TCM Approach to Eye Health: Resting the Liver and Nourishing Blood
In our modern world of constant screen time and visual stimulation, many people experience eye fatigue, dryness, blurry vision, or pressure behind the eyes. While these issues are often attributed to screen overuse or aging, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a deeper explanation — connecting eye health to the Liver and Blood systems.
According to TCM, maintaining clear, comfortable, and healthy vision requires not just avoiding strain, but also nourishing internal organs, regulating emotions, and restoring Yin-Yang balance. This article explores how TCM views the eyes, and how to care for them holistically.
🔶 In TCM, the Liver “Opens into the Eyes”
One of the core statements in TCM physiology is:
“The Liver opens into the eyes.” (肝开窍于目)
This means:
- The Liver stores Blood, and Blood moistens and nourishes the eyes
- The Liver’s smooth flow of Qi ensures proper eye movement and function
- Emotional stress, which affects Liver Qi, can lead to vision problems
When the Liver is deficient, overactive, or blocked, the eyes often reflect it — through dryness, redness, twitching, floaters, or poor night vision.
🔶 Common TCM Eye-Related Patterns
| Pattern | Symptoms | Treatment Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Blood Deficiency | Dry eyes, blurry vision, pale nails, dizziness | Nourish Blood, tonify Liver |
| Liver Yang Rising | Eye pressure, headaches, red eyes, irritability | Subdue Yang, clear Heat |
| Liver Qi Stagnation | Eye tension, floaters, sensitivity to light, stress | Soothe Liver, move Qi |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Dry, fatigued eyes in the evening, tinnitus, lower back soreness | Nourish Yin, support Kidney |
| Wind-Heat invasion | Acute eye inflammation, redness, swelling | Expel Wind, clear Heat |
🔶 Lifestyle Practices to Protect Eye Health
✅ 1. Rest the Eyes Regularly
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Close your eyes for 1–2 minutes every hour to nourish Liver Yin
✅ 2. Blink and Moisturize
- Conscious blinking helps spread tears and protect the cornea
- Use natural eyedrops if necessary
✅ 3. Sleep on Time (before 11 PM)
- Liver Blood is replenished during sleep, especially between 11 PM–3 AM
- Insufficient sleep = weakened Liver and dry, tired eyes
✅ 4. Reduce Emotional Stress
- Liver Qi is easily affected by frustration and overthinking
- Try Qigong, breathing exercises, or gentle walks after screen time
🔶 Food and Herbal Support for the Eyes
| Category | Examples | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Liver-Blood tonics | Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi), black sesame, spinach, animal liver | Nourish Liver and improve vision |
| Yin-nourishing foods | Chinese yam, lotus seed, mulberries, walnuts | Restore fluid and moistness |
| Eye-clearing herbs (acute) | Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Jue Ming Zi (Cassia seed), Sang Ye (Mulberry leaf) | Clear Wind-Heat and soothe eyes |
Goji berry chrysanthemum tea is a classic eye tonic for daily use.
🔶 Acupressure Points for Vision Support
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| BL1 / BL2 (Jingming / Zanzhu) | Inner corner of the eye / eyebrow base | Refreshes eyes, improves circulation |
| Taiyang (Extra point) | Temple area | Relieves tension, eye strain |
| GB37 (Guangming) | Lower leg | “Luo-Connecting point” to the eyes |
| LV3 (Taichong) | Foot | Moves Liver Qi, clears internal Heat |
Gently massage or press for 30–60 seconds on each point daily.
🔶 Conclusion
Eye health in TCM is not just about vision — it reflects the balance of Liver, Blood, Qi, and Yin. In a time when visual overload is common, the TCM approach helps us reconnect the eyes to the rest of the body, offering lasting support through nourishment, rest, and emotional regulation.
By caring for our Liver and Blood, we not only see more clearly — we live more clearly.
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