Mù đêm is a folk term. In TCM, it is called “Gao Phong Que Mục”; in Western medicine, it is known as “retinitis pigmentosa.”
TCM identifies “Gao Phong Que Mục” as the primary symptom. This condition was documented as early as 1345 in the ancient Chinese ophthalmology text *Shi Yi De Xiao Fang*, predating Western medicine’s naming of the disease as “retinitis pigmentosa” by Dr. Donche in 1857 by 512 years.
Mù đêm is a hereditary, progressive, chronic eye disease, commonly occurring in offspring of consanguineous marriages. It typically affects individuals aged 10–20, often bilaterally, with males more frequently affected than females. Multiple family members may be affected. If onset occurs later in life, progression is slower; earlier onset means faster progression, often leading to total blindness.
Clinical manifestations: Early stage features night blindness—clear vision during the day but blurred vision at night. Initially, visual field gradually narrows; in advanced stages, it becomes tubular, allowing only central vision while peripheral vision is lost.
Ophthalmoscopic examination: Early signs show bone-like pigment deposits in the peripheral retina, gradually spreading toward the center, eventually affecting the macula and leading to blindness.
In treatment, mù đêm is a complex retinal condition with limited options in Western medicine. Contemporary TCM ophthalmologists such as Chen Dafu, Pang Zanxian, Yao Heqing, Cao Renfang, Lu Nanshan, and Yao Fangwei agree that TCM treatment is effective in early stages, harder in late stages. However, through syndrome differentiation and treatment with herbs and acupuncture, progression can be controlled, symptoms improved, and even full recovery achieved.
I presented a report on treating 8 cases of mù đêm at the Great Hall of the Malaysian Medical Research Institute in Kuala Lumpur on the 14th of this month. Nearly 100 Western ophthalmologists attended, followed by joint discussions on managing this condition.
The acupoints used in treating the 8 cases were:
1. For declining vision: Select the “Shi San Zhen” (Three Eye Points) on the head, or use Baihui (GV20) needled through to Mucuan (EX-HN10), then apply electroacupuncture for 30 minutes.
2. For narrowing visual field: Insert Mucuan (EX-HN10) toward Sizhukong (TE23), then pass Sizhukong through to Tongziliao (GB1). Follow with electroacupuncture for 30 minutes.
3. Auxiliary points: Liangdian (Extra), Mangdian (Extra), Qingming (BL1), Dongming (Extra), Zhengming (Extra), Wanli (Extra), Tou Guangming (Extra), and Zu Guangming (BL37).
Post-treatment observation:
6 cases showed improved vision, rising from 0.2 to 1.5.
5 cases showed expanded visual field, increasing from 90° to 135°.
Among the 8 cases: 2 showed marked improvement, 3 were effective, 2 ineffective. Overall effectiveness rate: 62.5%.
To summarize, acupuncture definitely has therapeutic value for mù đêm.
TCM vs. Western medicine views on mù đêm: Western medicine considers it incurable; TCM, after acupuncture or herbal treatment, shows significant results—confirming it is treatable. This opens a hopeful path for patients, worthy of promotion and widespread application.
|
