Trachomaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Eye Disorders and Symptoms
What is Trachoma?
Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It's a significant cause of preventable blindness worldwide, characterized by the chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva. The infection often leads to the formation of scar tissue, causing the eyelashes to turn inward and scratch the cornea, a condition known as trichiasis.
Trachoma is most prevalent in unsanitary living conditions where access to clean water and sanitation is limited. Early intervention and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term visual impairment.
How does TCM view Trachoma?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches trachoma quite differently than Western medicine. In TCM, eye diseases like trachoma are not viewed solely as localized infections but as manifestations of imbalances within the body's systems.
It emphasizes the crucial role of identifying specific patterns of disharmony that contribute to the development of the condition. TCM practitioners look at the entire state of the patient’s health, considering factors like Qi (vital energy), internal organ health, and the balance of yin and yang, to understand and treat trachoma effectively.
Causes of Trachoma According to TCM
In TCM, trachoma is often linked to specific internal disharmonies. One such pattern is the presence of Damp-Heat, where excessive Heat and moisture in the body manifest as inflammation and infection in the eyes. This condition can be exacerbated by environmental factors or dietary habits that promote internal Heat and Dampness.
Another common TCM pattern associated with trachoma is Liver Yang Rising, where an imbalance in liver function leads to increased yang energy, causing symptoms like eye irritation and redness. These TCM perspectives illustrate a more holistic approach to understanding and treating eye conditions like trachoma, focusing on the underlying imbalances within the body.
TCM Herbs for Trachoma
TCM recommends specific herbs for treating trachoma, based on the identified pattern of disharmony. One such herb is Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), known for its bitter and cold properties. It targets the Large intestine, Liver, and Lung, making it effective in treating patterns like Damp-Heat dermatological disorders and Liver Yang Rising.
These herbs are selected to address the root causes of trachoma, such as clearing internal heat and correcting imbalances in the liver, thereby alleviating the symptoms and promoting healing. The choice of herbs in TCM is highly personalized, reflecting the unique condition and needs of each patient.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Trachoma 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 Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), which is directly recommended for trachoma.