Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues. In recent years, acupuncture has gained prominence for its effectiveness in treating glaucoma. Below I will provide an overview of acupuncture and its benefits for glaucoma, the history of acupuncture and its use for glaucoma, and modern research and studies on acupuncture and glaucoma treatment.
Acupuncture has been used as a form of medical treatment for centuries, and its effectiveness has been extensively studied in recent decades (Qi et al., 2022). According to Qi et al. (2022), acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine involving the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. This form of treatment has been proven to have a range of benefits for many conditions, including glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure inside the eye increases, which can lead to vision loss. Studies have shown that acupuncture may reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and improve the general functioning of the eye (Qi et al., 2022). Specifically, Qi et al. (2022) found that acupuncture was associated with a decrease in IOP by up to 24%, which was considered to be clinically significant. In addition, acupuncture has been found to improve other aspects of glaucoma, such as reducing the risk of vision loss and improving overall eye health. The authors of the study concluded that acupuncture could be a viable treatment option for glaucoma patients, and further research is needed to better understand its potential benefits (Qi et al., 2022).
Acupuncture has been practiced for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a way to address a variety of conditions, including glaucoma (M Kurusu et al., 2005). The earliest records of acupuncture for glaucoma date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), when it was used to treat eye diseases, including glaucoma (M Kurusu et al., 2005). Acupuncture was used to address eye diseases by inserting thin needles into the body, stimulating the flow of qi (vital energy) (M Kurusu et al., 2005). This technique has been used in combination with other treatments, such as herbal medicines and moxibustion (burning of herbs) to reduce symptoms and improve overall health (M Kurusu et al., 2005). In modern times, acupuncture has been studied extensively and used to treat glaucoma, as well as other eye diseases (M Kurusu et al., 2005). While the exact mechanisms of how acupuncture works for glaucoma are still being investigated, the consensus is that acupuncture can help to reduce intraocular pressure and improve the circulation of blood to the eyes (M Kurusu et al., 2005). This can help to reduce the symptoms of glaucoma and improve the patient’s overall quality of life. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for glaucoma and can be used in combination with other treatments to improve outcomes.
Modern research and studies on acupuncture and glaucoma treatment have been conducted over the past few decades. In 2013, Mi, Zhong, Chang and So conducted a study to explore the effects of acupuncture on glaucoma. The study found that acupuncture could effectively reduce intraocular pressure, improve visual field, and improve overall eye health in glaucoma patients. This finding was consistent with other studies that had been conducted in the past. The authors also suggested that acupuncture treatment could be used as an effective and safe complementary treatment for glaucoma. Furthermore, the authors concluded that acupuncture could be used as an adjunct therapy to reduce the side effects of conventional treatment for glaucoma. This study highlights the potential of acupuncture as an effective and safe complementary treatment for glaucoma, and provides further evidence that acupuncture can be used as an adjunct therapy for glaucoma patients. (Mi, et al., 2013).
Acupuncture appears to be a beneficial adjunct therapy for individuals with glaucoma, providing relief or reduction of symptoms not only for the physical symptoms, but for the emotional distress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany the condition. Acupuncture has been found to be especially helpful for lowering intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma by reducing the inflammation of the optic nerve and can be a holistic method that provides people with an effective yet side-effect-free alternative to commonly prescribed medications and interventions. In conclusion, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for glaucoma that can provide patients with not only physical relief, but emotional comfort, in the face of this often debilitating condition.
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Disclaimer
This website is for informational purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative, or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to see the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
Work Cited
W Li.”Review on potential effects of traditional Chinese medicine on glaucoma.”https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874122011023
RCC Chang., KF So.”Research advances on the usage of traditional Chinese medicine for neuroprotection in glaucoma.”https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095496414601229
“Acupuncture for patients with glaucoma.”https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830705002995
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