Night Blindness in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different night blindness patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Night blindness, or nyctalopia, refers to difficulty in seeing in low-light conditions. It is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition affecting the retina, where rod cells that assist in low-light vision are compromised. This visual impairment can lead to challenges in navigating or driving at dusk or dawn and can significantly affect the quality of life.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 'pattern' is a comprehensive analysis of a person's health issues, encompassing not just the symptoms but also the underlying disharmony causing them. Recognizing a pattern is crucial because it guides the practitioner to a tailored treatment strategy.
For night blindness, identifying whether the pattern stems from a Blood Deficiency or a Yin Deficiency, for instance, is vital. This diagnosis informs the choice of acupuncture points, herbal formulas, and lifestyle adjustments. It's this nuanced approach that allows TCM to address not just the symptom of night blindness, but to nurture the body's overall well-being, aiming for long-term improvement and prevention.
TCM Patterns for Night Blindness
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause night blindness
Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Pale, Thin and slightly dry
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Liver Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Pale tongue, especially on the sides with thin, dry and white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Liver Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Wiry (Xian), Floating (Fu)
Normal or red color on the sides with no coating or rootless coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Pale dry body especially on the sides, which, in extreme cases, can assume an orange color
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Night Blindness
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address night blindness