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As the field of alternative medicine continues to gain recognition, the potential benefits of Chinese herbs and acupuncture in managing various health conditions are being explored. One such condition is glaucoma, a progressive eye disease that can lead to irreversible vision loss. In this journal, we delve into the potential ways in which Chinese herbs and acupuncture may contribute to the management of glaucoma.

Understanding Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and result in vision impairment. Traditional treatment methods primarily focus on reducing intraocular pressure through medications, laser therapy, or surgery. However, there is growing interest in complementary approaches, such as Chinese herbs and acupuncture, to provide holistic and personalized care for individuals with glaucoma.

There is normal pressure of glaucoma, which eye drop does not really help. If the pressure goes too low, the retina and optic nerves cannot get sufficient blow flow, the peripheral vision field will be further damaged.

Chinese Herbs for glaucoma:

Chinese herbal medicine has a rich history dating back thousands of years, and it emphasizes restoring balance and harmony within the body and mind. Certain herbs are believed to have properties that may support eye health and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with glaucoma such as dry eye, headache and peripheral vision field damage. Ginkgo biloba, for instance, is a commonly used herb that has antioxidant properties and may enhance blood flow, potentially benefiting circulation to the tear gland, retina and eye balls. But using one single herb instead of a formula may create other imbalance. Each person has different genetic makeup and also different diet and life styles. For instance, back to old times, Indian people use Turmeric and other spicy to stimulate their nerves and immune function because they do not have too much food to produce heat and to stimulate their immune function. Now if a person has energy blockage and a lot of internal heat, turmeric and black pepper can cause hyperactive immune function, which leads to allergies and autoimmune system such as MS, eczema, psoriasis and colitis. When your immune system is out of balance, you tend to have prolonged and high level of inflammation, which can damage your tissues such as nerves and blood vessels, leading to neuropathy, glaucoma, heart disease.

Moreover, herbs like Salvia miltiorrhiza and Astragalus are thought to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, which could be crucial in managing the inflammation and damage to the optic nerve associated with glaucoma.

When an herbalist prescribes the herbal formula, he will look at your tongue and feel your pulse, then collect all the medical history and symptoms by asking and palpitating. Then he will put a few herbs together to enhance therapeutic effect and reduce the unwanted side effects. The beauty of the herbal formula is that you are addressing the root cause of all medical problems: inflammation and poor circulation. Then your body can heal itself. You can stop the herbal formula once your balance is restored.

Acupuncture and Glaucoma:

Acupuncture, an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. In the context of glaucoma, acupuncture may aim to improve blood circulation, reduce intraocular pressure, and promote overall eye health. When you apply the eye drop to lower the eye pressure, you tend to have dry eye syndrome and blurry vision, by combing herbs and acupuncture; you can get the best result with fewer side effects from eye drop.

Studies suggest that acupuncture may influence the autonomic nervous system, potentially modulating the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, which could play a role in regulating intraocular pressure and the function of tear gland. Additionally, acupuncture may contribute to reducing stress and promoting muscle relaxation, factors that can impact the progression of glaucoma.

Conclusion:

While the potential benefits of Chinese herbs and acupuncture in managing glaucoma are intriguing, it’s crucial to acknowledge that more research is needed to establish their efficacy and safety definitively. Individuals considering complementary therapies for glaucoma should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive and informed approach to their eye problems such as glaucoma, dry eye and macular degeneration.

As we continue to explore the intersections of traditional and alternative medicine, the integration of Chinese herbs and acupuncture into glaucoma management holds promise for a more holistic and personalized approach to eye care.

Author: Li Zheng and Changhong Zhou

Boca Acupuncturists will use their combined 65 years of Acupuncture and herbal experiences to help you lose weight, improve the circulation, reduce the allergies and inflammation, and restore hormone balance with herbal tea, acupressure and diet changes. Sign up for her consultation for a healthier and happier you in 2024.

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