Yellow Scleraaccording to TCM

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Symptom families: Jaundice, Eye Disorders and Symptoms

Did you mean? Yellow Eyes

What is Yellow Sclera?

Yellow sclera, often referred to as jaundiced eye sclera, is a condition where the whites of the eyes turn a yellowish hue. This discoloration is typically a sign of jaundice, which occurs due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed by the breakdown of dead red blood cells in the liver. Yellow sclera can be an indicator of underlying health issues, often related to the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. It's crucial to address the root cause of this symptom to ensure proper treatment.

How does TCM view Yellow Sclera?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yellow sclera is viewed not just as a localized symptom but as a manifestation of deeper imbalances in the body’s systems. TCM correlates eye health directly with the state of internal organs, particularly the Liver and Gallbladder.

The yellowing of the sclera is often seen as an indication of Dampness or Heat accumulation in these organs. TCM emphasizes identifying the underlying disharmonies or patterns causing the symptom, as each case may stem from different imbalances.

Root Causes of Yellow Sclera in TCM

TCM attributes yellow sclera to specific patterns of imbalance. Dampness in the Gallbladder is one such pattern, where an accumulation of Dampness in the body manifests as a dull-yellow sclera, jaundice, and other related symptoms like hypochondriac pain.

Another common cause in TCM is Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder, characterized by a more intense yellowing of the sclera, alongside symptoms such as hypochondriac distention and nausea. These patterns in TCM point to an imbalance in the body's ability to process and eliminate Dampness and Heat, particularly in the Liver and Gallbladder.

Explore below more details about what might cause Yellow sclera according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Dampness
  • Heat
  • Gallbladder
  • Spleen
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Yellow Sclera

Common Symptoms: Dull Yellow Complexion Nausea Or Vomiting Feeling Of Heaviness Hypochondriac Pain Fat Malabsorption Dull Headache Scanty And Dark Urine Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Dampness in the Gallbladder Dull-yellow sclera, Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Yellow sclera, Cloudy urine, Absence of thirst, Sticky taste in the mouth, Dull headache, Feeling of heaviness... see more San Ren Tang
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder Yellow sclera of the eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen Yellow sclera of the eyes, Lack of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more Lian Po Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Yellow Sclera

Common Symptoms: Nausea Or Vomiting Dull Yellow Complexion Scanty And Dark Urine Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink Bitter Taste In The Mouth Feeling Of Heaviness Hypochondriac Pain Hypochondriac Distention

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder Yellow sclera of the eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen Yellow sclera of the eyes, Lack of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more Lian Po Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Yellow Sclera

Common Symptoms: Dull Yellow Complexion Hypochondriac Pain Nausea Or Vomiting Fat Malabsorption Feeling Of Heaviness Jaundice Yellow Eyes Hypochondrial Fullness And Distention With Pain Alleviated By Warmth

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Dampness in the Gallbladder Dull-yellow sclera, Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Yellow sclera, Cloudy urine, Absence of thirst, Sticky taste in the mouth, Dull headache, Feeling of heaviness... see more San Ren Tang
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder Yellow sclera of the eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Yellow Sclera

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen Yellow sclera of the eyes, Lack of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more Lian Po Yin

TCM Herbal Formulas for Yellow Sclera

For the treatment of yellow sclera, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs based on the identified pattern. In cases of Dampness in the Gallbladder, San Ren Tang, which includes Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), can be effective. This formula works to expel Dampness.

For Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder, Yin Chen Hao Tang, containing Virgate wormwood (Yin Chen), is often used. These formulas are selected to address the root cause of the yellow sclera, aiming to restore balance in the body’s internal systems.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Dampness
  • Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness

All Formulas Recommended for Yellow Sclera Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
San Ren Tang Dampness in the Gallbladder
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat invading the Spleen

All Formulas Recommended for Yellow Sclera Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat invading the Spleen

All "formulas that clear heat and expel dampness" recommended for yellow sclera

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
San Ren Tang Dampness in the Gallbladder
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat invading the Spleen

Acupoints for Yellow Sclera

Acupuncture is another integral component of TCM treatment for yellow sclera. Acupoints such as Danshu BL-19 and Shugu BL-65 in the Bladder Channel are selected for their effectiveness in resolving Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder and subduing Rebellious Qi.

Another point, Yishe BL-49, is known for its action in resolving Damp-Heat and benefiting the intellect. These acupoints are strategically chosen based on the individual's specific TCM diagnosis to enhance the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance.

Explore below some acupoints used to address yellow sclera, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
Danshu BL-19

Danshu BL-19

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).

Yishe BL-49

Yishe BL-49

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

Shugu BL-65

Shugu BL-65

On the lateral side of the foot dorsum, proximal to the head of the 5th metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.