Eye Hyperemiaaccording to TCM

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What is Eye Hyperemia?

Eye hyperemia, commonly known as bloodshot eyes, is characterized by an excess of blood in the vessels of the conjunctiva, causing the eyes to appear red. This condition can arise from various causes, such as inflammation, irritation, fatigue, or underlying health issues. Symptoms include visible redness, particularly in the inner or outer corners of the eye. Understanding the underlying cause of this redness is essential for proper treatment and relief.

How does TCM view Eye Hyperemia?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches eye hyperemia as a manifestation of internal disharmony. According to TCM, the eyes are closely connected to the Liver, and conditions affecting the eyes are often indicative of Liver dysfunction.

TCM identifies patterns of disharmony such as Heat or Wind causing the redness and irritation seen in eye hyperemia. Treatment focuses on restoring balance and addressing the root cause, using a combination of herbs, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments.

Root Causes of Eye Hyperemia in TCM

TCM recognizes several underlying patterns that can lead to eye hyperemia. One common cause is Liver Fire insulting the Lungs, marked by symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, and bloodshot eyes.

Another pattern, Liver Fire Blazing, is characterized by red eyes, irritability, and headaches. These conditions are treated through specific herbal formulas designed to clear Heat and soothe the Liver. Identifying the correct TCM pattern is crucial for effective treatment.

Explore below more details about what might cause Eye hyperemia according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

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

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Eye Hyperemia

Common Symptoms: Flushed Face Thirst Irritability Constipation Headaches Dizziness Bitter Taste In The Mouth Anger

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs Bloodshot eyes, Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Eye hyperemia, Scanty and dark urine, Constipation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Ke Xie Fang
Liver Fire Blazing Red eyes, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Xie Qing Wan
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire Red eyes, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Red eyes, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Wind Cold with Internal Heat Red eyes, High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin... see more Shi Gao Tang
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Red eyes, Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia... see more Gua Lou San | Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan Tang
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat Red eyes, Irritability, Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Palpitations, Lower abdominal oppression, Painful urination, Excessive menstruation, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Tidal fever... see more Jia Wei Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Eye Hyperemia

TCM utilizes a range of herbal formulas to address eye hyperemia. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, containing Chinese Gentian, is frequently used for conditions like Liver Fire Blazing or Liver Fire insulting the Lungs. This formula is effective in clearing Heat and dampness, often associated with red eyes.

Additionally, Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang are recommended for Internal Wind patterns that can also lead to eye hyperemia. These formulas are selected based on the specific pattern of disharmony in the patient, ensuring a tailored treatment approach.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address eye hyperemia, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Eye Hyperemia Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Liver Fire insulting the Lungs, Liver Fire Blazing
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Ke Xie Fang Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
Gua Lou San Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Yu Nu Jian Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Wen Dan Tang Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Xie Qing Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Zi Xue Dan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Shi Gao Tang Wind Cold with Internal Heat

Acupoints for Eye Hyperemia

In TCM, acupuncture is another key treatment modality for eye hyperemia. Acupoints such as Diwuhui GB-42 and Fengchi GB-20 on the Gall Bladder Channel are targeted to resolve Liver Qi Stagnation and benefit the eyes.

Points like Jingming BL-1 and Kunlun BL-60 in the Bladder Channel are also utilized for their effectiveness in clearing Heat and expelling Wind, which are often underlying factors in eye hyperemia. These acupoints are selected based on the individual's specific TCM diagnosis and the patterns of disharmony observed.

Explore below some acupoints used to address eye hyperemia, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
Tongziliao GB-1

Tongziliao GB-1

Lateral to the outer canthus, in the depression on the lateral side of the orbit.

Toulinqi GB-15

Toulinqi GB-15

Directly above Yangbai GB-14, on the pupil line, 0.5 cun within the hairline, midway between Shenting DU-24 and Touwei ST-8.

Muchuang GB-16

Muchuang GB-16

1 cun posterior to the Toulingqi GB-15 or 1.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, on the pupil line which is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.

Naokong GB-19

Naokong GB-19

Directly above Fengchi GB-20, level with Naohu DU-17, on the lateral side of the external occipital protuberance.

Fengchi GB-20

Fengchi GB-20

In the posterior aspect of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper portion of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscle.

Guangming GB-37

Guangming GB-37

5 cun directly above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.

Qiuxu GB-40

Qiuxu GB-40

Anterior and inferior to the external malleolus, in the depression on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle that goes to the little toe.

Zulingqi GB-41

Zulingqi GB-41

In the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the foot.

Diwuhui GB-42

Diwuhui GB-42

Between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the medial side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the little toe.

Zuqiaoyin GB-44

Zuqiaoyin GB-44

On the lateral side of the 4th toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

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