Views and Treatments from Different Medical Approaches
Cataracts are an ocular condition characterized by the clouding of the lens, leading to progressive vision loss. While conventional Western medicine offers a clear explanation and standard treatment, various ancient and alternative medical approaches also address this condition from different perspectives. In this article, we will explore the causes and treatments of cataracts according to allopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, spagyric medicine, homeopathy, biodecoding, German New Medicine (GNM), and Ayurveda. Finally, we will compare these viewpoints and discuss their commonalities.
Why Do Cataracts Occur?
According to Allopathic Medicine
In allopathic medicine, cataracts are caused by the clouding of the lens, which is the eye's natural lens. The main causes are:
Aging: The most common cause, due to the breakdown and aggregation of proteins in the lens.
Genetic factors: Hereditary predisposition to develop cataracts.
Eye injuries or trauma: Physical damage to the lens.
UV radiation exposure: Cumulative lens damage from prolonged sun exposure.
Diseases: Conditions like diabetes can accelerate cataract formation.
Prolonged use of certain medications: Corticosteroids and other drugs can contribute to cataract development.
Alcohol consumption and smoking: Habits that increase the risk.
Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of antioxidants and certain vitamins in the diet.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, cataracts are seen as a manifestation of imbalances in the flow of energy (Qi) and internal organs. Causes include:
Liver and Kidney imbalance: Affects the clarity of vision.
Qi and Blood deficiency: Insufficient nourishment of the eyes.
Phlegm and Dampness stagnation: Accumulation of phlegm and dampness in the body.
External factors: Exposure to intense sunlight and wind.
According to Spagyric Medicine
In spagyric medicine, cataracts are interpreted as manifestations of imbalances on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Main causes include:
Imbalance of the Three Principles (sulfur, mercury, and salt): Blockages or impurities in internal and external vision.
Emotional and energetic imbalances: Affect the clarity of vision.
According to Homeopathy
In homeopathy, cataracts are seen as manifestations of imbalances in the individual's vital force. Causes include:
Vital Force imbalance: Emotional stress, psychological traumas, or hereditary factors.
Constitutional predisposition: Heredity and genetic predisposition.
Emotional and mental factors: Repressed emotions, unresolved conflicts, or chronic stress.
According to Biodecoding
Biodecoding is an alternative perspective that seeks the emotional and psychological meaning behind physical diseases. From this view, cataracts could be seen as physical manifestations of unresolved internal conflicts or repressed emotions. Possible causes include:
Vision of the Future and Present: Symbolize the inability or fear to see the future or present clearly.
Avoiding Reality: Subconscious desire not to see something in reality that is painful or disturbing.
Emotional conflicts and resentments: Represent accumulated resentments or emotional conflicts.
According to German New Medicine (GNM)
According to GNM, cataracts are significant biological responses to unresolved emotional or psychological conflicts. Causes include:
Biological Conflict of Vision: Desire not to see something in life.
Healing Phase: Development of cataracts after resolving the vision conflict.
According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda, one of the oldest medical traditions in the world, takes a holistic approach to health and well-being. In Ayurveda, cataracts are caused by an imbalance in the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) and the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body. Causes include:
Dosha imbalance:
Vata Dosha: Can cause degeneration and dryness in eye tissues.
Pitta Dosha: Can lead to inflammation and oxidative damage in the eyes.
Kapha Dosha: Can cause mucus and fluid buildup in the lens, leading to cloudiness.
Ama accumulation: Undigested toxins accumulating due to poor digestion.
Aging: Decreased strength of eye tissues.
Poor diet and lifestyle: Consumption of processed foods, excess fat, sugar, and lack of exercise.
Stress and emotional factors: Stress and negative emotions exacerbating dosha imbalances.
Is Cataract Formation a Protection Mechanism?
Across all medical approaches, cataracts are not considered a protective mechanism of the eye. Instead, they represent a pathological condition resulting in vision loss that requires treatment to restore proper visual function.
Cataract Formation Mechanism
According to Allopathic Medicine
Protein Denaturation: Lens proteins lose their three-dimensional structure, forming opaque aggregates.
Oxidation: Oxidative stress damages lens proteins and cell membranes.
Decreased Antioxidant Protection: Reduced antioxidants like glutathione.
Metabolic Changes: Ion imbalance and sorbitol accumulation in diabetics.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Energy Imbalance: Disruption in Qi and blood flow to the eyes.
Phlegm and Dampness Accumulation: Blocking energy channels.
According to Spagyric Medicine
Denaturation and Purification: Alchemical purification of substances.
Balance of the Three Principles: Sulfur (soul), mercury (mind), and salt (body).
According to Homeopathy
Vital Force Imbalance: Emotional and mental factors affecting vision.
Constitutional Predisposition: Hereditary and emotional factors.
According to German New Medicine (GNM)
Biological Conflict: Response to unresolved emotional conflicts.
Healing Phase: Cataracts develop during the healing phase after resolving the conflict.
According to Ayurveda
Dosha Imbalance: Vata, pitta, and kapha imbalances affecting eye tissues.
Ama Accumulation: Toxins in the body affecting lens clarity.
Aging: Reduced strength of eye tissues.
Poor Diet and Lifestyle: Contributing to toxin accumulation and dosha imbalances.
Cataract Treatments
According to Allopathic Medicine
Cataract Surgery:
Phacoemulsification: Use of ultrasound to break down the cloudy lens.
Extracapsular Extraction: Removal of a larger part of the lens before inserting an intraocular lens.
Side Effects: Infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, posterior capsule opacification, lens dislocation, glaucoma.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Acupuncture: Improves Qi and blood flow to the eyes.
Herbal Medicine: Using herbs like Gou Qi Zi, Ju Hua, Shan Yao.
Diet and Nutrition: Foods that strengthen the liver and kidneys.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi: Improves Qi flow.
Massage and Manual Therapies: Improves circulation and relieves eye tension.
Side Effects: Allergic reactions to herbs, temporary discomfort from acupuncture.
According to Spagyric Medicine
Tinctures and Elixirs: Alchemical plant preparations.
Oils and Ointments: Topical applications.
Diet and Nutrition: Detoxification and body balance.
Spiritual and Emotional Practices: Meditation and visualization.
Detoxification and Purification: Fasting and herbal baths.
Side Effects: Allergic reactions to herbs, temporary discomfort from purifying practices.
According to Homeopathy
Homeopathic Remedies: Calcarea Fluorica, Causticum, Silicea, Conium Maculatum, Naphthalinum, Senega.
Individualized Consultation: Detailed evaluation of physical, emotional, and mental states.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Regular progress checks.
Holistic Treatment: Lifestyle changes, diet, and stress management.
Side Effects: Generally considered safe, though temporary aggravation of symptoms can occur.
According to Biodecoding
Emotional Conflict Identification: Exploring traumatic experiences and emotional conflicts.
Conflict Resolution: Therapeutic work to resolve unresolved conflicts.
Side Effects: Intense emotions during the identification and resolution process.
According to German New Medicine (GNM)
Conflict Resolution: Identifying and resolving emotional conflicts.
Healing Phase Monitoring: Observing and managing the healing phase.
Side Effects: Risk of delaying conventional medical treatment, exacerbation of symptoms during the healing phase.
According to Ayurveda
Panchakarma:
Body Purification: Panchakarma includes five therapies designed to eliminate ama and restore dosha balance.
Herbology and Supplements:
Triphala: A combination of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki) used for detoxification and eye health.
Medicinal Ghee: Ghee infused with herbs like Triphala and Brahmi to improve ocular clarity.
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, beneficial for eye health.
Ashwagandha: Reduces stress and strengthens the body overall.
Diet and Nutrition:
Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid Processed Foods: Reduce intake of processed foods, trans fats, sugars, and salt.
Increase Fiber: Improve digestion and reduce ama accumulation.
Eye Exercises:
Trataka: Yoga practice focusing on a point, like a candle, to enhance concentration and visual clarity.
Palming: Rubbing palms and placing them over closed eyes for relaxation.
Local Therapies and Massages:
Netra Tarpana: Applying warm medicinal ghee around the eyes to nourish and lubricate eye tissues.
Netra Dhara: Herbal infusions for eye cleansing and refreshing.
Lifestyle and Stress Management:
Pranayama: Breathing practices to reduce stress and balance doshas.
Meditation: To calm the mind and reduce emotional stress.
Side Effects: Allergic reactions to herbs, temporary discomfort from purifying practices.
Commonalities Across Medical Approaches
While each medical approach has its own interpretations and treatments for cataracts, some commonalities exist:
Aging as a Primary Cause: Most approaches recognize aging as a major cause of cataracts.
Emphasis on Nutrition: Traditional Chinese medicine, spagyric medicine, Ayurveda, and homeopathy emphasize the importance of diet and nutrition in cataract prevention and treatment.
Link with Stress and Emotions: Biodecoding, GNM, homeopathy, and Ayurveda highlight the influence of emotional and psychological factors in cataract development.
Use of Natural Therapies: Traditional Chinese medicine, spagyric medicine, Ayurveda, and homeopathy use natural remedies and manual therapies to treat cataracts.
Detailed Treatments Overview
Cataract Surgery in Allopathic Medicine
Phacoemulsification: Ultrasound to break down the cloudy lens and insert an intraocular lens.
Extracapsular Extraction: Removing a larger part of the lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens.
Side Effects: Infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, posterior capsule opacification, lens dislocation, glaucoma.
Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture: Points like BL-18 (Gan Shu) and KI-3 (Tai Xi).
Herbal Medicine: Gou Qi Zi (Goji berries), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Shan Yao (Dioscorea).
Diet and Nutrition: Leafy greens, carrots, berries, nuts, fish.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi Exercises: Improving Qi flow.
Massage and Manual Therapies: Acupressure points around the eyes.
Side Effects: Possible allergic reactions to herbs, brief discomfort from acupuncture.
Treatment in Spagyric Medicine
Tinctures and Elixirs: Euphrasia, Rue.
Oils and Ointments: Specific topical applications.
Diet and Nutrition: Detoxification with antioxidant-rich foods.
Spiritual and Emotional Practices: Meditation, visualization.
Detoxification and Purification: Fasting, herbal baths.
Side Effects: Possible allergic reactions to herbs, brief discomfort from purifying practices.
Treatment in Homeopathy
Homeopathic Remedies: Calcarea Fluorica, Causticum, Silicea, Conium Maculatum, Naphthalinum, Senega.
Individualized Consultation: Detailed evaluation of physical, emotional, and mental states.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Regular progress checks.
Holistic Treatment: Lifestyle changes, diet, and stress management.
Side Effects: Generally considered safe, though temporary aggravation of symptoms can occur.
Treatment in Biodecoding
Emotional Conflict Identification: Exploring traumatic experiences and emotional conflicts.
Conflict Resolution: Therapeutic work to resolve unresolved conflicts.
Side Effects: Intense emotions during the identification and resolution process.
Treatment in German New Medicine (GNM)
Conflict Resolution: Identifying and resolving emotional conflicts.
Healing Phase Monitoring: Observing and managing the healing phase.
Side Effects: Risk of delaying conventional medical treatment, exacerbation of symptoms during the healing phase.
Treatment in Ayurveda
Panchakarma: Body purification through vamana, virechana, basti, nasya, and raktamokshana.
Herbology and Supplements: Using Triphala, medicinal ghee, Amalaki, and Ashwagandha.
Diet and Nutrition: Antioxidant-rich foods, reducing processed foods, increasing fiber.
Eye Exercises: Trataka and palming.
Local Therapies and Massages: Netra Tarpana and Netra Dhara.
Lifestyle and Stress Management: Pranayama and meditation.
Side Effects: Allergic reactions to herbs, temporary discomfort from purifying practices.
Commonalities in Treatments and Side Effects
Commonalities in Treatments
Emphasis on Nutrition and Diet: Most approaches highlight the importance of an antioxidant-rich diet and reducing processed foods.
Use of Natural Therapies: Herbal, supplemental, and natural practices to support eye health.
Holistic Treatment: Considering emotional, mental, and physical factors in treatment.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction Practices: Meditation, pranayama, and other methods for stress management.
Conclusion
This article aimed to provide an expanded view of cataracts by addressing them from different medical perspectives, including allopathic and complementary therapies. While we discussed generic treatments, it's important to note that complementary medicine treatments are often highly individualized and may vary significantly from what is proposed here.
Cataracts can be approached from various medical perspectives, each with its own theories and treatments. Although cataract surgery in allopathic medicine is widely recognized as the most effective and commonly used treatment in the West, it is important to consider the potential adverse effects, which can be more bothersome or even cause more serious ocular problems. In contrast, alternative approaches may offer significant benefits, especially in the prevention and management of emotional and nutritional factors, with much milder and transient side effects.
It is essential to consider a comprehensive and professional medical evaluation to properly address this ocular condition. Moreover, it is relevant to highlight that most treatments outside conventional and allopathic medicine are highly individualized. Allopathic medicine, by offering standardized treatments, tends to generate more side effects as it focuses solely on the symptom and not on the underlying causes of the problem. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a personalized and comprehensive approach to improve ocular health and the overall well-being of the patient.
Article written by Beatrice Pieper, General Coordinator of the International Institute of Visual Health
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