Arkansas Acupuncture Center

Arkansas Acupuncture Center: MicroAcupuncture for retinal and optic nerve disorders

Arkansas Acupuncture Center is an acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic based in Bentonville, Arkansas, dedicated to treating vision loss caused by degenerative diseases of the retina and optic nerve. Its specialty is MicroAcupuncture, a technique that, according to the clinic itself, does not cure these conditions but has proven effective against damage caused by various eye diseases.

The clinic presents itself as one of the few centers in the United States dedicated specifically to the treatment of vision loss, and notes that thousands of people have traveled to Northwest Arkansas from different parts of the world to receive this treatment.

MicroAcupuncture: characteristics of the method

MicroAcupuncture is distinguished from traditional acupuncture systems by its limited number of points: only 48, located exclusively on the hands and feet. No needles are inserted into the eyes. According to the clinic's description, the treatment promotes healthier blood circulation so that the eyes can heal from the damage caused by disease.

Visual progress is monitored through visual field scans and acuity tests periodically during treatment. The clinic states that most patients regain vision or manage to maintain their visual level without further loss.

Conditions treated

The center applies MicroAcupuncture to a set of degenerative diseases of the retina and optic nerve. Among the conditions it lists are:

• Macular degeneration
• Geographic atrophy
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Rod-cone dystrophy
• Stargardt's disease
• Usher's syndrome
• Floaters
• Angioid streaks
• Other retinal and optic nerve disorders

Other Chinese medicine therapies

In addition to MicroAcupuncture, the clinic offers other traditional Chinese medicine techniques: acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, and food and diet therapy.

Background and team

The clinic is led by Lizbeth Ryan, a fully trained and qualified practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. Ryan trained in MicroAcupuncture with Per Otte, who along with Freddy Dahlgren developed this treatment for macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal and optic nerve diseases. Her training with Otte took place in 2003 at his clinic in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where Ryan served as chief acupuncturist for six years.

The center was established in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 2008 and moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2010. Ryan is licensed by the State of Arkansas to practice acupuncture and all related techniques. She holds a Master's Degree in Oriental Medicine and a Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arizona, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is also trained as an emergency medical technician.

Patient information

The clinic makes resources available to patients such as visual field scans, information on accommodations, appointment availability and discharge instructions. Appointments are scheduled exclusively by phone; the clinic expressly requests that email not be used to request an appointment.

Location and contact

Bogey Ln, Rogers, AR 72756 · Phone: 1-800-422-4933