Open Your Eyes


to a New Kind of Treatment for


Degeneration by Mats Sexton, LAc, DiplAc M


ore often than not, when peo- ple are diagnosed with a de- generative eye disease such as


macular degeneration, they are told by their ophthalmologist, “There’s nothing you can do.” However, nothing could be further from the truth. The growing field of Chinese medicine ophthalmol- ogy can be a savior for vision. While most people associate Chi- nese medicine with acupuncture only, there are actually five branches to this comprehensive and holistic approach to wellness, including massage, herbol- ogy, nutrition and exercise. Undoubtedly, most people wince


when the words “acupuncture” and “eyes” are used in the same sentence. However, there are several acupuncture protocols that use acupoints on the hands and feet which can help with vision. AcuNova, developed in Den- mark by John Boel, takes a neurologic approach to disease and involves the insertion of just two tiny needles in the hand and two in the feet. Some recipi- ents of a series of about 20 treatments have even begun driving again. Typi- cally, the acupuncturist will use addi- tional points on the limbs to help with overall systemic health. But, to be clear, no needles go in the eyes! Chinese medicine does not view macular degeneration as an eye disease, but rather it’s regarded as a sys- temic circulatory issue. The plaques or “drusen” that build up in the retina are


26 Long Island Edition


virtually the same as any other athero- sclerotic plaques found throughout our bodies as we age. Thus, if only the eyes are considered in the course of treat- ment, there is little chance for lasting visual improvement and restoration of overall health.


Nutrition is a top priority. While the typical course of action is to take eye vitamins, the better course is to ac- tually eat real food. Bodies crave whole foods and need to eat surprisingly little to equal the amount of nutrients in the supplements. About two leaves of kale, a hand- ful of almonds and an orange will provide the same nutrients as the leading eye supplements. Increasing intake of vegetables and leafy greens in general is a fundamental step to improving vision.


Along with nutrition, herbology in Chinese medicine can be an impor-


Macular


tant tool to complement the effects of treatment. Unlike most vitamin supple- ments, the ingredients in Chinese herb- als are often things we don’t typically eat, such as flowers, roots and other parts of plants. Chinese “tea pills” are inexpensive, easy to swallow and a very effective addition to any course of treat- ment.


Lastly, some form of daily aerobic


activity such as yoga, tai chi, walking, running or swimming is mandatory in helping your eye condition and system- ic well-being. For the more adventur- ous, there are programs for blind snow skiing and tandem bicycling. There is no need to give up your favorite activi- ties because of low vision. Inactivity invites stagnation, poor circulation and a decline in our body’s ability to prop- erly move blood through our vessels, food through our gut and even to think clearly. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease, consider opening your eyes to a new kind of treatment like Chinese medicine. Despite what you may have been told, there actually is quite a lot you can do to improve your sight.


Mats Sexton, LAc, DiplAc, has been practicing Chinese medicine for 20 years and has specialized in the treatment of degenerative eye diseases since 2003. He is licensed through the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and is committed to improv-


ing and saving the sight of his


clients while making the experience enjoyable and educational. For more information, call 952-922-2141 or visit PinDoctor.com. See ad on page 7.


Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.


~Japanese Proverb www.NaturalAwakeningsLI.com


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