Hemorrhage In The Retinaaccording to TCM

What is Hemorrhage in the Retina?

Retinal hemorrhage is a condition characterized by bleeding within the retina, the innermost layer at the back of the eye responsible for visual perception. This bleeding can lead to spots in vision, blurriness, or complete loss of sight, depending on the severity and location of the hemorrhage.

Often an indicator of underlying health issues, retinal hemorrhage demands immediate medical attention. Synonyms include retinal haemorrhage and retinal bleeding, alluding to the same concerning symptom of disrupted ocular health.

How does TCM View Hemorrhage in the Retina?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the concept of disease uniquely, interpreting symptoms like retinal hemorrhage as indicators of an underlying imbalance within the body's energetic system. In TCM, a 'pattern' is a constellation of signs, symptoms, and imbalances that together paint a picture of the individual's state of health.

Recognizing and understanding these patterns is vital in TCM as they guide the practitioner to the root of the imbalance. By identifying the specific pattern, TCM practitioners can tailor treatments that address not only the manifestation of the disease but also the foundational disharmony, fostering a holistic return to wellness.

Causes of Hemorrhage in the Retina According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, retinal hemorrhage is often viewed through the lens of internal Heat and Stagnation. Specifically, patterns like Damp-Heat in the Liver can lead to excessive Heat in the Blood, which may "overflow," manifesting as bleeding in the eye.

Another pattern, Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire, indicates that emotional stress or internal imbalance causes a Heat accumulation that disturbs the Blood flow, potentially leading to hemorrhage.

Similarly, Liver Fire Blazing is a pattern where extreme heat in the Liver system, often due to prolonged emotional strain or dietary indiscretion, leads to a vigorous disturbance in the blood, potentially causing a hemorrhagic event. These patterns highlight the importance of maintaining emotional balance and proper diet to prevent the excessive rise of Heat in the body.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hemorrhage In The Retina

Addressing retinal hemorrhage, TCM practitioners might recommend formulas that cool the Liver and clear Heat, considering the individual's pattern. For Damp-Heat in the Liver, an herbal formula such as Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, which includes Chinese Gentian, can be used to purge excessive Heat and Dampness, preventing further damage.

In cases where Liver Qi Stagnation has turned to fire, cooling and soothing the Liver is crucial, and herbs with a bitter and cold nature would be appropriate. For the intense heat of Liver Fire Blazing, practitioners would likely suggest a combination of cooling herbs to subdue the fire and protect the integrity of the blood vessels within the eye. Each herbal prescription would be customized to the individual's specific TCM diagnosis and constitution.

See more details below about Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, a herbal formula used to address hemorrhage in the retina.

TCM Herbs for Hemorrhage In The Retina

See more details below about Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), a herb used to address hemorrhage in the retina.