Do you experience dry eyes, itchy eyes, or blurred vision? How can these symptoms be improved?
Blood deficiency leads to dry eyes, Yin deficiency leads to itchy eyes, and Essence deficiency leads to blurred vision.
1. Dry Eyes: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the eyes are nourished by blood. If there is a deficiency of liver blood (gan xue), the eyes will lose nourishment, leading to dryness, visual fatigue, and blurred vision, often accompanied by a desire to rub the eyes. Individuals may appear pale and fatigued, often feeling sleepy, and may even experience numbness in the hands and feet. Treatment should focus on regulating the liver and nourishing liver blood.
2. Itchy Eyes: Itchy eyes are often due to Yin deficiency. Blood is considered Yin, and prolonged blood deficiency can lead to an imbalance of Yin and Yang, resulting in Yang heat. This heat ascends with the blood to the eyes, causing itching, redness, and bloodshot eyes, often accompanied by insomnia, tinnitus, irritability, and heat in the palms and soles. At this time, it is necessary to nourish blood while also nourishing Yin.
3. Blurred Vision: Blurred vision is often associated with kidney essence deficiency. The essence of the kidneys is closely related to the eyes. If kidney essence is severely deficient, the eyes will not receive adequate nourishment, leading to blurred vision and decreased eyesight, which can manifest as presbyopia. This may also be accompanied by a vacant gaze, dizziness, tinnitus, forgetfulness, and loose teeth. At this time, it is necessary to nourish the kidneys and replenish essence.
Dry eyes are due to blood deficiency, itchy eyes are due to fluid deficiency, and blurred vision is due to essence and blood deficiency. Many people are affected by these symptoms, often attributing them to excessive eye use. However, from a TCM perspective, these issues are primarily related to our kidneys, liver, and Yin blood.
1. Dry Eyes are due to Blood Deficiency: Blood deficiency can easily lead to dry eyes. Some individuals experience both dryness and a gritty sensation, often blinking to maintain moisture, which are symptoms of liver blood deficiency. The liver opens to the eyes and stores blood; when liver blood is deficient, the eyes do not receive nourishment, leading to symptoms such as dry eyes, dizziness, and pale complexion. At this time, it is necessary to nourish the liver and kidneys, and replenish Yin blood. One may try Gui Shao Di Huang Tang (Modified Rehmannia Decoction).
2. Itchy Eyes are due to Fluid Deficiency: Fluid deficiency can easily lead to itchy eyes. Some individuals feel a constant itchiness in their eyes and often rub them for relief, with visible red veins in the eyes, which are symptoms of fluid deficiency. Since fluids nourish the entire body, including the eyes, when fluid is deficient, not only do the eyes become dry and itchy, but the skin may also become dry and flaky. At this time, it is necessary to nourish Yin and nourish the liver and replenish blood. One may try Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Goji and Chrysanthemum Rehmannia Pill).
3. Blurred Vision is due to Essence Deficiency: Essence deficiency can easily lead to blurred vision. Some individuals feel that their vision is unclear, experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, which are often signs of kidney essence deficiency. Kidney essence nourishes the entire body; when it is deficient, the eyes do not receive adequate nourishment, leading to blurred vision. Kidney essence deficiency may also present with premature graying of hair, loose teeth, and osteoporosis. At this time, it is necessary to replenish kidney essence. One may try Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan (Kidney Essence Replenishing Pill).
Finally, it is important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment if you have any concerns.
Gui Shao Di Huang Wan【Ingredients】 Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 0.58–0.86g, Bai Shao (White Peony, wine-prepared) 0.58–0.86g, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia, cooked) 2.3–3.4g, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam, wine-prepared) 1.2–1.8g, Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Root) 0.88–1.3g, Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit) 1.2–1.8g, Fu Ling (Poria) 0.88–1.3g, Ze Xie (Alisma) 0.88–1.3g (Daily dosage) 【Functions and Indications】 Nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes Yin blood, and clears empty heat. Used for liver and kidney deficiency, Yin deficiency with low blood, dizziness, tinnitus, dry throat, afternoon heat, soreness in the waist and legs, and heel pain. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Functions and Indications: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, benefits essence and brightens the eyes, indicated for liver and kidney deficiency. Symptoms include dizziness, dim vision, dry eyes, and soreness in the lower back and knees.Contraindications: Avoid difficult-to-digest foods. Population contraindications: Caution in patients with colds and fevers. Formula Explanation: Qi Ju Di Huang Wan = Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill) + Goji Berries + Chrysanthemum. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: Nourishes kidney Yin; Goji Berries: Benefits kidney essence and brightens the eyes; Chrysanthemum: Clears liver heat and benefits kidneys, brightening the eyes. When to use Qi Ju Di Huang Wan? Some people take nourishing foods and end up with heat symptoms, sore throat, pharyngitis, or mouth ulcers, which are manifestations of rising empty heat. Before nourishing, it is essential to clear empty heat. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan can clear empty heat while nourishing the kidneys, achieving two goals at once.Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan【Ingredients】 Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum) 0.5g, Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta, wine-roasted) 0.5g, Mo Han Lian (Eclipta) 0.5g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra, vinegar-prepared) 0.5g, Sang Shen (Mulberry, black) 0.5g, Fu Pen Zi (Raspberry) 0.5g, Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche, wine-prepared) 0.5g, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia, cooked) 0.5g. 【Functions and Indications】 Nourishes the kidneys, replenishes essence, and nourishes blood. Used for kidney essence deficiency, dizziness, soreness in the waist and knees, and nocturnal emissions. 【Contraindications】 Not for patients with colds or flu.
This article is an excerpt from a reading note, intended for health reference only. For medical issues, please consult a qualified hospital.
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