Effective TCM Acupuncture Points for Eye Health and Vision Improvement

The benefits of TCM acupuncture have been known for centuries and continue to grow in popularity as an alternative therapy for improving overall well-being. While it may seem a little scary at first, acupuncture can also improve your eye health and vision; with the help of a highly qualified acupuncture practitioner, you may be surprised to find your vision gradually improving after a few regular sessions.

Acupuncture is not based on simply placing needles on your body; it targets specific points called meridians through which Qi flows uninterrupted. Any disruptions to the flow of Qi can cause imbalances that make us feel ill, which can also impair our eye health.

Common Acupuncture Points for Eye Health

 
TCM views the body as an interconnected system, so imbalances can manifest as various eye conditions. Acupuncture can help promote the circulation of Qi and blood to nourish the eyes, specifically by targeting specific acupuncture points (acupoints) to slowly improve eye health and vision.

These are the more common acupoints a practitioner will focus on to help improve your eye health and vision.
 

Jingming (BL 1)

This acupoint is found on the inner corner of the eye. It is known as the tear hole acupoint and, as the name suggests, is related to tear secretion. Targeting this acupoint helps address eye diseases, including early-stage cataracts and improves Qi and blood circulation.

Zanzhu (BL 2)

This acupoint, located above the inner end of the eyebrow, right above the eye’s inner corner, is said to help ease dry eyes and redness (especially if allergies cause it), twitching eyelids, and blurry vision. It is also prioritised to help mitigate the risk of severe eye conditions like glaucoma.

Taiyang (EX-HN5)

This acupoint is located around the temples between the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye. Acupuncture can target this acupoint to help relieve several eye conditions, such as pain, swelling, redness, and reduced visual acuity.

Sizhukong (TH 23)

Sizhukong is found at the end tip of the brow and is targeted to help alleviate headaches, blurry vision, and twitching eyelids. Stimulating this point is said to help relieve eye strain and promote more relaxed eye muscles.

Dicang (ST 4)

This acupoint is directly below the pupil and lateral to the corner of your mouth. Targeting it can help address complications like eye twitching, difficulty closing the eye, itching, and night blindness.

Yuyao (EX-HN4)

Yuyao is located in the depression in the middle of the eyebrow, just above the pupil. It is associated with regulating your eye movements and visual function. Stimulating this point is believed to nourish the eyes and help alleviate cloudiness in the cornea and even eye pain.

Tongziliao (GB 1)

This acupoint is just a short distance from the outer corner of your eye. Acupuncture can target this acupoint to relieve eye soreness or redness, as well as any minor vision impairment.

Sibai (ST 2)

This acupoint is located below the pupil and past the bridge of your nose. Targeting this acupoint can help address red, painful, or itchy eyes and excess tear production.

Yangbai (GB 14)

This acupoint is directly above the pupil and slightly past the midpoint of your eyebrow. If you happen to have any redness, swelling, itching, or twitching in your eye, then this acupoint will be prioritised.

What Corresponds to These Acupuncture Points?

Each meridian typically corresponds to different organs in your body, and every acupoint along these meridians targets specific body parts. Acupuncture on or along these acupoints aims to activate the body’s natural healing processes and ensure the smooth flow of Qi and blood for a healthy body. In the case of the eyes, the kidneys and liver are typically associated with regulating your overall eye health and vision. In fact, it is often said that the liver is responsible for nourishing and moistening the eyes; any deficiency in the liver (or other related organs) can cause various eye problems.

An acupuncture practitioner must identify what deficiencies impair your eye health and vision. With that knowledge, they can prioritise the key acupoints that can unblock the imbalances in your body and allow Qi and blood to flow as usual. Since the kidneys and liver are core organs intertwined with your eye health, they will target acupoints corresponding to these organs. If necessary, other organs, including the spleen, will also need to be treated to help with your eye health.

The Benefits of Targeting These Acupuncture Points

 
Given how each of these acupoints can have a positive impact on your overall eye health, the benefits of TCM acupuncture definitely cannot be understated.

Gradually Improve Vision

Given that the blockages and imbalances in your body interrupt smooth Qi flow throughout your body and affect your eye health, TCM acupuncture aims to remedy these issues and ensure Qi flows as usual. In doing so, your various internal systems will gradually return to their normal level of functioning, which also has the added benefit of improving vision issues you have been dealing with, such as nearsightedness.

Relieves Tension

The acupoints are also pressure points that can help to promote relaxation in and around your eyes, especially if the acupuncture session is complemented by a light eye massage on these acupoints. With how often we use our electronic devices for both work and play, we may end up straining our eyes and thereby impair our vision as a result. Hence, it is often encouraged to stay off our devices at regular intervals to help reduce the strain placed on our eyes; TCM acupuncture also can provide your eyes much needed relief.

Treat Complex Eye Conditions

Some studies have found that acupuncture can be beneficial and safe for use as part of glaucoma management and perhaps other complex eye complications as well. Further research will be needed to uncover the benefits eye acupuncture may lend to treating these other eye conditions.

Taking Care of Your Eye Health

Are you thinking of doing more to maintain your optical well-being? ICU Eye Care Unit is here to support your journey with comprehensive support from start to finish and a holistic treatment approach through the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Start your optical health journey with us today; contact us for more information on how we can help you!