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:
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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