Protect Your Vision
Live Long, Live Well
Macular Degeneration Treatment in Kelowna
Protect Your Vision — Live Long, Live Well
At Balance Point Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, we offer advanced macular degeneration treatment that combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern neuro-acupuncture systems.
Using Micro Acupuncture, AcuNova vision therapy, and customized Chinese herbal medicine, Dr. Travis McIndoe provides a natural, non-invasive approach to preserving and restoring vision for those affected by Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
About Dr. Travis McIndoe — Advanced Vision Recovery Training
Dr. Travis McIndoe, Dr. TCM, is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the founder of Balance Point Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in Kelowna. He is among the few practitioners in Canada with advanced international training in acupuncture for degenerative eye disease.
Dr. McIndoe has completed the highest level of certification in Micro Acupuncture under Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, a global leader in ophthalmic acupuncture and integrative vision care. He also traveled to Denmark to study the Boel AcuNova system directly with Dr. John Boel, a world-renowned pioneer of modern neuro-acupuncture for eye conditions.
Through this advanced training, Dr. McIndoe introduced both Micro Acupuncture for AMD and AcuNova vision therapy to the Interior of BC. His integrated methods have helped patients across British Columbia seeking effective, natural macular degeneration treatment and improved eye health.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. When the macula deteriorates, central vision becomes blurred, distorted, or lost altogether, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces.
The condition most often develops with age, known as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). It’s a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 55, and a major focus of modern macular degeneration treatment in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Dry (Atrophic) Macular Degeneration
The most common form, representing 85–90% of AMD cases.
Characterized by the buildup of drusen (yellow or white deposits) beneath the macula.
Over time, drusen cause thinning and degeneration of the retina, resulting in gradual vision loss.
In some cases, dry AMD can progress to the more severe wet type.
Wet (Neovascular) Macular Degeneration
Less common but more aggressive, responsible for most cases of rapid vision loss.
Involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels (neoangiogenesis) beneath the retina.
These fragile vessels leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula and causing sudden, irreversible central vision loss.
Both types benefit from early detection and proactive Kelowna acupuncture for macular degeneration to preserve and protect remaining vision.
Common Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Symptoms often develop gradually but may progress quickly. Watch for:
Blurred or distorted central vision
Straight lines appearing wavy
Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
Increased sensitivity to light or glare
Reduced brightness or color contrast
Trouble seeing in dim light or at night
Eye strain or fatigue after visual work
A dark or empty spot in the center of vision
Without treatment, advanced AMD may lead to central blindness, though peripheral vision often remains intact.
Micro Acupuncture for Macular Degeneration Treatment
Micro Acupuncture is a modern acupuncture system designed specifically for degenerative eye diseases such as AMD, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa.
Unlike standard acupuncture, this technique targets micro-points located on the hands and feet, which directly influence ocular circulation and neural pathways.
When combined with traditional acupuncture and scalp points, Micro Acupuncture for AMD helps:
Improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve
Stimulate natural repair and regeneration
Enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery
Balance energy (Qi) in the Liver and Kidney systems, vital for eye health
Patients often report improved visual clarity, brightness, and contrast sensitivity after several sessions.
As Dr. Andy Rosenfarb notes:
“Overwhelmingly positive testimonials given by each patient I talked to – most had macular degeneration. Wow!”
Scientific Support and Clinical Research
Studies from leading institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health continue to explore the potential of acupuncture for vision loss.
Findings suggest that Micro Acupuncture and AcuNova may improve retinal blood flow, enhance nerve function, and slow AMD progression.
These methods are also applied for:
Macular degeneration (wet and dry)
Glaucoma
Retinitis pigmentosa
Optic nerve atrophy
Diabetic retinopathy
Stargardt’s disease
Usher’s syndrome
AcuNova Vision Therapy — Modern Neuro-Acupuncture for
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Developed in Denmark by Dr. John Boel, AcuNova (Boel Acupuncture System) is an advanced acupuncture method that targets specific neurological points near major joints such as the hands, feet, knees, and elbows.
By stimulating these nerve-rich areas, AcuNova helps:
Activate visual pathways in the brain
Enhance circulation to the retina and optic nerve
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
Support tissue regeneration in degenerating retinal cells
Dr. Travis McIndoe trained directly with Dr. Boel and now combines AcuNova vision therapy with Micro Acupuncture and herbal medicine for a truly integrative macular degeneration treatment plan in Kelowna.
The Effect of AcuNova on Macular Degeneration Treatment
Stimulates nerve communication to vision centers in the brain
Improves blood and nutrient flow to the eyes
Encourages repair of retinal and optic nerve tissue
Complements Micro Acupuncture for a synergistic effect
AcuNova unites traditional acupuncture wisdom with modern neurophysiology — a revolutionary approach to natural macular degeneration treatment.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and TCM for Macular Degeneration Treatment
For centuries, Chinese herbal medicine has been used to prevent and treat eye diseases.
In TCM theory, the eyes are nourished by the Liver, Kidneys, and Blood, and herbs that strengthen these organs can help protect and restore vision.
Modern research supports this approach. Certain herbs reduce oxidative stress, vascular edema, and inflammation, which are all key contributors to AMD.
One of the most promising herbs is San Qi (Pseudoginseng).
“Excitingly, some individual components of the TCM-based pharmaceutical composition have been shown to suppress oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular edema, which are hallmarks of AMD.”
Other herbs and formulas used in TCM for eye health include:
Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries): nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, supports retina
Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum): clears heat and brightens the eyes
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan: classical formula for eye nourishment
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan: enhances circulation and Yin balance
Bilberry and Eyebright: Western botanicals with antioxidant benefits
These herbs complement acupuncture and Micro Acupuncture for AMD, forming a well-rounded natural macular degeneration treatment plan that supports long-term eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture really be an effective macular degeneration treatment?
Specialized systems like Micro Acupuncture and AcuNova have shown promise in improving blood flow, oxygenation, and nerve activity in the eyes.
Many patients experience improved contrast, focus, and clarity after treatment.
How many sessions are recommended?
Most patients begin with a series of 10–15 sessions over two to three weeks. Maintenance treatments every few months help sustain results.
Is acupuncture painful?
No. The needles used
are extremely thin. Treatments are generally painless and deeply relaxing.
Can acupuncture be combined with conventional care?
Yes — acupuncture and herbal medicine can safely complement ophthalmology treatments, providing additional support for retinal health and healing.
Who Provides this Macular Degeneration Treatment in Kelowna?
Dr. Travis McIndoe, Dr. TCM, offers advanced macular degeneration treatment in Kelowna, integrating Micro Acupuncture, AcuNova, and herbal medicine for natural vision recovery.
Experience Natural Macular Degeneration Treatment in Kelowna
If you’re searching for
a natural, evidence-informed approach to macular degeneration, visit Balance Point Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine.
Through Micro Acupuncture, AcuNova vision therapy, and Chinese herbal medicine, Dr. McIndoe helps patients protect their sight, enhance circulation, and restore confidence in their vision.
📍 Located in Kelowna, BC — serving patients across the Interior of British Columbia.
