Retinitis Pigmentosa — What It Is
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders in which the rod and cone photoreceptor cells progressively break down. It typically begins with night blindness and a narrowing of peripheral vision (“tunnel vision”), and can progress over years or decades toward significant field loss and, in some cases, central vision decline. RP varies widely in its inheritance pattern, rate of progression, and severity from person to person, even within the same family.
There is currently no cure for retinitis pigmentosa. Management focuses on genetic counseling, low-vision support, monitoring for treatable complications (such as cataracts or macular edema, which occur more frequently in RP), and — for a small subset of specific genetic forms — targeted gene therapy.
How TCM Reads Retinitis Pigmentosa
RP’s inherited, progressive nature points Chinese medicine toward the deepest layer of its physiological model: Kidney Essence.
- Kidney-Essence (腎精) depletion. Essence is classically understood as the inherited constitutional foundation passed from one’s parents — the framework that fits an inherited, progressively-declining condition most directly. The eye, and particularly night vision, is closely tied to Kidney function in classical texts. Signs: the hallmark night-blindness, a family history, gradual peripheral narrowing.
- Liver-Blood deficiency. The Liver classically “opens into the eyes,” and its Blood is considered to directly nourish visual function. Where Liver-Blood is depleted alongside Kidney-Essence, the visual decline is often read as compounded. Signs: dry eyes, difficulty with dim-light adaptation beyond typical night-blindness, general Blood-deficiency signs (pale complexion, dizziness).
Our Approach — M48 Acupuncture + Classical Herbal Prescription
Acupuncture: Sessions emphasize Kidney-nourishing points to support Essence, combined with Liver-Blood points and local/distal points supporting retinal circulation through the M48 protocol. How M48 ophthalmology acupuncture works.
Herbal prescription: Kidney-Essence depletion presentations often draw from the Zuo Gui Wan (左歸丸, “Restore the Left [Kidney]”) family to nourish Kidney Yin and Essence. Where Liver-Blood deficiency is prominent, formulas from the Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (杞菊地黃丸) family — combining Kidney-Yin nourishment with Liver and eye-specific herbs — are considered. The specific prescription is individualized to your presentation and stage. See our herbal formula approach for eye conditions.
What to Expect
This program supports the constitutional patterns associated with retinitis pigmentosa and general visual comfort — it does not alter the genetic cause or regenerate photoreceptor cells that have already been lost. Ongoing ophthalmologic monitoring (including for RP-associated complications like cataracts and macular edema) and genetic counseling remain essential parts of care.
Makari works alongside your ophthalmologist, not as a replacement. Individual results vary.
Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive genetic condition with no current cure. This program is supportive in nature and does not replace ophthalmologic monitoring, genetic counseling, or any indicated medical treatment. Individual results vary.
Program and Pricing
Retinitis pigmentosa cases are evaluated on the Vision Program track. Initial evaluation: $200 (applied to package). Package of 10: $2,500 (10 sessions + 1 month custom herbal formula + supplements). Package of 20: $4,500 for complex presentations.