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  • My dry eye triumph with acupuncture

    Hello All,

    I have a gmail account for a long time so I couldn't register but I wanted to share with you guys what I have learned and how I beat my dry eye.

    I had been following the dry eye zone's posts since about November 2010. I tried almost everything people brought up on the forums and I was scared I had something more serious. But then I realised that this was kinda serious too.
    Learning about dry eye and why it happened to me was so surreal as I'm sure most of you are aware- one day it just kinda happened and didn't go away. I had the dry gritty feeling, my eyes were so red it looked like I had pink eye, and they were worse in the morning when I woke up. I went to a regular doctor at first who prescribed the usual: antibiotics, ointments, drops with steroids. And that worked temporarily as any of you can attest to. When it came back right after my ointments and pills finished, I found myself on these forums again. I wasn't sure I had MGD ( Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) or Dry Eye, though I was told I had MGD 3 years ago by a doctor in training at the Eye and Ear Infirmary here in NYC (and the reason I was there 3 years ago was because I had a chalazion in my left eyelid). Thus I decided to go to an opthomologist. He told me I had severe Dry Eye and precribed Restasis. He said that it was a "chronic and progressive" condition (meaning: never goes away and gets worse over time) and that I would have to treat it for the rest of my life. I was pretty shocked. I tried the Restasis for about literally 2 weeks, so I cannot be a good judge of that drug, nevertheless, the idea of being dependent on an expensive drug for a very long period of time that is modifying my immune response was an absurd concept to me, not to mention sounded kind of dangerous. I made an appointment with doctor Latkany since I'm a New Yorker, but I cancelled at the last minute. I realized that no one is treating this properly and that we're all pretty much wrong about this condition otherwise people would be getting results that work not just 50% of the time, or good on some days and bad on others , but 100% back to normal.

    On the advice of a friend, I saw an acupuncturist who asked me some questions such as "what happened 6 months ago in your life" (personally) and told me that whatever happened 6 months ago 'stresswise' was still in my eyes. I thought it was very intriguing and was willing to try anything. After the first 'session' I can honestly tell you that there was an improvement. I had never done acupuncture before and it seemed a little far-fetched that what she was saying caused my dry eye but I kept an open mind. She told me that it was going to be a cumulative process and that I would have to keep coming back for awhile to replenish the "yin" in my body ( the moisture or "cold"); she said that what was happening was that there was an imbalance of hot and cold and the moisture in my body was not depleted. She gave me herbs ( Lycii Rehmannia ) to take twice a day and went back to her once a week for about 2 months. Apart from the acupuncture, I had been taking fish oil ( because it has other good uses) and I mix the fish oil with turmeric once a day, and sea buckthorn oil twice a day, and astaxanthin once a day. I also started running 2 miles everyday. My eyes are back to normal again and my acupuncturist says that soon I will not have to come back. I'm still going to continue taking the supplements because they are good for me and as for the herbs , she said I could stop that at some point too ( which btw taste pretty awful). It took about 2 months for this to happen and I cant believe that I wake up with normal eyes again after half a year of depression and frustration. I hope what I have said here is helpful to you. I reactivated my AOL account just so i can post this message. Everyone is different as my acupuncturist says, so it may take longer or quicker depending. I have truly taken a new perspective on medicine in general and I've learned how limited western medicine is regarding this issue and many others.

    Cheers,

    Mark

  • #2
    Thanks for posting! Just wondering what dose of the supplements you took each day?

    Comment


    • #3
      Hi. Lets see , I take one teaspoon of the Carlson Norwegian Fish Oil which is 1600mg and mix it with one 600mg capsule of Solaray's Turmeric (I open the pill and dump it into the spoon with the fish oil and mix it there). I read somewhere that turmeric isn't water soluble and I tested it to be sure and it isn't, but it mixes with the fish oil great. The Sea Buckthorn oil is this one : http://www.sibubeauty.com/products/cellular-support i took 2 of those everyday - ( i ran out of them so i can't tell you how much is in each softgel).. And then i take one softgel daily of BioAstin Supreme which has 6mg of astaxanthin as well as 80 mcg of Lutein and vitamins A and E.

      The Lycii Rehmannia she mixes personally for me because i asked her where i could buy it , and she told me she customized it for me with some other herbs , but I think it is purchasable on its own - at least here in chinatown.

      I forgot to mention in my post above that I now drink Chrysanthemum tea as well ( on my acupuncturist's direction).. There are different varieties but I drink the "pearl" Chrysanthemum.

      Comment


      • #4
        Yesterday I had my 3rd appt with my acupuncturist and so far nothing (at least nothing of significance that could probably relate to the procedures). You say it took about 2 months and you were going once a week?

        Did you find the needles hurt more in certain areas of your body (around your face)? I find that the needle that goes above my right eye is very painful. I'm not sure if the left would be more painful but he always puts the right one in first and says that the left should be less painful as there is already a release.

        Did she ever apply pressure to certain areas of your face? During my 2nd appt, my acupuncturist did that and wow, it hurt badly. He didn't do it during my last (3rd) treatment though.

        I'm not sure which herbs I'm taking but I drink it in warm water twice a day. I've found that it doesn't taste as bad as it did in the beginning; probably getting used to it!

        Thank you for your positive story! Sometimes trying new things is scary (will it work?) and it's great to hear stories of success.

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by PotatoCakes View Post
          Yesterday I had my 3rd appt with my acupuncturist and so far nothing (at least nothing of significance that could probably relate to the procedures). You say it took about 2 months and you were going once a week?

          Did you find the needles hurt more in certain areas of your body (around your face)? I find that the needle that goes above my right eye is very painful. I'm not sure if the left would be more painful but he always puts the right one in first and says that the left should be less painful as there is already a release.

          Did she ever apply pressure to certain areas of your face? During my 2nd appt, my acupuncturist did that and wow, it hurt badly. He didn't do it during my last (3rd) treatment though.

          I'm not sure which herbs I'm taking but I drink it in warm water twice a day. I've found that it doesn't taste as bad as it did in the beginning; probably getting used to it!

          Thank you for your positive story! Sometimes trying new things is scary (will it work?) and it's great to hear stories of success.
          Yes, the first 3 needles i think hurt but then I never felt them again after that! there is one that she puts in my foot that i feel the nerve there but other than that nothing. Yeah I think the thought or the idea of needles penetrating our face brings about the concept of pain but maybe there really isn't? I don't know. But I really like it now actually; I find it to be very relaxing. She changes it up a bit so I never really know where she's gonna stick me next haha. But no, it doesnt hurt anymore at all and she doesnt do any pressure treatment.

          Yeah it took about 2 months for my red, dry eyes to return to normal. the only different thing i did 2 months ago was the acupuncture, the herbs she gave me, and running. My friends are scrambling for her number to solve their issues now . Some of my friends even refer to her as the "witch lady" LOL. I have to add ( I should've added this before) that she was also surprised how well I responded to the treatment in terms of time, but she noted that sometimes that happens.

          Comment


          • #6
            Thank-you for the details - makes it easier to replicate what you've done! And the running 2 miles a day - that's awesome!

            Comment


            • #7
              Please supply us with the name, location and contact info for your accupuncturist. I would definately like to give her a try. Thanks

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Pseudokram View Post
                Hi. Lets see , I take one teaspoon of the Carlson Norwegian Fish Oil which is 1600mg and mix it with one 600mg capsule of Solaray's Turmeric (I open the pill and dump it into the spoon with the fish oil and mix it there). I read somewhere that turmeric isn't water soluble and I tested it to be sure and it isn't, but it mixes with the fish oil great. The Sea Buckthorn oil is this one : http://www.sibubeauty.com/products/cellular-support i took 2 of those everyday - ( i ran out of them so i can't tell you how much is in each softgel).. And then i take one softgel daily of BioAstin Supreme which has 6mg of astaxanthin as well as 80 mcg of Lutein and vitamins A and E.

                The Lycii Rehmannia she mixes personally for me because i asked her where i could buy it , and she told me she customized it for me with some other herbs , but I think it is purchasable on its own - at least here in chinatown.

                I forgot to mention in my post above that I now drink Chrysanthemum tea as well ( on my acupuncturist's direction).. There are different varieties but I drink the "pearl" Chrysanthemum.
                Hi,Mark.
                I have depression last year and after that my eye had been feeling uncomfortable.Could u pls provide me the contact info of ur accupuncturist. Pls. email it to me: antdsg@yahoo.com.sg

                Comment


                • #9
                  Pseudokram's profile says he hasn't logged in here since June. You may want to use the private message system to try to get in touch with him - depending on his settings it may send him an email notification.
                  Rebecca Petris
                  The Dry Eye Foundation
                  dryeyefoundation.org
                  800-484-0244

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    New Here!! WOW! First off, Holy **** I cant believe how many people are on this forum!!! Ok so, I have been struggling with Chronic Dry Eye for over 4 years been to close to 10 specialists and no one, I mean no one can get to the ROOT of my problem. At this point, I am desperate and will try anything for relief......I LOVE the detail that you have provided above would you happen to have the name/contact info of the accupuncture specialist above?? I am originally from NJ and live in CA now and was hoping to find accupuncture specialist who has had success in treating this condition. If I need to fly to NY to meet this person I will!!! Tx

                    P.S. - We can put "men on the moon" but we can't find a cure for dry-eye.....CRAZY to me

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      That is very good.
                      The internal cause of dry eye of every people is different, so the chinese medicine and acupuncture used will be different.

                      Already saw some post in forum saying cured from acupuncture, but not everyone can cure by this method. I've also done few years such chinese treatments, I can say I got improved, at least I am able to work normal but I can't play and go out as a normal person, so I am lonely.

                      Suggest all dry eye friends try chinese medicine and acupuncture, you may be the lucky one. Also different chinese doctor have different method, so need to see if you meet your right one. I'll still try and see if one day I can shard my cure method in forum.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I had my first appt wih an acunpucturist last week. I will do a ayurveda treatment together, with the same doctor. I will post updates.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          I has 5 sessions of acunpucture. None improvement. But i'm feeling with more energy in tha lest weeks, maybe due to acunputcture, or maybe just coincidence.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I tried Pseudokram's regime for two months (minus the acupunture):
                            - Carlson Norwegian fish oil, 1 tsp
                            - Solaray Tumeric, opened capsule and mixed with fish oil
                            - Sibu sea buckthorn oil, two capsules daily
                            - Bioastin Supreme, with 12 mg of Axtaxanthin and vit E (the one Pseudokram took is discontinued)
                            - 80 mg Lutein
                            - Lycii Rehmannia (also called Qi Ju Di Huang Wan)
                            - Chrysanthemum tea
                            - Regular aerobic exercise

                            Acupuncture was not recommended to me by the chinese medicine person, and I did not bring it up.

                            I also added zinc, CoQ10, and (2) Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega capsules. Of course I continued by regular routine of warm compress 3x/day and Restasis.

                            My eyes improved but I can't contribute much of it to the regime (rather to discovering that Restasis was drying the heck out of them). However, the improvement to my hair was significant. Now it is soft and silky and the number of grey hairs has reduced from 15% to maybe 5%. Anyway, I thought I'd post since I went to all of this expense and effort to no avail in terms of the eyes.
                            Last edited by PG; 16-Oct-2016, 10:06.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Hello. I am searching for anyone who has gotten acupuncture to treat the meibomian gland related dry eyes. I am currently being treated by a doctor of TCM (traditional chinese medicine). I have received 3 treatments so far on both my eyes. After the first treatment, I have felt some improvement in my left eye (my better eye), in terms of needing less artificial tears, and waking up feeling less gritty. After todays treatment, my third, I have been having issues all afternoon with debris getting under my scleral lenses. I am wondering if the debris are in fact the oil being secreted by my glands? Is there anyone who has had Lipiflow who also wears scleral lenses who experienced a similar thing? i.e. increased debris under their scleral lenses?

                              The way my doctor described the treatment is, he stimulates the glands under my eye lids, by tapping each outlet with a tiny metal weight. He flips my eyelids out while I'm lying face up on a massage chair. He explained during the treatment that my glands were quite blocked and the treatment is taking longer than usual. But after about 7-8 minutes of "tapping" he noticed some fluid mixed with a bit of blood flow out. He said that a bit of blood is normal, and it is a part of flushing out the blocked glands so that oil can flow out. According to him, he has been offering the treatment for many years with success.

                              I had pictures taken of my meibomian glands at my cornea specialist's office about 3 months ago. At the time I was told that my entire meibomian glands were atrophied. I plan to continue my TCM treatments for a few more times to see where it goes. Meanwhile, I would love to hear from anyone who has gotten any type of TCM treatments for their dry eye symptoms. Thanks!

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