page_41

Page 41

for glaucoma are chosen for their abilities to release the liver qi (energy). They will harmonize the functions of the liver, supporting its ability to promote the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the body/mind/spirit. In addition, they strengthen the digestion and the functions of the spleen and stomach to help resolve the congealing or stagnation of fluids.

Acupressure

Acupressure is acupuncture without the needles. You won't need to find a practitioner, make an appointment, get time off from work or even go into a medical office. In other words, you can do acupressure yourself. See the Appendix on Acupressure (pages 13138) for the location and description of the points we recommend for glaucoma.

Daily massage of specific acupressure points can help lower the pressure in the eye by improving drainage of the aqueous humor, lymph, and venous blood. There are seven points that should be manipulated to help improve glaucoma. See Glaucoma Prevention Program, pages 5051.

Herbal Remedies

Our research has shown that a combination of Chinese, Western and Ayurvedic herbs are helpful in the treatment of chronic glaucoma. The following are the herbs we recommend.

Hsiao Yao Wan (Relaxed Wanderer Pills) is the standard TCM remedy for constrained energy in the liver meridian. These herbs help the liver to spread qi throughout the body and to the eyes. The most important herb in this formula is bupleurum, whose primary role it is to break through obstructions and restore the free flow of energy and blood. The adjunct herbs in this formula peony root, dong quai, poria fungus, atractylodes, ginger and licorice support the liver and digestive system. They help relieve dampness, promote digestion and move and disperse stuck energy exactly what needs to happen for the condition of chronic glaucoma.

Page 42

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Nicknamed "the vision herb," bilberry has accumulated 40 years of research confirming its benefits for the eyes. The constituents responsible for this are called anthocyanosides. Bilberry improves the delivery of oxygen and blood to the eye, contains antioxidants for healthy tissues and strengthens the collagen.

Coleus (Coleus forskohlii). Coleus is an herb in the mint family that is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies have shown that coleus will lower intraocular pressure by relaxing smooth muscles in the eye. It also has antihistamine properties, which may reduce the allergic component of increased eye pressure.

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis radix). Another universal liver tonic, dandelion supports the liver, aids in digestion and balances blood sugar levels, which all combine to create good health for the eyes. In addition, dandelion contains antioxidants to help tissue stay healthy.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis). A universal eye tonic, eyebright has been used since the Middle Ages to treat and support vision. It is especially good for eye inflammations, and can be used internally and externally.

Ginger (Zingber officinale). Ginger is an anti-inflammatory that is prescribed for glaucoma patients.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Ginkgo has a long, respectable history of use throughout the world for improving the health of the elderly. By increasing blood flow, ginkgo helps provide oxygen and nourishment to the brain, ears, heart and eyes. It's a powerful antioxidant, preventing damage from free radicals, and it appears to stabilize cell membranes, including those of red blood cells, increasing their flexibility and enabling them to squeeze through small capillaries. By supporting and increasing the circulation of the blood to the eyes, this wonderful herb has the potential for more rapid healing of all tissues associated with vision. When taken in combination with blood thinner medication, dosage must be reduced.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). Milk thistle, an excellent liver tonic, increases the flow of bile from the liver, helping to detoxify poisons in our blood-

Page 43

stream. Milk thistle also nourishes the liver, reducing stress and increasing energy throughout the body. Herbal Tincture for Glaucoma

Combine one to two ounces of the tinctures of bilberry, coleus, dandelion, eyebright, ginkgo, and milk thistle in a large bottle. Take one teaspoon twice a day for three to six months.

In addition, drink a cup of ginger tea once a day for three to six months.

If taking herbs in capsule form, follow directions by your health care practitioner or follow directions on the label.

A combination formula with all the Chinese, Western and Ayurvedic herbs is available from Integral Health Apothecary and Starfire International (see Resources).

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies must be individualized to the patient's unique set of symptoms; therefore, it is difficult to prescribe the proper remedy without an examination. The following are the homeopathic remedies used most often in the treatment of glaucoma.

Aurum metalicum may be used in treating glaucoma when there is a tendency toward atherosclerosis and suicidal depression.

Gelsemium may be used in treating glaucoma patients who seem apathetic in regard to their visual condition. Their eyelids may appear heavy and droopy.

Phosphorus may be used in treating glaucoma patients who experience a lot of eye fatigue. They may also see green halos around lights and letters may appear red.

Page 44

Since the underlying causes of glaucoma are often multi-layered and require various remedies at different times, it is especially important in treating glaucoma homeopathically to consult a qualified homeopath (see Resources).

Hormones

Two hormones, epinephrine and melatonin, help regulate intraocular pressure. Conventional medicine uses epinephrine to treat glaucoma because it seems to be the primary daytime eye pressure regulator. Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, takes over that job during nighttime.

Adrenal glandulars, including adrenal cortex and other nutritional supports for rebuilding the adrenal function, should be used whenever the adrenals are run down. (They are best taken early in the day.) Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are important adrenal supporters.

Melatonin has become very popular recently, but in the case of glaucoma, it truly is helpful. It reduces the rate of aqueous humor production during sleep and helps glaucoma patients sleep better. 9 (Many people with glaucoma also manifest sleep disturbances.)

Light reduces natural melatonin production, so one way to increase melatonin production naturally is to sleep in total darkness or use a red filter over a night light, which helps the pineal gland sustain melatonin production. This kind of light therapy uses bands of biologically active light, ranging through the spectrum from red to violet. The light is focused into the eyes, where it travels to the brain and activates the autonomic nervous system to regulate disruptions in the system, thereby triggering the healing process. Another way to increase melatonin production is to stimulate the retina with violet light for up to 20 minutes before going to sleep.

We recommend one to three mg of melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime. If you tend to waken during the night, take the time-release version.

Physical Exercise

Exercise is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Research has shown that glaucoma patients who take a brisk, 40-minute walk five days a week for