What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive optic nerve disease that is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated early. There are two main types:
🔹 Open-angle glaucoma – Gradual, painless vision loss over time
🔹 Angle-closure glaucoma – Sudden, severe eye pain and vision lossSince early-stage glaucoma has few symptoms, many patients do not realize they have it until their vision is already affected.
How Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Help?
According to TCM, glaucoma is closely related to imbalances in the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen systems. Common causes include Liver Yang Rising, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Phlegm-Dampness Stagnation, and Qi & Blood Stasis.
1. Acupuncture to Regulate Eye Pressure & Protect Optic Nerve
Acupuncture can promote blood circulation in the eyes, improve aqueous humor drainage, and regulate intraocular pressure. Key acupuncture points include:
✅ Jingming (BL1), Zan Zhu (BL2) – Enhances eye microcirculation
✅ Tai Chong (LR3), Xing Jian (LR2) – Reduces Liver Yang hyperactivity, lowers eye pressure
✅ Shenshu (BL23), Taixi (KI3) – Nourishes the Kidney and protects the optic nerve
✅ Fengchi (GB20), Yifeng (SJ17) – Relieves eye strain and head pressure
2. Herbal Medicine to Improve Ocular Blood Supply
Common herbal formulas used for glaucoma include:
🔹 Qi Ju Di Huang Wan – Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin
🔹 Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin – Lowers eye pressure for Liver Yang Rising cases
🔹 Wen Dan Tang – Clears Phlegm for damp-type glaucoma.
Modern research has shown that Astragalus, Salvia, Chrysanthemum, and Cassia Seed can enhance retinal blood flow and slow down optic nerve degeneration.
Clinical Study on Acupuncture Treatment for Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy
From July to December 2013, the Ophthalmology Department of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Dongfang Hospital conducted a clinical study on 23 patients (44 affected eyes) with glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The patients were aged 30 to 80 years, with an average age of 57.35 years and a disease duration of (2.50 ± 0.96) years.
Acupuncture Points and Treatment Protocol
The study selected the following acupuncture points: Jingming (BL1), Chengqi (ST1), Shangming (EX-HN7), Taiyang (EX-HN5), bilateral Fengchi (GB20), and bilateral Hegu (LI4).
- Jingming, Chengqi, and Shangming were only retained with needles without any manual stimulation.
- Other points were manipulated with balanced reinforcement and reduction techniques until the arrival of “Deqi” sensation.
- Each session lasted 30 minutes, performed once daily for two consecutive weeks.
Treatment Outcomes
- Immediately after the first acupuncture session, intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from (19.26 ± 1.25) mmHg to (16.26 ± 1.53) mmHg (P = 0.004).
- 30 minutes post-acupuncture, IOP further reduced to (15.53 ± 1.31) mmHg (P = 0.003), with the pressure-lowering effect sustained.
- After two weeks of treatment, IOP remained at (16.19 ± 1.69) mmHg (P = 0.008), demonstrating a prolonged regulatory effect.
Conclusion
This study suggests that acupuncture is an effective method for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The combination of Jingming, Chengqi, Shangming, Taiyang, Fengchi, and Hegu showed both immediate and sustained pressure-lowering effects, offering a promising TCM-based intervention for glaucoma management.
Consult Us & Protect Your Vision!
Glaucoma requires early intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with glaucoma, consult our TCM Ophthalmology Clinic for a customized treatment plan!
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