind the Technique

Auer’s technique relies on activating the Oculocardiac reflex, a natural response that aids in calming the vagus nerve to help normalize breathing patterns. This reflex can simultaneously reduce heart rate and is traditionally stimulated through gentle pressure applied near the eyes, such as on the eyeballs, eyelids, or eyebrows.

How to Perform the Eye Movement Technique

Auer, however, shows that physical contact is unnecessary to trigger this reflex. Instead, she demonstrates how you can simply focus your gaze on an object, such as a highlighter, positioned in front of you. Here’s a brief overview of the steps:

• Hold the object at a close distance.
• Shift your gaze to a point further away.
• Return your focus to the initial object.

By alternating your focus between near and distant points, you engage in a visual exercise that helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

The Impact of Vision on Emotions

According to Auer, vision plays a crucial role in our mental and emotional well-being, accounting for approximately 80% of the information we process. The connection between vision and brain function is profound, with movements of the eyes often correlating with cognitive and emotional states.

The retina, vital for visual processing, is essentially an extension of the brain’s development. This strong link clarifies why certain eye movement techniques can effectively induce a calming effect on the nervous system.

Insights from Lauren Auer

Auer emphasizes the importance of vision in regulating mental tranquility, stating, “Almost ½ the brain is connected to visual processing. The tranquility of the mind and activation of the eyes are linked.” She concludes by advocating for the potential of eye movements, noting the vast interconnectedness between our eyes and critical bodily and emotional processes.