Acupuncture for dry eyes in Gothenburg
Acupuncture can complement your usual care for dry, gritty eyes that eye drops do not settle, and some studies suggest it can reduce symptoms. Dry eyes are common with a lot of screen work and around the menopause. Dr. Tian has treated eye conditions since her years at university hospitals in China and now sees patients in Eriksberg, Gothenburg.
The TCM view
How TCM understands dry eyes
In traditional Chinese medicine the eyes are linked to the Liver. Dry eyes are often seen as a shortage of Liver blood or yin, the nourishing and moistening side of the body. This pattern is often aggravated by long hours at a screen, too little sleep and the menopause.
Kidney yin and tension in the neck and temples are also taken into account, because circulation to the eyes passes through these areas. Treatment therefore combines points around the eyes with points further away on the body.
The treatment
How treatment works
At the health consultation you go through how long you have had symptoms, your screen habits, which drops you use, how you sleep and whether your mouth or other areas also feel dry. Dr. Tian also examines your pulse and tongue.
Dr. Tian uses very fine needles at points along the eyebrows, temples and cheekbones, and at points on the hands and feet. Many people are surprised at how gentle it feels. Needles are never placed in or on the eye itself.
Experience and research
Dr. Tian’s experience and what the research says
Dr. Tian treated eye conditions at university hospitals in China from 1985 to 2000 and has continued to do so in Gothenburg. One of her patients, herself a GP, describes the treatment in her review as a good complement to her eye drops.
Research on acupuncture for dry eyes is limited but growing, and some studies suggest it can reduce symptoms. Acupuncture does not replace an examination by an eye specialist or optician. Sudden changes in vision or a red, painful eye should always be assessed by a doctor first.
Expectations
What to expect
Dry eyes rarely respond straight away. Dr. Tian usually suggests reviewing progress after six to eight sessions, often once a week at first. Some patients then continue with maintenance sessions during the driest months of the year.
The first changes are usually less grittiness and needing drops less often during the day. How much relief you can expect depends on what is causing the dryness, so you discuss realistic expectations at the consultation.
Treatments often used
Every new patient starts with a health consultation or a first visit that includes acupuncture. Dr. Tian then suggests the treatments that suit you.
Health consultation
30 minPulse and tongue diagnosis, and a treatment plan made for you.
SEK 550
BookHealth consultationAcupuncture, first visit
60 minA 30-minute health consultation followed by 30 minutes of acupuncture.
SEK 1,400
BookAcupuncture, first visitAcupuncture, follow-up
50 minSterile single-use needles placed at points chosen for your TCM diagnosis.
SEK 1,050
BookAcupuncture, follow-up
On Saturdays a supplement of SEK 180 applies to all treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Are needles placed near the eyes?
Yes, but never in or on the eye itself. The points are along the eyebrows, at the temples and on the cheekbones, and the needles are very fine. Many people feel relaxed and slightly drowsy during treatment.
Does it help with dry eyes during the menopause?
Dry eyes, a dry mouth and other dry mucous membranes often occur together during the menopause and are then treated as a whole. Some patients find several of these symptoms ease at the same time.
Can I keep using my eye drops?
Yes, carry on as usual. Bring the packaging to your first visit so Dr. Tian knows what you use. If you find you need drops less often over time, that is a sign the treatment is helping.
Conditions that often go together
- Menopause symptomsHot flushes, night sweats, restless sleep and mood swings during the menopause.
- Stress and exhaustionFor long periods of stress, shallow sleep, an unsettled stomach or exhaustion.
- Sleep problemsTrouble falling asleep, waking in the night or waking too early: three different patterns in TCM.
Come in for a personal health consultation
Book 30 minutes with Dr. Tian. She listens to your concerns and examines your pulse and tongue. Together you agree on a plan: your first step towards better health.