ACUPUNCTURE EYE THERAPY FOR RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA IS A NEW NATURAL TREATMENT
WHAT IS RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA?
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a rare genetic disorder that involves a breakdown of photoreceptor cells of the retina, which are the light sensitive cells called rods and cones in the back of eye area. Due to degeneration of cells, retinitis pigmentosa causes progressive vision loss, and it can eventually lead to blindness. Many cases of retinitis pigmentosa are due to autoimmune reactions where the immune systems attack and damage the body own cells, and the majority of cases have other family members with autoimmune disorders. The symptoms such as night blindness and loss of side vision, often appear at a young age and progresses over a time.
Although there is currently no cure for retinitis pigmentosa, a huge amount of research is being done around the world to develop various treatment options for RP. At this time, most western medical treatments focus on monitoring and slowing the progression of the disease. However, some treatment protocols involve supplementation with antioxidants and vitamin A. Meanwhile, stem cell therapy is being investigated.
HOW TO MANAGE RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
The management options for retinitis pigmentosa are extremely limited. However, the management for RP should focus on the progression of retinitis pigmentosa and the following goals:
| 1. SLOW DOWN THE PROGRESSION OF RETINAL DEGENERATION 2. PARTIAL IMPROVEMENT OF IMPAIRED VISUAL FUNCTIONS |
CAN ACUPUNCTURE EYE THERAPY HELP TREAT RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA?
Acupuncture Eye Therapy for retinitis pigmentosa is a non-invasive and non-surgical way of natural partial enhancement of visual functions. The therapy focuses on increase in the preserved optic nerve function and blood circulation in the retina. As a result, this therapeutic approach is able to induce a visual field expansion and provide increased visual acuity that positively affects daily life skills.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), retinitis pigmentosa is associated with the Liver Blood, Spleen function, and Kidney Qi (pronounced “chee”). When the Liver Blood is poor or insufficient, the eyes do not receive nourishment for healthy function and cell regeneration. The Spleen and Kidney Qi support the Liver function. Above all, TCM treatments focus on supporting the proper functioning of these three organs to ensure that nutrients, oxygen, and blood are nourishing the eyes properly.
How Micro Acupuncture Works?
Micro Acupuncture™ is a procedure involving newly discovered acupuncture points for retinitis pigmentosa, and not associated with any other traditional acupuncture system. These points were discovered by Dr. Freddy Dahlgren and researched by Dr. Dahlgren and Dr. Per G. Otte. More than 5,000 people throughout Europe and over 10,000 people in the US have benefited from Micro Acupuncture treatment. Significant numbers of the patients treated have reported marked improvements in their eyesight.
Dr. Kevin Kim is a licensed acupuncturist and a NCCAOM diplomate of Oriental Medicine. He has studied extensively in the field of Chinese Medicine Ophthalmology. Furthermore, Dr Kim has received training from leading acupuncture experts in the field of degenerative eye conditions. He has received extensive training and certified in Micro Acupuncture™ to treat degenerative eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa. There are currently only a limited number of practitioners throughout the world that are certified to perform the procedures.
OUR TREATMENTS TO HELP IMPROVE VISUAL FUNCTION
Our acupuncture eye treatments involve many acupuncture techniques such as traditional acupuncture, Micro Acupuncture™, AcuNova, electro-acupuncture, and/or customized herb formulas to activate the cells to enhance functions of visual system. Treatment course typically consist of 10 to 20 treatments. Nevertheless, no needle goes into the eye.
In summary, the eyesight improvement throughout the visual field is often prevalent with Acupuncture Eye treatment for retinitis pigmentosa,and acupuncture eye therapy is one of the most promising RP treatments available today. However, it is important for patients to understand that the acupuncture treatment is not a cure but a process to help maintain and/or enhance the eyesight. [Learn More About Our Treatment]
RESEARCH ON ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
A recent pilot study from John Hopkins University (2013) reported that six of 12 subjects had measurable, significant visual function improvements after treatment. Three of nine subjects tested with the FST had a significant 10.3 to 17.5 dB (that is, 13‐ to 53‐fold) improvement in both eyes at one week after acupuncture, maintained for at least 10 to 12 months, which was well outside typical test‐retest variability (95% CI: 3–3.5 dB) previously found in retinitis pigmentosa. Researchers concluded that acupuncture entails minimal risk, if administered by a well‐trained acupuncturist and may have significant, measurable benefits on residual visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
Reference: Bittner, A. OD PhD, Gould, J. MEd LAc, Rosenfarb, Andy. ND LAc, Rozanski, C., Dagnelie, G. PhD (2013). A pilot study of an acupuncture protocol to improve visual function in retinitis pigmentosa patients. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cxo.12117/epdf.
