Optic nerve atrophy 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.
Optic nerve atrophy can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like optic nerve atrophy here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here optic nerve atrophy is often associated with palpitations in the pattern “Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium”. As you will see below, we have in record two patterns that can cause optic nerve atrophy.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of optic nerve atrophy we’ve identified five herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat optic nerve atrophy.
The two "patterns of disharmony" that can cause optic nerve atrophy
In Chinese Medicine optic nerve atrophy is a symptom for 2 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
Kansui Roots (Gan Sui) is the king ingredient for Shi Zao Tang, a formula used for Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating
Tongue color: Pale
Tongue shape: Swollen
This is when Phlegm-Fluids clogs up the chest and hypochondriac regions, producing chest pain, cough and shortness of breath.
In addition to optic nerve atrophy, other symptoms associated with Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium include palpitations.
Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium is often treated with Shi Zao Tang, a herbal formula made of 4 herbs (including Kansui Roots - Gan Sui - as a key herb). Shi Zao Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that drive out excess water", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids".
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Partial absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
In addition to optic nerve atrophy, other symptoms associated with Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency include lightheadedness, vertigo and tinnitus.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency is associated with health issues such as Absence Of Menstruation, Menopausal Syndrome or Vaginal Itching.
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency is often treated with Zuo Gui Wan, a herbal formula made of 8 herbs (including Prepared Rehmannia - Shu Di huang - as a key herb). Zuo Gui Wan belongs to the category of "formulas that nourish yin and tonify", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Nourishes the Yin".
Five herbal formulas that might help with optic nerve atrophy
Shi Zao Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids.
Why might Shi Zao Tang help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium' of which optic nerve atrophy is a symptom.
Zuo Gui Wan
Source date: 1624 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes the Yin. Strengthens the Kidneys. Fills the Essence. Augments the marrow.
Why might Zuo Gui Wan help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency' of which optic nerve atrophy is a symptom.
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 optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency' of which optic nerve atrophy is a symptom.
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Source date: 1119 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Nutritive tonic for the Liver and Kidney Yin Essence (nourishes the parasympathetic nervous system).
Why might Liu Wei Di Huang Wan help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency' of which optic nerve atrophy is a symptom.
Qing Gu San
Source date: 1602 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat from Deficiency. Alleviates steaming bone disorder.
Why might Qing Gu San help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency' of which optic nerve atrophy is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for optic nerve atrophy
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat optic nerve atrophy
Why might Kansui Root (Gan Sui) help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a key herb in Shi Zao Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium' (a pattern with optic nerve atrophy as a symptom)
Kansui Roots is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Spleen, the Kidney, the Large intestine and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves water retention and congestion of Fluids. Cools swellings and reduces inflammation when applied topically. Strong purgative, driving water and Food Stagnation out though the stool.
Why might Genkwa Flower (Yuan Hua) help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a key herb in Shi Zao Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium' (a pattern with optic nerve atrophy as a symptom)
Genkwa Flowers is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Kidney, the Large intestine and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves chronic congestion of Fluids in the chest and stops cough. Drains congested Fluids through the urine and the stool. Expels parasites.
Why might Peking Spurge Root (Jing Da Ji) help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a key herb in Shi Zao Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium' (a pattern with optic nerve atrophy as a symptom)
Peking Spurge Roots is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Spleen, the Kidney and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Drains water downward and drives out Phlegm-Fluids. Reduces swellings and dispels lumps.
Why might Jujube Date (Da Zao) help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a key herb in Shi Zao Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium' (a pattern with optic nerve atrophy as a symptom)
Jujube Dates is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula.
Why might Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) help with optic nerve atrophy?
Because it is a key herb in Zuo Gui Wan, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency' (a pattern with optic nerve atrophy as a symptom)
Prepared Rehmannia is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys.
Other symptoms often associated with optic nerve atrophy
Palpitations Lightheadedness Vertigo Tinnitus Diminished hearing Night sweats Dizziness Numbness in the limbs Insomnia Blurred vision