Symptom families: Eye Disorders and Symptoms, Eye Movement and Alignment
Eyeballs turning up, also known as upward eye movement or upward gaze, is a condition where the eyes involuntarily move or roll upwards. This movement can be a transient response or a symptom of a neurological condition. It might occur spontaneously or be triggered by certain stimuli.
In some cases, it can be associated with other symptoms such as altered consciousness or muscle twitching. This symptom necessitates careful evaluation to determine its cause, as it could be indicative of underlying health issues ranging from benign to serious neurological disorders.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), eyeballs turning up is seen through a lens different from Western medicine. TCM interprets this symptom as an indication of underlying imbalances within the body's energetic system.
It is often associated with disharmonies in the Liver system, which in TCM is closely linked to the health of the eyes. TCM emphasizes that symptoms like this are caused by different patterns of disharmony, and it's crucial to identify the correct pattern to effectively treat the condition.
In TCM, several patterns can lead to the symptom of eyeballs turning up. One such pattern is Heat victorious stirring Wind. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and involuntary eye movements, including eyeballs turning up.
It suggests an excess of Heat in the body, leading to the stirring of Internal Wind, which disrupts the normal functioning of the eyes. Another potential cause could be a Liver Wind due to Liver Yang Rising, where an imbalance in Liver energy causes similar symptoms. Identifying these patterns is essential in TCM for providing targeted treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Eyeballs turning up according to TCM.
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heat victorious stirring Wind | Eyeballs turning up, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Clenching of teeth... see more | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heat victorious stirring Wind | Eyeballs turning up, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Clenching of teeth... see more | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heat victorious stirring Wind | Eyeballs turning up, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Clenching of teeth... see more | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
TCM offers a range of herbal formulas for treating conditions like eyeballs turning up, based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For patterns such as Heat victorious stirring Wind, a formula like Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang can be effective.
This formula, containing ingredients like Saiga antelope's horns (Ling Yang Jiao), is designed to pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop tremors. The selection of specific herbs and formulas in TCM is tailored to the individual's unique pattern of imbalance, aiming to restore harmony to the body's Qi and alleviate the symptoms.
See more details below about Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, a herbal formula used to address eyeballs turning up.
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause eyeballs turning up, such as Heat victorious stirring Wind
Learn moreSuitable for Heat patterns that may cause eyeballs turning up, such as Heat victorious stirring Wind
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some eyeballs turning up-causing patterns like Heat victorious stirring Wind.
One such formula is Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, with saiga antelope's horns as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address eyeballs turning up, organized by herb category.
Eyeballs turning up 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 Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for eyeballs turning up, like Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao) | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |