Yi’s Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic
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Annandale, VA 22003
More Acupuncture Articles
Acupuncture For Hearing/Vision Loss
Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body – most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. It is one of the practices used in Oriental medicine. It has been proven to be effective in the treatment of conditions such as back/neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, headaches, anxiety, depression, nausea, and infertility. However, researchers are only beginning to understand whether acupuncture can be helpful for various other health conditions.
Hearing Loss
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, commonly known as sudden deafness, occurs as an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing, either at once or over several days. In nine out of ten cases, hearing loss is limited to only one ear. This type of hearing loss is due to auditory nerve damage.
While research is still being conducted, studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective solution for patients experiencing hearing loss of this nature. They suggest that the use of acupuncture in addition to drug therapy increases blood flow and the flow of oxygen to the ear, thereby facilitating the recovery of nerve function.
Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine supports this theory. The researchers conclude that acupuncture “can significantly improve the hearing of patients with nerve deafness, and the efficacy of acupuncture in combination with medication is superior to medication alone.”
Vision Loss
Your eyes are a reflection of your overall health. Illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be revealed in the eyes. Conditions such as glaucoma, optic neuritis or vision loss are often associated with systemic health problems. It is this interconnection between your eyes and your health that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can tap into and utilize to treat eye and vision problems.
When you are treated for an eye condition with acupuncture, any underlying imbalances that are contributing to your symptoms will be addressed. The eye problems will also be treated directly by promoting circulation of Qi (life force) and blood around the eyes.
Common eye problems treated with acupuncture include glaucoma, cataracts, chronic dry eyes, macular degeneration, R.P. (Retinitis Pigmentosa), night blindness, optic neuritis, and optic atrophy.
Is Acupuncture Right For Me?
If you’re experiencing vision or hearing loss, it is imperative to see a doctor immediately. It’s also worth your time to find an acupuncturist who has experience treating vision/hearing loss, to see if their services can help facilitate recovery.
