FIGURE 8 THE EYES
- Maddie
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
A Simple Technique for Profound Integration, Clarity, and Calm
In the world of Energy Medicine, some of the most powerful techniques are also the most deceptively simple.
Figure-8’ing the eyes—tracing a horizontal or vertical infinity sign with the eyes—is one of those quiet treasures.
It takes less than a minute, requires nothing more than your gaze, and yet it reaches deeply into the brain, nervous system, subtle energies, and even emotional balance.
This is a practice rooted in cross-crawling patterns, ancient understandings of the body’s natural flows, and modern insights into neuro-integration.
It nourishes the system on many levels—mental, physical, energetic, and emotional—and it’s particularly supportive for those of us in the Crone Zone who want to stay sharp, adaptable, joyful, and steady in a changing world.
Let’s explore why this gentle movement works so beautifully, and how to weave it into your self-care routine.
When your eyes move in a Figure-8 pattern:
Encourages the Movement of Energy Behind the Eyes
Behind your eyes lies a busy energetic crossroads—a place where:
the optic nerve communicates with deep brain structures,
the pineal gland and pituitary sit like twin guardians,
and the Radiant Circuits (or Strange Flows in Chinese medicine) are easily activated.
Figure-8'ing gently stimulates energy flow in this whole area, clearing congestion, sharpening perception, and bringing more vitality to your visual and cognitive centres.
This can ....
brighter vision,
reduced eye strain,
a sense of mental “lightness,”
and calmer emotions after just a few sweeps.
Encourages Right and Left Brain Integration
The Figure-8 crosses the midline, the invisible vertical line dividing the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Midline-crossing movements have long been known to:
harmonize logical and intuitive thinking,
support emotional balance,
improve motor coordination,
enhance learning and memory,
and help restore natural brain–body communication.
Essentially, Figure-8’ing the eyes “wakes up” the hemispheres and helps them cooperate more smoothly.
In the Crone Zone, this can be a wonderful daily brain-tuning practice—keeping us mentally flexible, curious, and clear.
Improves Coordination
Because your eyes, inner ears, brain, and body work as one integrated system, training the eyes in rhythmic, patterned movements supports:
balance,
hand-eye coordination,
spatial awareness,
and overall neurological harmony.
It’s especially helpful for people who feel clumsy, dizzy, or mentally “scrambled.” It's a player in maintaining balance and preventing falls.
How to Do It
The beauty of this practice is that you can do it anywhere—sitting at the kitchen table, resting in your favourite chair, or even outdoors with your animal companion beside you.
Option 1: Figure-8’ing Without Your Hands
Sit in a relaxed position.
Soften your shoulders and look straight ahead.
Without moving your head, let your eyes only trace a horizontal Figure-8 (∞).
Let your gaze reach up into the corners—don’t rush it.
A few slow passes are all you need.
Option 2: Following Your Fingers
Some people find it easier when they have something to follow visually.
Form a triad by touching the thumb and first two fingers of one hand together.
Hold this triad about 12 inches in front of the bridge of your nose.
Keeping your head still and relaxed, slowly trace a Figure-8 with your hand.
Allow your eyes to follow the shape.
This creates a soothing visual rhythm, especially supportive if your eyes fatigue easily or if you’re feeling a bit unfocused.
Vertical or Horizontal?
Horizontal Figure-8’s
This is the 'classic' pattern and is wonderful for:
smoothing the left/right hemispheres,
calming the nervous system,
supporting emotional balance,
and keeping you gently integrated.
Vertical Figure-8’s
These are particularly powerful for:
releasing old tension from behind the eyes,
refreshing the brain,
increasing focus and awareness,
improving memory,
and uplifting the spirit.
Doodling vertical or horizontal Figure-8’s on paper carries similar benefits—it’s a beautiful practice for relaxing the eyes, quieting the mind, and inviting the Extraordinary Vessels to flow. These ancient energy pathways help us:
adapt to change,
access joy,
feel supported by life,
and connect to our innate wisdom.
they are our energetic trouble shooters and can really be helpful in self care.
It's interesting how we can naturally doodle 8's even if we have never heard of Extraordinary flows! I did for my entire childhood.
Try the “Upward” Figure-8 for a Brain Reset
Here’s a more intentional variation that feels like clearing cobwebs from the mind:
Begin by looking softly at the tip of your nose.
Sweep upwards to the top right corner of your visual field.
Come down to the bottom right.
Sweep upwards to the top left.
Down to the bottom left.
And back up again.
Repeat several times.
This upward movement is said to reset the brain, helping you:
clear mental fog,
open to new information,
feel more alert,
and refresh your overall energy.
If it helps, use your finger triad again—draw that upward looping pattern and let the eyes follow without straining.
When Should You Use This Technique?
Figure-8’ing is perfect for moments when you feel:
scattered or unfocused
tired or mentally overloaded
overstimulated
stressed or anxious
before reading, writing, or studying
after too much screen time
before meditation
when you need a gentle energy lift
It’s also a beneficial Crone Zone activity to keep the brain agile, radiant and for me I find it keeps me curious and my personal frame of mind open to finding joy in life.
A Simple Practice With Powerful Results
Donna Eden (The Eden Method) introduced me to the power of 8'ing the eyes, in fact anywhere in/on the body and it has been perhaps my 'most useful' tool for the past 4+ decades.
It's a small act with a wide ripple effect.
It invites your brain to lighten and brighten, your energies to reorganize themselves, and your emotional body to settle into a more coherent, joyful state.
It’s part of the ancient wisdom woven into modern Energy Medicine—a reminder that healing doesn’t always require effort. Sometimes it just requires a gentle sweep of the eyes, an infinity symbol floating in your vision, and a moment of connection with yourself.
With love,
Maddie
xxx