Eye Deviationaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Eye Disorders and Symptoms, Eye Movement and Alignment
What is Eye Deviation?
Eye deviation, commonly referred to as abnormal eye alignment or strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align under normal conditions. One or both eyes may turn in, out, up, or down, leading to a lack of coordinated eye movement.
This misalignment can result in issues with depth perception and can cause double vision. Eye deviation can occur in both children and adults and may stem from various causes, including muscle imbalance, nerve damage, or congenital disorders. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term vision problems.
How does TCM view Eye Deviation?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on eye deviation, viewing it not just as a localized issue but as a symptom indicative of underlying imbalances within the body. TCM associates eye health with the Liver and Kidney meridians, as well as the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood.
According to TCM principles, eye deviation can be a manifestation of imbalances such as Liver Wind or a Deficiency in Liver and Kidney Yin or Yang. Addressing these root causes is crucial in TCM, aiming to restore balance and harmonize the body's energies.
Root Causes of Eye Deviation in TCM
In TCM, eye deviation is often linked to specific patterns of disharmony within the body. One such pattern is Interior Wind, characterized by symptoms like eye deviation, convulsions, and dizziness. This indicates a disturbance in the Liver Channel, often due to Liver Yang Rising or Liver Blood Deficiency.
Another possible cause is an imbalance in the Gall Bladder Channel, manifesting as eye deviation along with other symptoms like headaches and dizziness. Understanding these underlying patterns is essential in TCM for providing effective treatment and managing the condition holistically.
Explore below more details about what might cause Eye deviation according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Wind
Wind
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Eye Deviation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Wind | Eye deviation, Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness... see more | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Eye Deviation
TCM utilizes a range of formulas and herbs to address the underlying causes of eye deviation. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, which contains Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), is often used for pacifying Internal Liver Wind and stopping tremors, addressing the root cause of eye deviation.
This formula is particularly beneficial in patterns like Interior Wind, where the disturbance in the Liver meridian is evident. The choice of herbs and formulas in TCM is tailored to the individual's specific disharmony pattern, focusing on restoring balance and harmonizing the body's energies.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address eye deviation, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Wind
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify blood
Top Formula for Wind:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause eye deviation, such as Interior Wind
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Eye Deviation Caused by Wind
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Interior Wind |
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Interior Wind |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Interior Wind |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Interior Wind |
| Bu Gan Tang | Interior Wind |
| Si Wu Tang | Interior Wind |
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
These formulas are suitable for some eye deviation-causing patterns like Interior Wind.
One such formula is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with gastrodia rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for eye deviation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Interior Wind |
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Interior Wind |
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Interior Wind |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Interior Wind |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some eye deviation-causing patterns like Interior Wind.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for eye deviation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some eye deviation-causing patterns like Interior Wind.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for eye deviation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bu Gan Tang | Interior Wind |
| Si Wu Tang | Interior Wind |
Acupoints for Eye Deviation
In TCM, acupuncture plays a significant role in treating conditions like eye deviation. Specific acupoints are selected to correct underlying imbalances and improve eye alignment. Acupoints such as Fengchi GB-20, located in the posterior aspect of the neck, and Hanyan GB-4, within the hairline of the temporal region, are used to subdue Liver Yang and expel Interior Wind.
Other important points include Shenmai BL-62, which benefits the eyes and eases pain, and Yingxiang LI-20, effective in expelling Exterior Wind. Stimulating these acupoints can help in balancing the Qi and Blood flow to the eyes, which can be beneficial in managing eye deviation. The selection of acupoints in TCM is tailored to each individual's specific pattern of disharmony, aiming to enhance the body’s natural healing processes and improve eye function.
Explore below some acupoints used to address eye deviation, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Stomach Channel
- Triple Burner Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Bladder Channel
- Liver Channel
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
- Lung Channel
- Small Intestine Channel
- Governing Vessel
Tinghui GB-2
Anterior to the intertragic notch, directly below Tinggong SI-19, at the posterior border of the condyloid process of the mandible.
Hanyan GB-4
Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the upper half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.
Qubin GB-7
Within the hairline anterior and superior to the auricle, about 1 finger-breadth (0.5 cun) anterior to Jiaosun TB-20 which is on the apex of the ear.
Yangbai GB-14
On the forehead, 1 cun above the midpoint of the eyebrow, approximately at the junction of the upper two-thirds and lower third of the vertical line draw from the anterior hairline to the eyebrow.
Fengchi GB-20
In the posterior aspect of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper portion of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscle.
Jiache ST-6
One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter muscle attaches at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.
Xiaguan ST-7
In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed.
Chongyang ST-42
Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated. The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones.
Yifeng TB-17
Posterior to the lobule of the ear, in the depression between the mandible and mastoid process.
Ermen TB-21
In the depression anterior to the supratragic notch and slightly superior to the condyloid process of the mandible. The point should be located and needled with mouth open. Tinggong SI-19 and Tinghui GB-2 are located below Ermen TB-21.
Hegu LI-4
Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
Wenliu LI-7
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Yingxiang LI-20
In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.
Xingjian LIV-2
Between the first and second toe, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the interdigital fold.
Taichong LIV-3
On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, in the depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joints and the proximal angle between the two bones.
Lieque LU-7
Above the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space) in a V-shaped depression.
