What is Viral Conjunctivitis?
Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. This condition is often caused by viral infections and is characterized by redness, itching, and a watery discharge from the eyes.
Highly contagious, it can spread easily, particularly in crowded environments. While uncomfortable, viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own without causing any serious harm to the eyes.
How does TCM view Viral Conjunctivitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views viral conjunctivitis through a different lens compared to Western medicine. In TCM, this condition is seen as a manifestation of imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy) and is often related to external pathogenic factors like Wind, Heat, or Dampness invading the eye.
TCM emphasizes understanding the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms, as different patterns require different treatment approaches. This holistic perspective seeks to restore balance and health to the entire body, not just the eyes.
Causes of Viral Conjunctivitis According to TCM
In TCM, the causes of viral conjunctivitis are often linked to specific patterns of disharmony. One common pattern is the invasion of Wind-Heat, where symptoms like redness, burning, and tearing in the eyes occur due to an excess of Heat and Wind in the body.
Another pattern is Liver Fire, where the liver's imbalance can manifest as eye symptoms, often accompanied by emotional stress or anger. These TCM patterns illustrate the belief that eye conditions are interconnected with the overall health of the body's organ systems and energy flow.
To address viral conjunctivitis, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs based on the individual's pattern of disharmony. Formulas that clear Wind-Heat, such as Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang, Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang, and Sang Ju Yin, are commonly used. These formulas contain herbs like Bupleurum Roots, Japanese Catnip, and Mulberry leaves, which work to expel pathogenic Wind and Heat, alleviating the redness and irritation of the eyes. TCM treatments are highly personalized, focusing on the unique imbalance present in each individual to restore harmony and health.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address viral conjunctivitis, organized by formula type.
- Formulas that clear wind-Heat
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
Formulas that clear Wind-Heat
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas if it originates from a wind-heat invasion.
One such formula is Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Heat" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Da Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Liang Ge San, with forsythia fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Formulas that warm and purge
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is Da Huang Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Fang Feng Tong Sheng San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an accumulation of dampness in the body, requiring diuretic actions to promote fluid balance.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Wu Zhu Yu Tang, with evodia fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Acupoints for Viral Conjunctivitis
Acupuncture is another key component of TCM treatment for viral conjunctivitis. Specific acupoints are targeted to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying disharmony. Points such as Chengqi ST-1 and Sibai ST-2 in the Stomach Channel are used for their actions in clearing Heat and expelling Wind from the eyes.
Hegu LI-4 in the Large Intestine Channel and Jingming BL-1 in the Bladder Channel are also beneficial for their effects on eye health and in balancing the body's energy. These acupoints are selected based on the individual's specific TCM diagnosis, aiming to enhance natural healing processes and restore balance.
Explore below some acupoints used to address viral conjunctivitis, organized by meridian.
- Stomach Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Bladder Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
Between the eyeball and the midpoint of the infraorbital ridge.
Below Chengqi ST-1, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen.
On the radial side of the index finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the nail corner.
Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
0.1 cun superior and medial to the inner canthus.
Lateral to the outer canthus, in the depression on the lateral side of the orbit.
TCM Herbs for Viral Conjunctivitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address viral conjunctivitis, organized by herb category.
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Da Qing Long Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Herbs that drain Dampness
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Wu Ling San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Herbs that cool the Blood
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Xie Bai San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Purgative herbs that drain downward" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral conjunctivitis,
like Da Huang Fu Zi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for viral conjunctivitis
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Amur Rose Fruits (Ci Mei Guo),
which is directly recommended for viral conjunctivitis.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Drynaria Rhizomes (Gu Sui Bu),
which is directly recommended for viral conjunctivitis.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Jasmine Flowers (Mo Li Hua),
which is directly recommended for viral conjunctivitis.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Kuding Tea (Ku Ding Cha),
which is directly recommended for viral conjunctivitis.
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Viral conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Silkworms (Jiang Can),
which is directly recommended for viral conjunctivitis.
