Eye Vitality

Weinsch EyeVitality in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a well-developed approach to diagnosing and treating eye problems, rooted in the understanding that the eyes are closely connected to the internal organs, particularly the Liver, Kidneys, Heart, and Spleen. TCM considers eye disorders as manifestations of internal imbalances, Qi stagnation, blood deficiency, or pathogenic influences such as wind, heat, and dampness.

Key TCM Concepts Related to Eye Health

• Liver & Eyes: The Liver governs the blood and has a direct connection to the eyes. Liver Blood deficiency can cause blurred vision, floaters, dry eyes, and night blindness. Liver Heat or Liver Yang Rising can lead to red eyes, eye pain, and migraines.
• Kidneys & Eyes: The Kidneys are responsible for essence (Jing), which nourishes the eyes. Kidney deficiency can result in aging-related eye issues, weak vision, and dark circles.
• Heart & Eyes: The Heart is associated with Shen (spirit), and disturbances in the Heart can lead to eye twitching, stress-related vision problems, and insomnia-induced eye strain.
• Spleen & Eyes: The Spleen governs transformation and transportation of nutrients. If weak, it may cause puffy eyes, drooping eyelids, or blurred vision due to dampness accumulation.

Common Eye Problems in TCM

1. Dry Eyes – Often related to Liver Blood deficiency or Yin deficiency.
2. Red, Itchy Eyes – Linked to Liver Fire, Wind-Heat, or Allergies.
3. Blurred Vision & Floaters – Usually caused by Liver Blood or Kidney deficiency.
4. Eye Fatigue & Strain – Often due to Qi and Blood deficiency, Spleen weakness.
5. Glaucoma – May involve Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Kidney Essence deficiency.
6. Cataracts – Associated with Kidney and Liver deficiency, Phlegm accumulation.
7. Macular Degeneration – Often due to Kidney Jing depletion and Blood stasis.

TCM Treatment Approaches

1. Herbal Medicine

• Ming Mu Di Huang Wan  – Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, used for dry eyes, blurry vision, and aging-related vision decline.
• Qi Ju Di Huang Wan – Similar to Ming Mu Di Huang Wan but with additional Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) and Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) for eye health.
• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang  – Clears Liver Fire and treats red, itchy, or inflamed eyes.
• Jue Ming Zi ( Cassia Seed) – Often used for eye strain, dryness, and lowering intraocular pressure.

2. Acupuncture

• Common acupuncture points:
  • UB1 (Jingming) – Directly benefits eye health.
  • GB20 (Fengchi) – Reduces eye strain, headaches.
  • LIV3 (Taichong) – Soothes Liver Qi stagnation.
  • ST36 (Zusanli) – Boosts Qi and Blood for better nourishment.

3. Diet Therapy

• Foods that nourish the Liver and improve vision: Goji berries, carrots, spinach, blueberries, chrysanthemum tea, black sesame seeds.
• Foods to avoid: Greasy, spicy, and alcohol (which can create Liver Heat).

4. Lifestyle & Eye Care

• Reduce screen time, use proper lighting.
• Palming exercises (rubbing hands and covering eyes) to relax vision.
• TCM eye massage on acupuncture points around the eyes to improve circulation.