流泪症
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Leakage of tears, a condition within the field of Ophthalmology in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), falls under the category of "Internal Medicine of TCM". According to TCM, tears are the fluid of the liver, and the lacrimal ducts are connected to the eyes. If there is a disharmony in the liver meridian, tears cannot be excreted normally, leading to excessive lacrimation. As stated in the "Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon": "The fluid of the liver is tears; if tears flow continuously without ceasing, it indicates an inversion of liver Qi." Clinical manifestations include increased lacrimation, obstruction of the lacrimal ducts, or lacrimation upon exposure to wind, or cold and sticky tears, etc.
In clinical practice of TCM, the core pathogenesis of the condition of leakage of tears is a disharmony in the liver meridian, with the loss of constraint over tears. Common precipitating factors include emotional disturbances, excessive sexual activity, and irregular diet, which lead to liver Qi stagnation or liver Yang hyperactivity, thereby affecting the normal excretion of tears. During differentiation of symptoms, the following key points should be distinguished:
1. Cold tears syndrome: Commonly seen in lacrimation upon exposure to wind, with cold and clear tears, exacerbated in winter. Patients often present with pale complexion, aversion to cold, and other symptoms. The therapeutic approach is to warm the liver meridian and stop lacrimation.
2. Hot tears syndrome: Characterized by sticky and hot tears, red and burning eyes, and symptoms such as dizziness, dizziness, and bitter taste in the mouth. The therapeutic approach is to clear the liver and drain fire, and to improve vision and stop lacrimation.
In treatment, traditional TCM emphasizes the need to harmonize liver Qi and restore the normal excretion function of tears. The overall direction of treatment suggests: attention to emotional regulation, maintaining a cheerful mood; a reasonable diet, avoiding spicy and greasy foods; and moderate exercise to enhance physical fitness. At the same time, according to specific patterns, treatment methods such as internal administration of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage can be adopted to harmonize Qi and blood, and restore the function of the liver meridian.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
冷泪证
Main Manifestations：迎风流泪,泪液清冷,冬季加重
Management Approach：温养肝经,收敛止泪
热泪证
Main Manifestations：泪出黏热,目赤灼痛
Management Approach：清肝泻火,明目止泪
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
In clinical treatment of patients with leakage of tears, it is often observed that there is an excessive production of tears. The emphasis in treatment is on harmonizing the liver and spleen to reduce tear secretion.
— 王正香 中医执业医师
Related Popular Articles
Guidance for Nearby Treatment
花园岗社区、万家花城、双荡弄社区等周边居民可就近到正规中医医疗机构就诊，具体地址、电话及营业时间请查看关于我们。
This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
参考文献：《中医内科学》（十三五规划教材）、《中医病证诊断疗效标准》(ZY/T001.1-94)、《中医病证分类与代码》(GB/T 15657-2021)