Acupuncture and Eye Health
Your eyes are a reflection of your overall
health. Illnesses such as diabetes and
cardiovascular disease can be revealed in the
eyes. Conditions such as glaucoma, optic
neuritis or vision loss are often associated
with systemic health problems. It is this
interconnection between your eyes and your
health that acupuncture and Oriental medicine
can tap into and utilize to treat eye and vision
problems. Eye conditions respond well to
acupuncture and it has been used successfully to
treat a wide range of eye problems for
centuries.
How Eye Disorders Are Treated With
Acupuncture
Oriental medicine pays close attention to
the relationship between tissues and organs.
Sometimes an imbalance within the body can
manifest as an eye problem, just as the
health of the eyes is often a reflection of
an imbalance or health problem elsewhere in
the body.
When you are treated for an eye condition with
acupuncture, any underlying imbalances that are
attributing to your symptoms will be addressed.
The eye problems will also be treated directly
by promoting circulation of Qi (life force) and
blood around the eyes.
Common eye problems treated with acupuncture
include:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Chronic Dry
Eyes
- Macular
Degeneration
- Optic
Neuritis
- Optic Atrophy
Acupuncture Points Around the Eye
There are several powerful acupuncture points
around the eyes that promote eye health. These
points bring Qi and blood to the eyes to nourish
the tissue and improve the condition of the
eyes.
Jingming (UB-1) -
When translated, Jingming means Bright eyes.
This point is located in the inner corner of the
eye. It is one of the primary points to bring Qi
and blood to the eyes and is used for eye
problems of all kinds including early-stage
cataracts, glaucoma, night blindness,
conjunctivitis and blurred vision.
Zanzhu (UB-2) -
This point lies in the depression at the inner
end of the eyebrow. Like Jingming, it is a
primary point for the eyes and is used for all
types of eye problems. Some of the indications
to use this point include headache, blurring or
failing of vision, pain in the supraorbital
region, excessive tearing, redness, swelling and
pain of the eye, twitching of the eyelids and
glaucoma.
Yuyao -
In the hollow at the midpoint of the eyebrow,
directly above the pupil. It is used for eye
strain, pain in the supraorbital region,
twitching of the eyelids, ptosis, cloudiness of
the cornea, redness, swelling and pain of the
eyes.
Sizhukong (SJ 23) -
In the hollow at the outside end of the eyebrow.
This point is used for eye and facial problems
including headaches, redness and pain of the
eye, blurring of vision, twitching of the
eyelids, toothache and facial paralysis.
Tongziliao (GB 1) -
Located on the outside corner of the eye. This
point is used to brighten the eyes as well as
for headaches, redness and pain of the eyes,
failing or blurring of vision, photophobia, dry,
itchy eyes, early-stage cataracts and
conjunctivitis.
Qiuhou -
Below the eye, midway between St-1 and GB-1
along the orbit of the eye. Used for all types
of eye disease.
Chengqi (St 1) -
With the eyes looking straight forward, this
point is directly below the pupil, between the
eyeball and the eye socket. This is a main point
for all eye problems, conjunctivitis, night
blindness, facial paralysis and excessive
tearing.
In addition to acupuncture, there are several
things you can do each day to maintain eye
health and avoid problems. Drink eight to ten
glasses of water to keep your body and eyes
hydrated. Stop smoking. Exercise to improve
overall circulation. Make a conscious effort to
stop periodically to rest and blink frequently
especially when reading, working on a computer
or watching television. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Always remember to always protect your eyes from
the sun’s harmful UV light and glare with
protective lenses.
Would you like to learn more about how
acupuncture can help you with an eye condition?
Please call now for a consultation.
Chrysanthemums: More Than Meets the Eye
Chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua) are boiled to
make a popular cooling tea to drink or use
topically on the eye. Chrysanthemum tea has many
medicinal uses. Used for at least 2,000 years,
this herb was first listed by the physician Shen
Nong who suggested that continued use would
"slow aging and prolong life".
The boiled flowers or tea bags may be kept in
the fridge and used as eye masks to ease tired
eyes, reduce heavy eye bags and get rid of
redness, pain or dryness of the eyes.
Cold Chrysanthemum Tea
Ingredients
* 60 - 80 White Chrysanthemum Flowers
* 3 teaspoons of Jasmine Green Tea
* Rock sugar or honey
* 4 liters (1 Gallon) of water
Instructions:
1. Wash the chrysanthemums.
2. Put chrysanthemum and tea into a cooking pot.
3. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add rock sugar or honey.
6. Remove from the heat and cool to room
temperature.
7. Strain and put into the refrigerator.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy!
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In This Issue
-
Acupuncture and Eye Health
-
Chrysanthemums: More Than Meets the Eye
- Seven
Essential Nutrients for Eye Health
Seven Essential Nutrients for Eye Health
Support your eye health by incorporating
these seven essential nutrients into your
diet!
Lutein and Zeaxanthin -
carotenoid compounds found in the lens and
retina of the eyes. These antioxidants
protect eyes from free radicals and A diet
high in these compounds may protect the eyes
from macular degeneration and cataracts.
Carotenoid compounds are found in yellow and
orange fruits & vegetables, dark green,
leafy vegetables and egg yolks.
Vitamin A -
helps prevent night blindness, stop the
formation of cataracts, and may prevent
blindness from macular degeneration.
Deficiency can cause dry eyes, corneal
ulcers, swollen eyelids and, if not
corrected, blindness.
Vitamin C -
can help reduce the risk of cataracts. It
may also play a role in delaying macular
degeneration and preventing and relieving
glaucoma.
Vitamin E -
a powerful antioxidant shown to prevent
cataracts and helps prevent macular
degeneration.
Bioflavonoids -
give certain foods their color and often
work as antioxidants. Any food that contains
these nutrients also contains vitamin C.
Citrus, red and purple fruits are excellent
for the eyes.
Omega 3's -
These essential fatty acids convert into
prostaglandins that regulate intraocular
pressure, help the eye drain and may help
protect against dry eye syndrome. Connected
with eyesight development, deficiencies of
essential fatty acids may lead to impaired
vision, retinal or macular damage. The best
source of Omega 3's is cold water fish such
as Salmon.
Essential Minerals -
Zinc, Selenium, and Copper are all essential
for healthy eyesight. Zinc helps the body
absorb vitamin A which is required for
normal eye function and adapting to the
dark. Zinc has been used for the specific
purpose of reducing age related macular
degeneration and a deficiency may lead to
cataracts. Selenium helps the body to absorb
vitamin E to . Copper helps reduce the
development of age related macular
degeneration.
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