Can moxibustion treat glaucoma?

Generally, moxibustion cannot cure glaucoma. It may only provide auxiliary relief for eye discomfort in some patients and should not replace standard medical treatment. The detailed analysis is as follows:

The core issue of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure causing optic nerve damage. Effective treatment focuses on controlling eye pressure and protecting the optic nerve. Moxibustion, which involves applying heat stimulation to specific acupuncture points, may improve local blood circulation around the eyes and temporarily relieve symptoms such as eye heaviness and fatigue. However, it cannot fundamentally reduce intraocular pressure or repair damaged optic nerves. Relying solely on moxibustion and delaying standard medical treatment may lead to irreversible vision loss.

Treatment of glaucoma must follow established medical guidelines, including the use of intraocular pressure-lowering medications, laser therapy, or surgical interventions. If moxibustion is considered, it should only be performed under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid thermal injury to ocular tissues or worsening of the condition due to improper technique, particularly avoiding sensitive areas such as the eyeball.

Daily habits should include proper eye care, avoiding prolonged stays in dark environments and minimizing eye strain. Regular monitoring of eye pressure and vision, maintaining emotional stability, and implementing scientifically based interventions and care are essential to slow the progression of glaucoma and preserve visual function.