By Danisha Bogue, L.Ac. - September 9, 2024
Categories: General

So, you’re tired of squinting at your phone and wondering why your grandma could see better without glasses than you can without a contact lens? Well, let’s dive into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine and see what it has to say about your peepers. 

Your Eyes Are a Window to Your Soul (and your Liver)

In the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine, your eyes are considered a microcosm of your overall health. It’s like saying your eyes are the dashboard of your body, flashing warning lights when something’s off. And guess who’s the big guy in charge of your vision? Your liver. Yup, that hardworking organ that processes all your toxins and helps with mood regulation is also responsible for keeping your eyes bright and clear. 

Yin and Yang of Your Eyes

We’ve talked a lot about yin and yang in this blog, and your eyes are no exception. Too much of either energy can lead to eye issues: 

Excess Yang

Too much Yang energy typically indicates a heat or fire imbalance in your body (particularly the liver) and can result in the following eye symptoms: 

  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Itching
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred Vision

There are several factors that can lead to excess Yang energy, including: 

  • Emotional Stress: anger, frustration, and excessive ambition can generate heat and fire within the body
  • Poor Diet: Consuming excessive amounts of hot, spicy, or greasy food can contribute to internal heat
  • Overwork: Excessive physical exertion can lead to heat buildup
  • Hot Climate: Living in a hot environment can increase heat and Yang energy
  • Infections: Certain illnesses can cause internal heat

Excess Yin

On the other side of the coin, too much Yin energy can cause its own issues. Here are some of the common eye symptoms of having too much Yin energy: 

  • Dryness
  • Blurred Vision
  • Fatigue
  • Night Blindness
  • Lack of Luster/Dull Eyes

Excess Yin tends to be less common than excess Yang, but can be caused by: 

  • Exposure to cold: Excessively cold environments or consuming too many cold foods and drinks can lead to an imbalance
  • Dampness: Excessive dampness in the body can contribute to yin accumulation

Nourish Those Peepers

Want to give your eyes some TLC? Traditional Chinese Medicine has a few tips: 

  • Eat your greens: Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with nutrients that support liver health and eye function. 
  • Blueberries: These little berries are packed with antioxidants that can help protect your eyes from damage. 
  • Get some shut-eye: Rest is crucial for overall health, including your vision. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. 
  • Drink your water: Water is essential to help keep your eyes moist, and dry eyes are an early indication that you’re not getting enough! It also helps your liver to more effectively flush out toxins. 

Acupuncture and Your Eyes

Don’t worry – we’re not going near your eyes with needles. But acupuncture CAN help to improve blood flow to the eyes, reduce inflammation, and relax the eye muscles! And that’s not to mention helping to treat any underlying conditions like Liver issues that might be causing your eye issues. 

So there you have it! A quick and dirty guide to eye health according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Remember, taking care of your eyes is important! Treat them with kindness, and they’ll reward you with a clear view of the world. 

Be well.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.