Holistic Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa
Treating Retinitis Pigmentosa with Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Eye Condition
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. The retina is the light- sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye, and it’s essential for vision.
Night Blindness
Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness
Tunnel Vision
Progressive loss of peripheral vision
Color Vision Loss
The majority of RP patients become legally blind before the age of 60.
A different perspective
There is Hope
— and a path
forward.
There is Hope — and a path forward.
While Western medicine considers RP incurable, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a different perspective. Through our specialized treatment protocol, we’ve helped hundreds of patients improve their vision and quality of life.
Vision Improvement Is Possible
Our patients have experienced improvements in night vision, peripheral vision, and overall visual function through our comprehensive TCM approach.
- Treatment Approach
WVIP Treatment Protocol
The Wellspring Vision Improvement Protocol is a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment to support vision health.
Acupuncture
Specialized acupuncture points around the eyes and body to improve blood circulation and stimulate retinal cell
regeneration
Herbal Medicine
Custom-formulated Chinese
herbal prescriptions to nourish
the liver and kidneys, which
govern eye health in TCM theory
Eye Exercises
Guided eye movement exercises and self-care techniques to maintain and enhance treatment results at home
Supplementary Procedures
Additional in-clinic procedures may be incorporated alongside core acupuncture sessions to further support retinal health. These are selected based on each patient’s individual presentation and response to treatment.
Antioxidant Supplements
Targeted antioxidant supplementation helps protect retinal cells from oxidative stress. Our protocol includes research-supported supplements chosen to complement the herbal medicine component.
Diet
Dietary guidance aligned with TCM principles emphasizes foods that nourish liver and kidney meridian energy — the organ systems most closely linked to eye health in classical Chinese medicine.
Exercise
Moderate, consistent physical activity supports overall circulation and systemic vitality. Patients receive guidance tailored to their current vision and mobility level.
Eye Usage / Hygiene
Daily habits around screen time, lighting, and protective eyewear are reviewed. Consistency in eye hygiene practices is an important supporting element of the overall protocol’s effectiveness.
- Methodology
Our Approach
A four-stage protocol that begins with careful diagnosis and continues with personalized care, intensive treatment, and long-term support.
01
Initial Consultation
Comprehensive TCM diagnosis and vision assessment. We evaluate your condition stage and discuss realisticexpectations based on your specific case.
02
Treatment Planning
Customized treatment plan (typically 10–20 day intensive program). For early-to-mid stage RP, we have very good chances of helping you improve.
03
Intensive Treatment
Daily acupuncture sessions combined with custom herbal formulas during your treatment period. Available at our Vancouver, Shanghai, or Shenzhen locations.
04
Follow-up Care
Ongoing support with home care program, eye exercises, and periodic check-ins to maintain and enhance your results.
Treatment Benefits
- Improved night vision and adaptation to darkness
- Expanded peripheral visual field
- Enhanced color perception
- Better visual acuity and clarity
- Slowed disease progression
- Improved quality of life and independence
Please Note
Results vary by individual, but many patients see improvements within 3–6 months
Treatment Options
Standard Program
10–20 day intensive treatment
Trial Program
10-day initial treatment for late-stage cases
Customized
Plans available based on individual needs
- Real Outcomes
See What Our Patients Have to Say
"After 3 years my vision was so stable and so good that I was so confident. I didn't even remember I had RP."
— Adriana
Adriana was dealing with severe night blindness and had difficulty walking. Dr. Yu immediately recognized that she was experiencing RP and devised a protocol to try to stabilize her sight. At first, Adriana was sceptical, but after the treatment, she noticed a significant improvement in her night vision. After three years of treatment, her vision stabilized further, allowing her to drive and walk her dog independently. She stopped treatment in 2003, and her vision remains stable.
"It’s working and my eyes are not degenerating, so my vision is completely stable."
— GEOFF
In 2009, Geoff was diagnosed with RP and told by Western doctors that he would eventually go blind. After starting Dr. Yu’s protocol, Geoff’s visual field has recovered enough that he’s regained his driver’s license and has returned to skiing.
"The big and important thing for me was that my visual field began to fill in."
— Sharyn
Sharyn from Florida is a milestone patient in the history of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). In 1990, she became the first person in the world to undergo RP genetic testing, which identified the Rhodopsin P23H mutation, the first disease-causing gene linked to RP.
After 15 months of treatment at Wellspring Clinic, her visual field expanded from approximately 15 degrees to 180 degrees, with significant improvement in night vision and no longer needing contact lenses.
"I guess for me, the most important thing that he has done for me is he's allowed me to see my children."
— TRACY
Tracy was told to start training with a walking cane when declared legally blind with RP at 32. As a mother of three, blindness was not an option. After following the protocol, Tracy’s vision stabilized, and she experienced significant improvement in her peripheral vision. She no longer trips, her headaches are gone, and she’s returned to teaching.
- Why Wellspring
The Wellspring Difference
Dr. Yu takes a holistic approach to RP by personally seeing every patient who walks through our doors and
listening to their story. With a patient’s unique symptoms and medical history in mind, Dr. Yu designs
a custom treatment plan to stabilize and preserve their vision.
His goal is to ensure each person is treated with compassion, respect, and endless patience. Having listened to their countless stories, Dr. Yu has a deep understanding of what it’s like to live with the weight of RP and created his protocol to help restore patients’ quality of life. His dedication to making each person feel seen and valued is why Wellspring has worked with over
- Where We Treat
Treatment Locations
We serve patients at three convenient locations across North America and Asia
Main Clinic
Canada
Vancouver
- 4 Treatment Periods / Year
Year-round availability with comprehensive facilities
Asia Treatment Center
China
Shanghai
Shanghai, China
Contact for exact address
- 4 Treatment Periods / Year
Convenient for patients from Asia-
Pacific region
South China Center
CHINA
Shenzhen
Shenzhen, China
Contact for exact address
- 3 Treatment Periods / Year
Close to Hong Kong and
Southeast Asia
International Patient Services
We welcome patients from around the world. Our multi- location approach ensures you can access treatment at a convenient location. Treatment schedules rotate throughout the year — contact us to find the next available session at your preferred location.
- Travel Assistance Available
- Accommodation Guidance
- Multilingual Support
- Plan Your Visit
Treatment Schedule
Plan your visit — Dr. Yu’s treatment periods across our three locations
2026–2027 Treatment Periods
Dr. Yu rotates between three locations throughout the year. Each treatment period runs for approximately 2–4 weeks.
Canada
Vancouver
Spring 2026
March – April
Summer 2026
July – August
Fall 2026
October – November
Winter 2027
January – February
CHINA
Shanghai
Spring 2026
April – May
Summer 2026
June – July
Fall 2026
September – October
Spring 2026
March – April
CHINA
Shenzhen
Spring 2026
May – June
Fall 2026
August – September
Winter 2026
November – December
Important Notes
Book Early
:
Treatment slots fill up quickly. Contact us 2–3 months in advance.
Flexible Dates
:
Exact dates may vary. Confirm specific dates when booking.
Treatment Duration
:
Standard programs are 10–20 days. Plan your travel accordingly.
Contact Kathy
:
All appointments must be coordinated through our patient coordinator.
- Get In Touch
Contact the Wellspring Clinic
If you or a loved one is experiencing vision challenges from Retinitis Pigmentosa, our team is here to help you explore your options. You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out today, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Ready to Get Help?
Start the conversation about your eye health today.
Let’s get the help you need.