Retinal Vein Occlusion in Chinese Medicine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is caused by stagnation of Qi and blood, deficiency in the liver and kidneys, and the effects of external factors on the meridians. Below are the TCM-based causes, symptoms, and treatments for retinal vein occlusion.

Causes of Retinal Vein Occlusion in TCM:

1. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis:
One of the most common causes of retinal vein occlusion in TCM. TCM believes that stagnation of Qi and blood in the meridians can lead to obstruction of blood flow, causing vascular blockages in the eye.
2. Liver and Kidney Deficiency:
The health of the eyes is closely related to the liver and kidney functions. The liver stores blood, and the kidneys manage the body’s fluid metabolism. If the liver and kidneys are weak, insufficient Qi and blood can lead to poor blood flow to the retina, resulting in occlusion.

Symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion in TCM:

• Blurred Vision: Patients often experience a sudden decline in vision or blurred vision, typically in one eye.
• Eye Pain and Pressure: Due to blood stasis, patients may feel eye pain, eye pressure, and dryness.
• Dark Spots or Blind Spots: Dark spots or blind areas may appear in the field of vision, with objects appearing unclear or distorted.
• Dizziness and Headache: In TCM, the eyes are closely connected to the liver, and blood stasis often accompanies dizziness and headaches.

TCM Treatments for Retinal Vein Occlusion:

1. Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is effective in unblocking meridians and regulating Qi and blood circulation, making it a common treatment for RVO. Frequently used acupuncture points include:

Liver Shu, Kidney Shu, Tai Chong, and Guang Ming: These points help unblock the liver meridian, regulate Qi and blood, and improve microcirculation in the eyes.
Eye-specific Points: Acupuncture on specific points around the eyes promotes retinal blood flow, reducing stasis and retinal swelling.

2. Herbal Medicine:

In TCM, RVO is often associated with blood stasis and liver and kidney deficiency.

Common herbs include:

Blood-activating and stasis-removing herbs: such as Dan Shen (Salvia Root), Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), and Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) to improve blood circulation and relieve stasis.
Liver and Kidney Nourishing Herbs: Such as Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), and Tu Si Zi (Dodder Seed) to nourish the liver and kidneys and improve blood flow

3. Massage and Acupressure:

Massaging acupuncture points around the eyes, such as Jingming (UB-1), Sibai (ST-2), Zanzhu (UB-2), and Taiyang (EX-HN5), can help improve blood circulation in the eyes and relieve discomfort.

4. Dietary Therapy:

TCM places great emphasis on food therapy. Proper diet adjustments can help prevent and alleviate retinal vein occlusion.

Foods that Nourish the Liver and Improve Blood Flow: Goji berries, black beans, mulberries, and walnuts can nourish the liver and kidneys.
Foods that Clear Heat and Detoxify: Bitter melon, mung beans, and lotus seeds can help clear heat, detoxify, and improve blood circulation.

Preventive Measures:
Regulate Qi and Blood Flow: Maintaining smooth Qi and blood flow is key to preventing RVO. Regular exercise and managing emotions can help regulate Qi and blood.
Liver and Kidney Care: Since the eyes are closely related to the liver and kidneys, avoiding overwork, ensuring sufficient sleep, and protecting liver and kidney function can help prevent eye diseases

TCM focuses on holistic regulation and emphasizes the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and other methods to improve the body’s internal environment and treat eye diseases effectively

Dr. May Huang has developed a specialized technique for treating retinal vein occlusion, which she has successfully used for many years. With her treatment, patients often experience noticeable improvement within just four sessions. This is truly exciting news for those suffering from this condition.