Eye Deviationaccording to TCM

What is Eye Deviation?

Eye deviation, commonly referred to as abnormal eye alignment or strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align under normal conditions. One or both eyes may turn in, out, up, or down, leading to a lack of coordinated eye movement.

This misalignment can result in issues with depth perception and can cause double vision. Eye deviation can occur in both children and adults and may stem from various causes, including muscle imbalance, nerve damage, or congenital disorders. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term vision problems.

How does TCM view Eye Deviation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on eye deviation, viewing it not just as a localized issue but as a symptom indicative of underlying imbalances within the body. TCM associates eye health with the Liver and Kidney meridians, as well as the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood.

According to TCM principles, eye deviation can be a manifestation of imbalances such as Liver Wind or a Deficiency in Liver and Kidney Yin or Yang. Addressing these root causes is crucial in TCM, aiming to restore balance and harmonize the body's energies.

Root Causes of Eye Deviation in TCM

In TCM, eye deviation is often linked to specific patterns of disharmony within the body. One such pattern is Interior Wind, characterized by symptoms like eye deviation, convulsions, and dizziness. This indicates a disturbance in the Liver Channel, often due to Liver Yang Rising or Liver Blood Deficiency.

Another possible cause is an imbalance in the Gall Bladder Channel, manifesting as eye deviation along with other symptoms like headaches and dizziness. Understanding these underlying patterns is essential in TCM for providing effective treatment and managing the condition holistically.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • Wind
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

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

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Eye Deviation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Interior Wind Eye deviation, Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness... see more Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Eye Deviation

TCM utilizes a range of formulas and herbs to address the underlying causes of eye deviation. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, which contains Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), is often used for pacifying Internal Liver Wind and stopping tremors, addressing the root cause of eye deviation.

This formula is particularly beneficial in patterns like Interior Wind, where the disturbance in the Liver meridian is evident. The choice of herbs and formulas in TCM is tailored to the individual's specific disharmony pattern, focusing on restoring balance and harmonizing the body's energies.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Wind
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify blood

All Formulas Recommended for Eye Deviation Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Interior Wind
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Interior Wind
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Interior Wind
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Interior Wind
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Interior Wind
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Interior Wind
Bu Gan Tang Interior Wind
Si Wu Tang Interior Wind

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for eye deviation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Interior Wind
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Interior Wind
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Interior Wind
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Interior Wind

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for eye deviation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Interior Wind
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Interior Wind

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for eye deviation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Gan Tang Interior Wind
Si Wu Tang Interior Wind

Acupoints for Eye Deviation

In TCM, acupuncture plays a significant role in treating conditions like eye deviation. Specific acupoints are selected to correct underlying imbalances and improve eye alignment. Acupoints such as Fengchi GB-20, located in the posterior aspect of the neck, and Hanyan GB-4, within the hairline of the temporal region, are used to subdue Liver Yang and expel Interior Wind.

Other important points include Shenmai BL-62, which benefits the eyes and eases pain, and Yingxiang LI-20, effective in expelling Exterior Wind. Stimulating these acupoints can help in balancing the Qi and Blood flow to the eyes, which can be beneficial in managing eye deviation. The selection of acupoints in TCM is tailored to each individual's specific pattern of disharmony, aiming to enhance the body’s natural healing processes and improve eye function.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Liver Channel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Lung Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Governing Vessel
Tongziliao GB-1

Tongziliao GB-1

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

Tinghui GB-2

Tinghui GB-2

Anterior to the intertragic notch, directly below Tinggong SI-19, at the posterior border of the condyloid process of the mandible.

Hanyan GB-4

Hanyan GB-4

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the upper half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.

Qubin GB-7

Qubin GB-7

Within the hairline anterior and superior to the auricle, about 1 finger-breadth (0.5 cun) anterior to Jiaosun TB-20 which is on the apex of the ear.

Shuaigu GB-8

Shuaigu GB-8

Superior to the apex of the ear, 1.5 cun within the hairline.

Wangu GB-12

Wangu GB-12

In the depression posterior and inferior to the mastoid process.

Yangbai GB-14

Yangbai GB-14

On the forehead, 1 cun above the midpoint of the eyebrow, approximately at the junction of the upper two-thirds and lower third of the vertical line draw from the anterior hairline to the eyebrow.

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.

Chengqi ST-1

Chengqi ST-1

Between the eyeball and the midpoint of the infraorbital ridge.

Sibai ST-2

Sibai ST-2

Below Chengqi ST-1, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen.

Dicang ST-4

Dicang ST-4

Lateral to the corner of the mouth, directly below Juliao ST-3.

Jiache ST-6

Jiache ST-6

One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter muscle attaches at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.

Xiaguan ST-7

Xiaguan ST-7

In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed.

Chongyang ST-42

Chongyang ST-42

Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated. The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones.

Neiting ST-44

Neiting ST-44

Between the 2nd and the 3rd toes, proximal to the interdigital fold.

Yifeng TB-17

Yifeng TB-17

Posterior to the lobule of the ear, in the depression between the mandible and mastoid process.

Ermen TB-21

Ermen TB-21

In the depression anterior to the supratragic notch and slightly superior to the condyloid process of the mandible. The point should be located and needled with mouth open. Tinggong SI-19 and Tinghui GB-2 are located below Ermen TB-21.

Sizhukong TB-23

Sizhukong TB-23

In the depression at the lateral end of the eyebrow.

Hegu LI-4

Hegu LI-4

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Wenliu LI-7

Wenliu LI-7

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Yingxiang LI-20

Yingxiang LI-20

In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.

Tongtian BL-7

Tongtian BL-7

1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 4 cun within the anterior hairline.

Shenmai BL-62

Shenmai BL-62

In the depression directly below the lateral malleolus tip.

Xingjian LIV-2

Xingjian LIV-2

Between the first and second toe, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the interdigital fold.

Taichong LIV-3

Taichong LIV-3

On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, in the depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joints and the proximal angle between the two bones.

Jiachengjiang EX-HN

Jiachengjiang EX-HN

1 cun lateral to the center of the mentolabial groove.

Lieque LU-7

Lieque LU-7

Above the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space) in a V-shaped depression.

Quanliao SI-18

Quanliao SI-18

Directly below the outer canthus, in the depression on the lower border of zygoma.

Renzhong DU-26

Renzhong DU-26

Below the nose, a little above the midpoint of the philtrum.