Eye Itchingaccording to TCM

What is Eye Itching?

Eye itching, commonly referred to as itchy eyes or ocular itching, is a prevalent symptom characterized by an irritating sensation leading to the urge to rub the eyes. It is often associated with redness, swelling, and watery discharge. Eye itching can result from various causes, including allergies, environmental irritants, or infections.

Persistent or severe itching can significantly impact daily activities, necessitating a thorough understanding and appropriate management of the underlying causes.

How does TCM view Eye Itching?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives eye itching differently from Western medicine. In TCM, eye health is intricately linked to the Liver, and itchy eyes are often seen as a manifestation of imbalances in this organ's function.

TCM theory suggests that eye itching could arise from internal factors like Liver Heat, Wind-Heat, or Liver Blood Deficiency. Treatment in TCM focuses on restoring balance and addressing the root cause of the symptoms, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body's systems.

Acupoints for Eye Itching

TCM employs acupuncture as a key modality for treating eye itching. Several acupoints are specifically targeted to alleviate symptoms and address underlying imbalances. For instance, Diwuhui GB-42 on the Gall Bladder Channel helps resolve Liver Qi Stagnation and clear Heat, thereby reducing eye irritation. Guangming GB-37 is another vital point that benefits the eyes and removes channel obstructions, while Tongziliao GB-1 is effective in clearing Heat in the eyes and expelling Wind.

In the Bladder Channel, Ganshu BL-18 is crucial for nourishing Liver Blood and invigorating Liver Qi, both essential for eye health. Jingming BL-1 and Zanzhu BL-2 are potent points for expelling Wind and clearing Heat, directly benefiting the eyes.

The Stomach Channel also offers effective points, like Chengqi ST-1, known for its ability to clear Heat and Wind, and Sibai ST-2, which expels Wind and clears Heat, directly addressing eye symptoms.

These acupoints, when stimulated appropriately, can significantly alleviate eye itching and contribute to the overall balance and harmony of the body's Qi, as per TCM principles.

Explore below some acupoints used to address eye itching, organized by meridian.

Tongziliao GB-1

Lateral to the outer canthus, in the depression on the lateral side of the orbit.

Guangming GB-37

5 cun directly above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.

Diwuhui GB-42

Between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the medial side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the little toe.

Jingming BL-1

0.1 cun superior and medial to the inner canthus.

Zanzhu BL-2

On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch.

Ganshu BL-18

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

Chengqi ST-1

Between the eyeball and the midpoint of the infraorbital ridge.

Sibai ST-2

Below Chengqi ST-1, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen.