A growing amount of studies have suggested that acupuncture works for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This eye condition is a degenerative visual disorder that may result in blindness. The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion has published a new study showing that acupuncture treatment helps safeguard the optic nerve from intraocular pressure and eventual damage by relieving the pressure on the optic nerve and retinal axonal ultra-structures. Another study whose results were published on the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine stated that Chinese medicine helps enhance the functions of the retinal cone in patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa, and even in patients with advanced retinal degeneration. With the aid of electroretinograms, this study was able to conclude that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modalities have helped to boost the bioactivity of the neural network which, in turn has led to the preservation of central vision and a significant delaying in the development of disease. A Chinese study applied injections of She Hsiang into acupoints UB 18 and UB 23 leading to an improvement of conditions of patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa. The conductors of the study concluded that the She Hsiang injections into points UB 18 (Ganshu) and UB 23 (Shenshu) has led to the protection of central vision, enhancement of visual acuity, boosting of blood flow to the retina, and a significant improvement of the metabolism and function of optic cells in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Another study involving patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa with ages ranging 7 to 75 years of age, who were treated with acupuncture revealed a stoppage of deterioration and a great improvement of the patients’ visual field.

Acupuncturist Protocols

For the treatment of RP, acupuncturists utilize a combination distal and local acupoints to improve the patient’s eyesight and to treat his/her underlying disharmonies based on his/her differential diagnosis. A specific study has noted that people with retinitis pigmentosa suffering from Kidney and Spleen Yang deficiency positively respond to Chinese Medicine. RP may be a genetic condition whose degeneration may be stopped or delayed by supplementing the internal systems that govern the homeostatic balance of the retina.

Acupoints that Aid in the Improvement of Eyesight

The acupoints Yu Yao, St 2, GB 20, Yin Tang, and Tai Yang are stimulated to help treatment retinitis pigmentosa. The points Liv 3, GB 37, and SI 6 are all distal points that also aid in the treatment of this condition. Scalp acupuncture involving the acupoint Du24 is also used as well as the Sp 10 and LI 11 to treat blood stagnation and inflammation with heat respectively. Selecting the acupoints for sedation and tonification may be based on the differential diagnosis. The peaceful technique is usually employed to avoid overstimulation and for the harmonization of fluid and blood flow in the eye.

Phoenix Rising Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic
79 Washington Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: 518-248-1540
www.saratogaspringsacupuncture.com