Expert: John R. Cross - 10/1/2009

Question
Dr. Cross,

I've been diagnosed with early glaucoma; IOP is 23 in both eyes. Along with the medication, I am planning to use Acupressure.
In my studying the issue, I've noticed that methods of treatment are different.

1. Some recommend constant pressing on a point (press and hold), others recommend pressing and releasing, pressing and releasing, etc.

2. In terms of time for a single treatment, some recommend minutes, others recommend, for example, 10 sec treatment, then 10 sec brake, than 10 sec treatment, etc., several times.

3. In terms of number of treatments per day, some - don't limit it, stating the more the better, others - say 3-4 treatment a day is safe.
4. Some sources recommend that pressing in certain direction is also important.

I would appreciate your advice on what points are best for decreasing IOP and what method of treatment is best.

Thank you

Answer
Hi BK,
Sorry to hear that you have early glaucoma. There are many interpretations of touch therapy (as you have found out). I use different techniques for different imbalances. With glaucoma, essentially you want to stimulate energy towards the eyes, so the technique would be one of gentle yet firm pressure on the point with the finger pad moving in a circular fashion. It does not matter two hoots which direction you massage. I would massage the point for about 20 seconds and have a 5 second break - do this four times for each point i.e 4 lots of 20 second treatments. Use local points around the eyes i.e. anything that appears to be tender.

The most important points though are the distal points on the Liver meridian around the great toe LR 2 and LR 3. They have a great affinity for the eye. Also try the eye reflex point on the sole of the foot underneath the toes.You will find that as the condition improves the points appear to be less tender. Hope this helps and let me know if you reqire any more advice.