Understanding Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition affecting the macula — the small central region of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is the leading cause of significant vision loss in adults over 50 in the United States. The dry form, characterized by gradual thinning and the accumulation of small protein deposits called drusen, accounts for the majority of cases. The wet form involves abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina, which can leak fluid and cause more rapid central vision changes. Common experiences include blurred central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and distortion of straight lines.

While Western ophthalmology has made meaningful advances — particularly for wet AMD with anti-VEGF injections — many patients find themselves seeking additional support for the dry form, for managing the progression of early-stage disease, and for addressing the broader systemic patterns that may be contributing to retinal vulnerability. At Makari Wellness, with locations in Oceanside and San Diego, we work with patients navigating macular degeneration as a complement to their ophthalmological care, never as a replacement.

How Chinese Medicine Understands the Eyes

In classical Chinese medicine, the eyes are directly governed by the Liver system. The classical texts state that the Liver opens to the eyes — meaning the health of vision is deeply tied to the functional state of Liver blood and Liver yin. The Kidney system provides the root yin and essence that nourishes the entire body, including the visual apparatus. When Kidney yin is insufficient, this deficiency can dry the Liver (Wood element), which in turn allows Heat and Fire to rise upward — a pattern that can manifest as visual disturbance, sensitivity to light, and dryness of the eyes.

The Spleen system plays a secondary but important role. In Chinese medicine, the Spleen governs the clear yang that rises to nourish the sensory orifices, including the eyes. When Spleen qi is weak, dampness and turbidity can accumulate, obscuring the clarity of vision. Clinically, this pattern often presents alongside fatigue, poor digestion, and a sensation of visual fogginess that is worse after meals.

Blood stasis is a third dimension commonly assessed. The retinal vessels are fine, peripheral, and among the first to reflect poor microcirculation. When blood is not moving freely through the channels that supply the eye, the tissue becomes malnourished over time. This pattern is frequently found in older patients, those with a history of cardiovascular disease, or those whose vision loss follows a pattern of sudden or stepwise progression.

Acupuncture and Herbal Support for Macular Degeneration

Acupuncture Approaches

Acupuncture treatment for eye conditions draws on several complementary systems, and our practitioners integrate the most applicable tools based on each patient’s full pattern presentation.

Local and periorbital points — Carefully selected points around the orbital rim and near the eye (such as BL-1, BL-2, ST-1, and GB-1) promote circulation to the retinal vessels and surrounding tissues. These are placed with precision using fine-gauge needles and require a practitioner experienced with periocular work.
Distal channel needling — Points on the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen channels — including LR-3, KD-3, KD-6, and SP-6 — address the root patterns driving visual degeneration. These points are gentler, easy to access, and are often where the most significant systemic shift occurs.
Master Tung acupuncture — This classical system includes specific point combinations for eye disorders. Tung’s system works through channel correspondences and image theory to address visual symptoms via distal points on the hands and feet, often producing results without any needles near the face.
Scalp acupuncture — The visual cortex line along the posterior scalp can be stimulated to support neurological processing of visual input, a technique that is particularly relevant when central vision is primarily affected.
Electroacupuncture — Low-frequency electrical stimulation applied to specific point pairs may support retinal blood flow and nerve signaling. Research in this area is ongoing, and we apply this technique selectively based on patient presentation and tolerance.

Classical Herbal Formulas

Chinese herbal medicine offers a rich pharmacopeia for supporting eye health, rooted in centuries of clinical refinement. Formula selection is always based on the patient’s full pattern — not the diagnosis alone — and is adjusted over time as the pattern shifts.

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan — A classical formula built on the foundation of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia) with the additions of Gou Qi Zi (wolfberry) and Ju Hua (chrysanthemum). This formula directly addresses the Liver-Kidney yin deficiency pattern that underlies most age-related macular conditions. Gou Qi Zi is one of the most well-researched Chinese herbs for retinal support.
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan — A variation of the Di Huang family specifically formulated for visual symptoms. It carries a stronger emphasis on clearing Liver heat and nourishing blood to the eyes, and is often used when patients experience visual fatigue, light sensitivity, or a sensation of dry, gritty eyes alongside their central vision changes.
Si Wu Tang variations — When blood deficiency and blood stasis are prominent, formulas that tonify and move blood are added to the treatment strategy. These formulas nourish the retinal vessels while gently promoting microcirculation.
Spleen-supporting formulas — For patients with the Spleen qi deficiency pattern — particularly those with concurrent digestive symptoms, fatigue, or a history of dampness — formulas that strengthen the middle jiao and clear turbidity may be incorporated.

It is important to note that herbal prescriptions are not one-size-fits-all, and self-prescribing based on condition names carries real risk. Our practitioners conduct a thorough intake before recommending any herbal protocol, and formulas are reviewed regularly as treatment progresses.

What to Expect at Makari Wellness

Your first visit begins with an extended intake — typically 60 to 75 minutes — during which your practitioner reviews your full health history, current medications, ophthalmology reports if available, and performs a traditional Chinese medicine assessment including pulse and tongue diagnosis. This evaluation shapes a treatment plan that is specific to you, not to a generic diagnosis.

Acupuncture sessions run approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Most patients with macular degeneration benefit from an initial course of weekly treatments over six to ten weeks, followed by a reassessment period. Because macular degeneration is a long-term condition, maintenance care every two to four weeks is common for patients who find benefit. Herbal prescriptions, when appropriate, are dispensed in granule or capsule form and coordinated with your existing medications — we always review for potential herb-drug interactions and work within the boundaries of your ophthalmologist’s plan.

Many patients come to us after receiving a diagnosis and feeling that there is little they can do beyond their injections or monitoring appointments. Our goal is not to replace that care but to address the terrain — the constitutional patterns, the circulation, the systemic vitality — that may influence how the condition progresses over time. Patients often report improved energy, better sleep, and a greater sense of agency over their health alongside any vision-specific changes they experience.

We do not promise outcomes, and we will not suggest discontinuing any treatment your ophthalmologist has recommended. What we offer is a rigorous, classical, and compassionate approach to supporting your body’s own vitality during a challenging diagnosis.

Specialized Training in Ophthalmological Acupuncture

Not all acupuncturists are trained to treat eye and vision conditions. Ophthalmological acupuncture — like neurological rehabilitation and stroke recovery acupuncture — is a distinct specialty within the field, requiring advanced post-graduate clinical training that goes well beyond standard acupuncture licensure. When seeking acupuncture for an eye or vision condition, it is important to work with a practitioner who has received specific training in this area.

Michael Woodworth, L.Ac., is one of a small number of practitioners in the United States certified in Micro Acupuncture 48 (M48) — a specialized microsystem developed by Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, L.Ac., N.D. M48 maps the entire body to 48 acupuncture points located on the hands and feet, offering a precise, targeted approach to treating degenerative and inflammatory eye conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, and optic nerve conditions. M48 certification represents a level of clinical focus that distinguishes its practitioners from general acupuncture practice — and Michael is among the few in Southern California who hold it.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one is living with macular degeneration and would like to explore how Chinese medicine might support your overall care plan, we invite you to Schedule Your Initial Visit at our Oceanside or San Diego location. Our practitioners will take the time to understand your full picture and offer an honest assessment of how we may be able to help.