Acupuncture involves inserting needles into strategic points on your body to relieve pain and help balance your system. Only a licensed acupuncturist may safely give an acupuncture treatment, though you may use acupressure massage to stimulate acupuncture points at home. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, acupuncture raises your pain threshold, increases circulation, affects white blood cells involved in immunity and may help balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Consult your doctor before starting acupuncture or acupressure.
Eye Disorders
Acupressure may help eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, vision loss, conjunctivitis, blurred vision, eye strain, facial pain, red, dry or itchy eyes, according to optometrist and licensed acupuncturist Dr. Marc Grossman. A cataract is a cloudy lens that obstructs vision and occurs frequently with aging, but also may result from heavy smoking and certain medications. Glaucoma is a dangerous increase in internal eye pressure that can destroy your optic nerve and cause blindness.
Jingming and Zanzhu
Use gentle pressure for five to 10 seconds to massage all acupressure points. Find Jingming, also called UB1 or urinary bladder one, where the inner corner of your eye meets your nose. Do not press into your eye directly. Massage the slight indentation in your skin in that area. Urinary bladder 2, also called UB2 or Zanzhu, lies in the depression at the inner corner of your eyebrows. Jingming and Zanshu are two of the best points for general eye problems.
Yuyao, Sizhukong and Tongziliao
Massage Yuyao at the depression in the midpoint of your eyebrow. Yuyao helps with eye problems related to worry, excessive study or mental strain. Find Sizhukong, also called SJ 23, Sanjiao or Triple Burner, in the depression on the outside edge of your eyebrow. Find Tongziliao, also GB1 or gall bladder channel, in the depression on the outside corner of your eye sockets.
Qiuhou and Chengqi
Locate Chengqi on the bony ridge underneath your eye, also called your infraorbital ridge. Chengqi, or St1, lies directly underneath your pupil along this ridge and is a major point for all eye problems. Find Qiuhou midway between Chengqi and Tongziliao along your infraorbital ridge. Practice deep breathing as you massage all acupressure points. Do not give yourself acupressure if you are pregnant without consulting a licensed acupuncturist. Avoid massaging areas with wounds or scars.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Acupuncture; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2009
- Acufinder.com; Acupressure Points for Better Vision; Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.
- "Human Anatomy"; Elaine N. Marieb, R.N., Ph.D., et al.; 2011
