Photophobia according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, photophobia is sometimes associated with Liver Yin Deficiency, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's photophobia might be caused by the pattern Liver Yin Deficiency, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from photophobia alone. Indeed if photophobia is caused by Liver Yin Deficiency, patients also experience symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in the limbs, insomnia and blurred vision. Similarly, patients with Liver Yin Deficiency typically exhibit empty (Xu) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as a normal (light red) tongue with complete absence of coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Liver Yin Deficiency so that you can have a better understanding of where photophobia might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below two formulas that can help treat Liver Yin Deficiency.
Liver Yin Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with photophobia
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Yin Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Complete absence of coating
Tongue color: Normal (light red)
Recommended herbal formula: Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Symptoms: Cramps Insomnia Dry eyes Dry skin Dry hair Dizziness Amenorrhea Depression Blurred vision Scanty periods Muscle weakness 'Floaters' in eyes Numbness in the limbs Feeling of aimlessness Diminished night vision Withered and brittle nails Dull-pale complexion without lustre but with red cheekbones
Photophobia might be due to Liver Yin Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in the limbs, insomnia and blurred vision. Similarly, patients with Liver Yin Deficiency typically exhibit empty (Xu) or floating (Fu) pulses as well as a normal (light red) tongue with complete absence of coating.
The two herbal formulas that might help with photophobia
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Source date: 1350 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin. Improves vision.
Why might Qi Ju Di Huang Wan help with photophobia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Liver Yin Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with photophobia. If it looks like you might suffer from Liver Yin Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Bu Gan Tang
Source date: 1742 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies and regulates the Blood. Nourishes the Liver Yin.
Why might Bu Gan Tang help with photophobia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with photophobia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
