Impaired Visionaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Vision Impairments and Disorders
Did you mean? Myopia Blurry Vision
What is Impaired Vision?
Impaired vision is a reduction in the ability to see to a degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses. The range can vary from slight blurriness to almost complete blindness, encompassing a variety of symptoms from reduced visual acuity to transient visual disturbances. The causes of vision impairment are numerous, including age-related changes, refractive errors, eye diseases, and injuries.
How does TCM View Impaired Vision?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), impaired vision is understood as a manifestation of imbalance within the body’s internal systems. TCM looks beyond the physiological structure of the eye, considering factors such as the flow of Qi (vital energy) and the balance of Yin and Yang energies as they pertain to organ systems.
Identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM, as it informs a tailored treatment approach to restore balance and improve vision.
Causes of Impaired Vision According to TCM
TCM attributes impaired vision to several internal patterns of disharmony. For instance, Yin Deficiency may lead to inadequate nourishment of the eyes, causing symptoms like dryness and blurriness. Another cause might be Yang Deficiency, resulting in insufficient warmth and impaired function.
In TCM, these patterns are more than just categories; they reflect a deeper connection between the eyes and other organs, particularly the Liver, which is believed to govern the sight according to TCM principles. Recognizing these patterns is crucial as they guide the choice of treatment to not just address the symptoms but also to correct the root cause.
TCM Herbs for Impaired Vision
In addressing impaired vision, TCM utilizes a variety of herbs, each corresponding to specific patterns of disharmony. Herbs like Dendrobium and Glossy Privet Fruits are typically used to nourish Yin and moisten Dryness, beneficial for those with Yin Deficiency.
To combat Yang Deficiency, herbs such as Cuscuta Seeds may be prescribed to reinforce warmth and improve vision. Chrysanthemum Flowers and Mulberry Leaves, known for their affinity with the Liver and their ability to release Wind-Heat, can be employed when impaired vision involves symptoms like redness and inflammation. Each herb is chosen based on a careful diagnosis of the individual's specific TCM pattern.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that clear liver heat and brighten the eyes
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Dendrobium (Shi Hu), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for impaired vision
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dendrobium (Shi Hu) | Not applicable |
| Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) | Not applicable |
| Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) | Not applicable |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for impaired vision
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua) | Not applicable |
| Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for impaired vision
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) | Not applicable |
| Milkvetch Seeds (Sha Yuan Zi) | Not applicable |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Aloe Vera (Lu Hui), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Herbs that clear Liver Heat and brighten the eyes
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs if it is a result of Liver heat affecting the eyes, working to cool the Liver and improve eye health.
One such herb is Cassia Seeds (Jue Ming Zi), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Kuding Tea (Ku Ding Cha), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Palmleaf Raspberries (Fu Pen Zi), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Impaired vision can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Pearls (Zhen Zhu), which is directly recommended for impaired vision.