Glaucoma
Research
Alternative
& Complementary Therapies
Acupuncture
& Glaucoma
Acupuncture has traditionally been successfully employed in China to treat most
illnesses and there is little doubt that acupuncture is an excellent therapy for people
suffering with this condition. There are several studies suggesting that acupuncture and
Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very helpful in the treatment of Glaucoma.
In one study, acupuncture treatment was given to 50
patients suffering from eye disorders including glaucoma. In all the patients, a
subjective improvement of visual acuity was observed and a number of the patients with
glaucoma had a decrease in pressure of the eye. (1)
(1) Clinical application of acupuncture in ophthalmology.
Dabov S; Goutoranov G; Ivanova R; Petkova N Acupunct Electrother Res 1985, 10 (1-2) p79-93
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Yoga & Meditation
& Glaucoma
Yoga is a complete science, focusing on breathing, movement,
posture and meditation. Specific exercises are taught consisting mainly of simple
stretching, breathing and relaxation. There is a wealth of scientific research available
confirming that advanced yogis have remarkable control over the functioning of their
nervous system, heart and lungs.
Dr Segal author of the best-selling 'Love, Medicine and
Miracles' cites the research of Dr Herbert Benson showing that meditation tends to
normalise blood pressure, pulse rate, and the level of stress hormones in the blood. It
produces changes in brain wave patterns, showing less excitability and improves the white
blood cell (immune) response as well as hormone response.
Researchers have also reported that stress may play a
significant part in the precipitation of acute closed-angle glaucoma because intraocular
pressure (IOP) can be affected by the emotional state of a patient. One study (1)
considered the evidence and found stress to be a significant factor in the etiology of
acute closed-angle glaucoma and they also noted that there is a growing suspicion
concerning the role of stress in open-angle glaucoma as well. The report stated that there
is evidence that glaucoma is associated with psychophysiological stress and that stress
reduction might prevent angle closure and reduce the IOP. The suggested methods for
achieving these results included biofeedback, meditation, and relaxation exercises.
Therefore yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques
should be considered easily accessible aids to stimulate and augment recovery for patients
suffering with glaucoma.
Dr Segal emphasises the importance of
meditation saying :
" I know of no other single activity that can by itself produce such a great
improvement in the quality of life".
(1) Psychophysiological stress, elevated intraocular
pressure, and acute closed-angle glaucoma. Shily BG Am J Optom Physiol Opt Nov 1987, 64
(11) p866-70
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Summary
& Glaucoma
There is little doubt that diet, lifestyle, and physical and
emotional stress all may play a part in the cause of glaucoma. Whilst conventional medical
treatment is often successful in alleviating this condition, standard treatments including
surgery and medications do not deal with the root causes for the problem.
The dietary considerations, stress management techniques
and alternative therapies (most notably acupuncture , medical herbalism, homœopathy
and reflexology) offer safe alternatives which may be explored prior to invasive and
irreversible medical procedures.
The available medical research confirms the benefits of
acupuncture in the treatment of this condition over and above other alternative therapies,
however, please remember that there are a number of possible causes for this condition
ranging from dietary to stress. It is important that the root cause be treated to effect a
long-lasting cure.
Finally it is worth mentioning that Dr Jacob Liberman Ph.D
in his book, 'Light: The Medicine of the Future' cites the case of a man with glaucoma who
recovered by wearing blue-green sunglasses for 30 minutes every day! Dr Liberman believes
different rays of light affect the body in a variety of ways and this led him to suggest
to his patient this unorthodox, speculative treatment. However, after 3 weeks the
intraocular pressure had already begun to reduce and within 4 months there was significant
improvement. It therefore might well be worth wearing blue-green sunglasses for 30 minutes
every day as well as an addition to the above therapies.
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