What’s the use of beautiful eyes if your eyes don’t feel good and vision is compromised? Whether your peepers are chronically itchy and inflamed, or you suffer from a vision problem such as macular degeneration or cataracts, acupuncture can offer some much needed relief.
The Ins and Outs of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that stimulates blood flow and Qi. TCM practitioners believe that Qi is the invisible life energy that flows through your body. When Qi gets stuck, it creates an imbalance, which can manifest as acne, high blood pressure…even eye disease. Acupuncturists insert thin needles to activate specific points on the body to balance heat and dampness and to get the blood moving.
Healing the Eyes
Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including…
Conjunctivitis
Hay fever
Glaucoma
Dry eye
Macular degeneration
Studies indicate that acupuncture can treat dry eye by lowering the temperature of the eye’s surface so that tears don’t evaporate as easily. Other studies have shown that glaucoma, a disease characterized by excessive pressure on the eyes, has responded favorably to acupuncture, as evidenced by a significant decrease in eye pressure. Acupuncture has also been shown to significantly improve the symptoms of allergic and inflammatory eye problems.
What to Expect
Acupuncture may look scary (ever seen someone with needles inserted around their eyes?) but is safe and virtually painless. The needles are so thin that it’s common to complete a session without feeling one prick. If you are going in specifically for an eye issue, expect the acupuncturists to work on the following areas:
Jingming (UB-1): This meridian point lies in the inner corner of the eye and is activated for eye issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, blurred vision and night blindness.
Zanzhu (UB-2): Located at the inside end of the eyebrow, this point is manipulated for eye pain, blurred vision, headache, redness, tearing, twitchy eye and glaucoma.
Yuyao: Aligned with the pupil and the inner midpoint of the eyebrow, this meridian point cures twitchy eyes, eye strain, droopy upperlids, cloudy corneas, redness and swelling.
Sizhukong (SJ 23): This point sits at the outer point of the eyebrow and is used to remedy eye pain, redness, headaches, blurred vision and facial paralysis.
Tongzilia (GB-1): Thought to rejuvenate and brighten the eyes, this point is especially effective for cosmetic enhancement. It also treats redness, eye pain, headache, sensitivity to light, dry eyes, cataracts and conjunctivitis.
Acupuncture is also being used for “facial rejuvenation.” Proponents declare it can reduce fine lines, firm skin, lift droopy eyelids and lighten age spots. The Journal of Acupuncture published a study in which 90% of patients reported fewer lines, clearer skin and increased elasticity and firmness. Increased blood and energy flow apparently boosts collagen!
As with any treatment protocol, patience is rewarded. Expect multiple acupuncture sessions over the course of a few months.
