Acupuncture for Glaucoma-The Emerging Holistic Protocol

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), glaucoma is caused by Qing Feng Neizhang (green wind) or the other black or blue wind disorders, which cause an internal blockage in the flow of vital energy "Qi," or "Chi"—the energy that animates and regulates the body's functioning.

Such a blockage causes excessive intraocular pressure, which damages the optic nerve and leads to vision field loss.

According to Western medicine, it is an irreversible condition characterized by permanent and progressive vision loss caused by damage to the optic nerve on account of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) as a result of increased fluid production

Although high pressure is the most frequent cause, nerve damage can also occur in certain patients with normal pressure (normal-tension glaucoma).

In allopathy, glaucoma is considered to be a treatable and manageable condition by lifelong usage of daily eye drops and possibly other expensive prescription medicines. Laser and surgical procedures may also be required as and when needed for the rest of a patient’s life.

How does TCM manage chronic glaucoma?

Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends its highly effective acupuncture therapy that enhances the Qi circulation, alleviates pathogenic heat, and reduces IOP, thus preserving the vision.

Furthermore, patients, particularly in the West, who are concerned about the side effects of chemically formulated medicines, whether in the form of drops, ointments, liquid concoctions, or pills, were flocking to alternative and holistic treatment health facilities, particularly TCM's acupuncture clinics, to address the root cause of not only glaucoma but also other medical and psychosomatic ailments.

What is the TCM acupuncture therapy procedure for glaucoma?  

Ultra-thin acupuncture needles ranging from 3 to 20 mm are inserted into specific acupoints in the periorbital area and distal points on the limbs, which are stimulated, resulting in enhanced ocular blood and QI flow, reducing the pain, and stimulating the release of neurochemical substances, which, according to TCM, protects the optic nerve from damage.

TCM practitioners may also use electro-puncture or laser acupuncture based on the need for such interventions.

Advantages of acupuncture therapy for glaucoma

While some research demonstrates that acupuncture treatment for glaucoma considerably reduces eye pressure, evidence of long-term, consistent efficacy in humans is still being investigated. Although it is not currently approved as a solo treatment for glaucoma, the possible benefits of acupuncture for glaucoma, according to several studies conducted so far, are as follows:

1) Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction: Clinical trials show that specific acupoints, if stimulated, result in a short-term reduction in eye pressure as compared to sham treatment at specific time points.

2) Additionally, research and tests have demonstrated how acupuncture therapy stimulates the ophthalmic and short posterior ciliary arteries, which are the principal blood-supplying velles to the eyes, to assist in providing vital nutrients and oxygen to the eyes and support the body's own repair mechanisms.

3) Acupuncture treatments, according to various studies, promote the production of neurotrophic compounds, which aid in the regeneration of the eye's nerve cells, preserve retinal ganglion, and attenuate optic nerve damage.

4) Acupuncture for glaucoma is known to lessen stess and anxiety, which helps patients to experience overall wellness. TCM may also suggest using Ayurved’s holistic breathing exercises also help reduce intraocular pressure.

Clinical research and studies have shown that acupuncture for glaucoma provides good overall alleviation of glaucoma when used in tandem with traditional Western medical treatments.

Reference:

1) Evidence-based practice guideline of Chinese herbal medicine for primary open-angle glaucoma

Yang Y, Ma QY, Yang Y, He YP, Ma CT, Li Q, Jin M, Chen W. Evidence-based practice guideline of Chinese herbal medicine for primary open-angle glaucoma (qingfeng -neizhang). Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Mar;97(13):e0126. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000010126. PMID: 29595636; PMCID: PMC5895393.

2) Acupuncture for glaucoma

Law SK, Wang L, Li T. Acupuncture for glaucoma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Feb 7; 2(2):CD006030. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006030.pub4. PMID: 32032457; PMCID: PMC7006956.

3) Effect of yoga on intra-ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chetry D, Singh J, Chhetri A, Katiyar VK, Singh DS. Effect of yoga on intra-ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2023 May;71(5):1757-1765. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_2054_22. PMID: 37203026; PMCID: PMC10391478.