Epiphora
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
Cold tear syndrome
Main Manifestations: Wind-attack tears, clear and cold tears, exacerbated in winter
Management Approach: Warm the Liver Channel, Constrict and Stop Tears
Heat tear syndrome
Main Manifestations: Tears Exuding Sticky and Hot, Eyes Red and Burning Painful
Management Approach: Clear the Liver and Drain Fire, Brighten the Eyes and Stop Tears
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.
— Wang Zhengxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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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.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)