10/03/2025
From Legally Blind to Legally Hopeful: Fighting Retinitis Pigmentosa with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Lost in Shadows, Found in Words: How a Man from USA with RP Regained Sight and Rediscovered Reading By 10-Day Vision Recovery Journey at Wellspring Clinic
Introduction — From California to Canada: Miguel's Fight to Save His Sight
For Miguel, vision loss wasn’t just a distant possibility — it had been his daily reality for years. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Miguel has lived with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) since birth. The earliest symptoms began in childhood with night blindness. Over time, his world began to fade. Eight years ago, his condition took a sharp turn for the worse. His vision deteriorated year after year. His peripheral vision shrank until daily tasks became overwhelming. Eventually, he lost the ability to drive and even reading, using his phone, and walking independently became difficult.
Specialists in Los Angeles offered no solutions. Doctors explained his condition was genetic and degenerative — with no treatment, no options, and no hope.
But Miguel wasn’t ready to give up. Through online research, he discovered stories of patients from around the world traveling to Wellspring Clinic in Vancouver, Canada, seeking help from Dr. Weidong Yu, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor known for his work treating RP. The stories were consistent — patients reporting measurable vision improvements through a carefully designed program combining acupuncture, personalized herbal medicine, lifestyle coaching, and ancient Chinese medical wisdom. With that being said, Miguel finally made the decision to come to Vancouver and experience the program for himself.
Why We Documented Miguel's 10-Day Treatment at Wellspring Clinic
Miguel’s journey was not just personal — it was an opportunity to show others exactly what a structured, short-term RP treatment program at Wellspring Clinic looks like. RP is a progressive, devastating condition with few conventional options, leaving many patients confused about where to turn.
That’s why Wellspring Clinic documented Miguel’s full 10-day treatment process. This project offers prospective RP patients — and their families — an inside look at every aspect of the program: from the daily acupuncture sessions and herbal medicine protocols, to the specialized vision tests that track central vision, peripheral field expansion, and overall progress.
Patients can witness how Dr. Yu combines ancient TCM principles with modern diagnostic tools to guide treatment, adjust care based on pulse diagnosis, and empower patients with self-care techniques like eye exercises and lifestyle modifications. Miguel’s story provides transparency, education, and most importantly — hope — showing what’s possible when RP is approached holistically, systematically, and with dedication.
Day 1 — A Tough Starting Point: Miguel’s First Step Toward Hope
On February 5th, 2024, Miguel arrived at Wellspring Clinic carrying more than just luggage — he carried years of disappointment, frustration, and quiet fear. By the time he reached Vancouver, his vision was at a critically late stage. He couldn’t even accurately count fingers — only detect faint hand movements, a clear sign that blindness was imminent.
Dr. Yu began with a comprehensive visual assessment. At a distance of 3 feet from the eye chart, Miguel could not make out even the first line of letters. His visual field was severely constricted, offering little peripheral awareness.
But Miguel was about to experience the difference of Wellspring's approach.
Dr. Yu administered his first acupuncture sessions, carefully placing needles on Miguel’s head, face, hands, and feet. These points were chosen to stimulate the nervous system, improve microcirculation to the eyes, and rebalance energy flow throughout the body. Later, Miguel began his first round of customized herbal medicine — a formula designed to nourish the organs responsible for vision according to TCM theory.
The results were astonishing. After just one acupuncture session, Miguel could correctly count fingers for the first time in years. By the end of the day, his central vision improved by 10 lines at 3 feet, and his visual field showed measurable expansion. His body, dormant under the burden of RP, was beginning to respond.
Day 1 treatment video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzA5pvaMVf8&list=PL0NxxNwTL-oMxAFY_XFwXyx8dqJE2m9Me&index=3
Day 2 — Building Momentum: More Gains and New Confidence
Miguel’s second day brought encouraging progress that exceeded expectations. For the first time in years, he could confidently track hand movements and count fingers with ease — simple tasks that had once seemed completely out of reach. His visual field, which had been restricted to just 5 units on Day 1, expanded dramatically to 19 units, marking a remarkable overnight improvement that left both Miguel and the medical team optimistic.
Building on this momentum, Dr. Yu introduced the next layer of treatment — a carefully crafted combination of powdered herbal medicine and capsules, to be taken twice daily. These traditional formulas are designed to nourish and fortify the body from within, specifically targeting the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. In Chinese medicine, these organs play a vital role in maintaining and restoring eye health, as they are believed to be intricately linked to visual function and clarity.
With each small victory, Miguel’s confidence began to grow. The uncertainty and frustration that had once clouded his outlook were slowly being replaced by hope and determination — and with them, his vision continued to strengthen.
Day 2 treatment video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0EJC-s_cHA&list=PL0NxxNwTL-oMxAFY_XFwXyx8dqJE2m9Me&index=1
Day 3 — The World Begins to Sharpen
By Day 3, the world around Miguel looked noticeably different. As he stepped outside, subtle yet significant changes came into focus. The outlines of trees, buildings, and passing faces appeared “a little more clear,” as he described it — a quiet but undeniable sign of progress. Even the harsh glare of sunlight, which had once been painful and overwhelming, now felt more tolerable. This was more than just comfort — it was an early indication that his eyes were regaining their resilience and adapting to light once again.
One of the most encouraging developments was the improvement in his right-side peripheral vision, which had nearly doubled compared to just two days earlier. Though fluctuations in central vision are common during the early stages of recovery, the overall trajectory was unmistakable: Miguel’s body was responding — and responding well.
To maintain this momentum, Dr. Yu emphasized the critical role of daily head and eye exercises. These targeted movements weren’t optional — they were essential tools to stimulate neural activation and strengthen the brain’s visual processing pathways. Miguel’s recovery wasn’t a matter of luck or chance; it was the result of a precise, comprehensive system — blending modern understanding and traditional wisdom — working together to restore his vision, one day at a time.
Day 3 treatment video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO-ySHwx5lk&list=PL0NxxNwTL-oMxAFY_XFwXyx8dqJE2m9Me&index=4
Day 4 — Small Victories Build
Miguel’s fourth day brought continued, tangible progress — the kind that, only days earlier, had seemed nearly impossible. Standing 10 feet away from the eye chart, he was now able to clearly read the fourth line, a milestone that spoke volumes about how far he had already come. Just days before, this simple task had been well beyond his reach, but now, it served as undeniable evidence that his vision was steadily returning.
The improvements weren’t limited to reading letters. His visual field — the area he could perceive around him — continued to expand in all directions. Measurements showed noticeable growth: 16 units upward, 19 downward, 24 to the left, and an impressive 29 units to the right. These numbers reflected more than just data; they marked a steady unraveling of the limitations that had once confined his world.
A key component of his recovery was the acupuncture sessions, which became increasingly targeted and comprehensive. Over the course of three sessions that day, fine needles were carefully placed at precise points across his body — including his feet, hands, face, head, and abdomen. These areas were chosen not only to stimulate circulation and enhance the flow of energy but also to activate the nervous system and support the complex process of visual healing from within.
By the end of the day, Miguel’s central vision took another encouraging leap forward. He could now read the fifth line on the eye chart, and his peripheral vision continued to stretch outward in every direction. These weren’t dramatic overnight transformations, but rather the result of steady, intentional work — the product of a well-orchestrated approach to healing. Dr. Yu reminded Miguel that this kind of lasting change is built on patience, consistency, and daily commitment. And as Miguel stayed the course, his progress spoke for itself — quiet but steady steps toward reclaiming his sight.
Day 4 treatment video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY1cB9VHhkU&list=PL0NxxNwTL-oMxAFY_XFwXyx8dqJE2m9Me&index=2
Day 6 — Gaining Ground After a Break
After two rest days over the weekend, Miguel returned to the clinic, eager yet slightly anxious to see whether the progress he had worked so hard for would hold — and to his relief, it had. The brief pause in treatment had not set him back; if anything, his body had continued the healing process on its own, quietly integrating the work from the previous days.
His right-side peripheral vision had expanded once again, growing from 32 to 40 centimeters — a clear, measurable improvement. Even more striking was the overall growth in his combined visual field, which increased from 57 to 69 centimeters. Compared to his initial assessment on Day 1, this marked an impressive 20 to 30 percent improvement, a sign that the treatments were not only effective but building on themselves, day by day.
When asked to describe what he was experiencing, Miguel summed it up simply: his vision felt “a little better.” To an outsider, those words might sound modest, but for Miguel and the medical team, they carried enormous weight. Dr. Yu was pleased with the results, seeing them as confirmation that Miguel’s body had not only responded to the treatments but had also begun to sustain its own healing momentum, even during short breaks.
Yet, while the progress was promising, Dr. Yu reminded Miguel that healing at this level requires more than temporary effort. The consistent use of herbal medicine, regular acupuncture sessions, and lifestyle adjustments were not just recommendations — they were the foundation upon which lasting, stable vision recovery would be built. With his confidence renewed and measurable results in hand, Miguel left the clinic that day with a deeper understanding of his own resilience — and of the disciplined path still ahead.
Day 6 treatment video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JutZaRD31A&list=PL0NxxNwTL-oMxAFY_XFwXyx8dqJE2m9Me&index=11
Day 7 — Clearing the Fog
By Day 7, the improvement in Miguel’s vision was no longer subtle — it was becoming undeniable. He shared that the persistent "fog" that had clouded his vision for so long was finally beginning to lift. Walking outdoors, the world appeared more defined, edges sharper, colors clearer. But perhaps the most remarkable change was the newfound stability under his feet. For the first time in years, the floor beneath him looked solid, steady, and well-defined — no longer a vague, shifting surface but a reliable foundation he could trust as he moved through space.
His subjective experience was quickly confirmed by the results of his vision test. Miguel's central vision had advanced to six visible lines on the eye chart — a significant jump from where he had started. His peripheral fields also continued to expand in every direction, offering him a broader, more complete sense of his surroundings.
Recognizing the progress and understanding the importance of building on it, Dr. Yu incorporated Wellspring’s daily “Heiney exercise” into Miguel’s routine. These gentle, guided movements were designed not only to stimulate circulation but also to reinforce the neural connections essential for visual processing and balance. The exercises were simple yet powerful — small, consistent steps that helped awaken the body’s ability to heal and adapt.
In addition to the physical exercises, Dr. Yu conducted an updated pulse assessment, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese diagnostic methods. The results offered deeper insight into how Miguel’s body was responding to treatment. Based on these findings, Dr. Yu refined Miguel's herbal formula, adjusting the ingredients and dosages to ensure his body continued to receive exactly what it needed — no more, no less — to sustain and deepen his recovery.
Each day, Miguel was not only seeing more but feeling more grounded, more connected to his body, and more hopeful that the life-altering improvements he sought were within reach.
Day 7 treatment video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As5SsclSml0&list=PL0NxxNwTL-oMxAFY_XFwXyx8dqJE2m9Me&index=12
Day 9 — From Legally Blind to Legally Hopeful
Day 9 marked a turning point in Miguel’s journey — a breakthrough that was as emotional as it was functional. For the first time in years, he was able to do something that once seemed completely out of reach: he began to read. Sitting quietly with a standard print book in his hands, Miguel carefully scanned the page, focusing intently as the once-blurred shapes of letters came into focus. Slowly, almost cautiously, he began to make out individual words. It was a moment that would have felt unimaginable at the start of this process, but now, it was real — clear, tangible evidence that his vision was returning.
His clinical assessments reflected this remarkable change. Miguel’s central vision had reached the fifth line on the vision chart, reinforcing the steady progress that had been building day by day. But perhaps most significant was the dramatic expansion of his total visual field, which provided him with a wider, more complete awareness of the space around him — a key factor in mobility, confidence, and daily independence.
Dr. Yu took the time to explain what these results meant in practical terms. By basic functional standards, Miguel was no longer considered legally blind. His vision, while still in recovery, had crossed a threshold that redefined how he could engage with the world. The fear and uncertainty that had once weighed so heavily on him were being replaced by a growing sense of independence, renewed confidence, and, most importantly, hope.
To support this critical phase of progress, Dr. Yu prepared a new, carefully tailored herbal medicine protocol. This updated formula was designed to stabilize the gains Miguel had made and create the conditions for further improvement. Every ingredient, dosage, and combination was chosen with precision, aimed at reinforcing the nervous system, enhancing circulation, and nurturing the organs essential to sustained visual healing.
For the first time in years, the future no longer looked like something Miguel had to fear. It looked like something he could see — and something he could look forward to.
Day 9 treatment video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCXy_hVS8Es&list=PL0NxxNwTL-oMxAFY_XFwXyx8dqJE2m9Me&index=13
Day 10 —Chronicle of miracle by TCM from "disabled vision" to "normal vision." 👀
Today marks Miguel’s last day of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at the Tianquan Clinic. These ten days were not just a medical intervention, but a profound transformation from despair to hope — from “disabled vision” to the beginnings of “normal vision.”
When Miguel first arrived, his vision was severely impaired. Ten days ago, he could not even see the first three letters on the eye chart from 10 feet away. Today, he can clearly read the fifth line — a five-line improvement in central vision that would have seemed unimaginable just days earlier.
The changes extended far beyond central vision. His visual fields expanded dramatically: his upper field increased by 16 degrees, lower by 14, left by 21, and right by 13. Overall, his vertical field grew from 13 to 43 degrees — tripling in size — and his horizontal field widened from 22 to 66 degrees, also tripling. This expansion transformed Miguel’s daily awareness of the world around him, giving him back orientation and independence.
Equally striking were the functional improvements. Ten days ago, Miguel was unable to correctly recognize the number of fingers shown to him. Now, he can accurately identify them. Ten days ago, reading was impossible. Today, he has started reading again — a milestone that symbolizes more than restored vision, but the return of confidence, independence, and a fuller life.
This transformation was built not only on clinical treatment but also on the daily discipline Dr. Yu instilled in him from the very first day. Before beginning therapy, Miguel learned acupoint massage exercises for eye care — a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine theory. These simple yet powerful techniques stimulate the nerves, relax the eye muscles, promote circulation, alleviate fatigue, and help maintain and even enhance the results of treatment.
Alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine tailored to nourish the nervous system, liver, and kidneys — the organs linked to vision health in TCM — Miguel was also guided with personalized diet and lifestyle instructions. Every detail was designed to support healing beyond the clinic and empower him with tools for long-term self-care.
The results speak for themselves. The transformation of Miguel’s visual impairment once again proves that with the right treatment, RP patients can overcome the limitations of vision loss.
Miguel knows this is only the beginning. As Dr. Yu reminded him, full recovery is a long-term journey that may require two to three years of consistent, focused care. Encouraged by his rapid progress, Miguel plans to return to Vancouver once or twice a year for continued treatment — determined not only to preserve his current achievements but to build upon them, step by step, toward even greater clarity.
For Miguel, these ten days were more than a medical treatment. They were the opening of a new chapter — one where the world is no longer closing in, but reopening.
Day 10 treatment video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHc9UYEap7U&list=PL0NxxNwTL-oMxAFY_XFwXyx8dqJE2m9Me&index=14
A New Horizon: Redefining What's Possible for RP Patients
How one man’s experience challenges assumptions and reawakens hope for vision recovery
Miguel’s journey over these ten days at Wellspring Clinic represents more than a collection of clinical milestones — it marks a shift in the narrative surrounding Retinitis Pigmentosa. For years, he was told that vision loss was inevitable, that no meaningful improvement could be made. But his experience tells a different story — one grounded in careful, integrative medicine and a steadfast belief in the body’s ability to adapt.
Through the thoughtful combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine, targeted acupuncture, personalized herbal protocols, and supportive lifestyle guidance, Miguel’s body began to respond. His vision, once fading, showed measurable and undeniable signs of recovery. More importantly, his sense of independence, confidence, and hope returned alongside it.
While no one can promise a cure for RP, Miguel’s story is proof that the door to possibility is not closed. With patience, commitment, and a comprehensive, integrative approach, the trajectory of vision loss can shift. His progress offers a quiet but powerful invitation to others — to challenge assumptions, to explore new methods, and to believe that even when the outlook feels darkest, there is still room for the light to return.
