We all know how important having and protecting our vision is. What most of us don’t know is our body functions as a whole system. For instance, whatever is happening within our body such as poor circulation, poor circulation within the vascular system of the eyes is also occurring. If we have cholesterol problems and developing plaque within our vascular system, we are also developing it in our eyes. Small fat and protein deposits called drusen collect within the retina which can lead to beginning stages of eye disease. As the aging process progresses, we begin to experience the manifestation of our overall health. It is important to know the eyes are the reflection of the state of health we are in.

In Chinese Medicine, we treat the body as a whole functioning system. Venous pathways and organ systems are all interconnected and interdependent upon each other to creating functioning good health. In treating eye disorders, we focus on the eye system with the objective of treating the root cause and any contributing factors. Something as simple as activating blood circulation can resolve stagnation. Visual capacity may be improved by promoting the circulation in the choroids and retina, preventing cell death, and reversing the inability to absorb and circulate nutrients vital for healthy vision.

Factors that play a part in the quality of our vision are:
Genetics
Injury
Lifestyle

One of the most common eye disorders is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). It is the slow degeneration of cells in the small yellowish area called the macula located near the center of the retina. It is the macula that gives us fine detailed images and clear central vision.

There are two types, wet and dry. Most people experience the dry type of macular degeneration. Drusen, which I mentioned before is looked at as metabolic waste that collects at the base of the retina causing damage to the cells by slowly breaking down cells of the macula causing distorted vision.

The wet type is a progression of the dry and more severe. What occurs in this stage of ARMD, is abnormal blood vessels begin to grow towards the macula, they can burst and bleed causing rapid and severe loss of vision. If bleeding is severe it is important to get it addressed and stabilized by an ophthalmologist. Once the bleeding has ceased treatment with acupuncture can begin. Individual risk factors are mostly female, smoking, diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure and family history.

Chinese Medicine can offer effective treatment to both wet and dry macular degeneration. Chinese Medicine with the application of acupuncture improves:

• Circulation, to the vascular system of the eyes
• Reduces Inflammation
• Reduces oxidative stress
• Awakens dormant cells

Eye disorders we treat with Chinese Medicine are:

• Macular degeneration
• Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Diabetic RP
• Dry eyes
• Floaters
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

Discover how you can protect and preserve your vision through Traditional Chinese Medicine.

 

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