Eye Strain Headache - Liver Blood Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Eye Strain Headache · Liver Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Liver Blood Deficiency is the most common pattern in eye strain headache, characterized by sustained ciliary muscle tension causing accommodative spasm, blurred vision, dry eyes, headache worsened by prolonged use, and dizziness. The core pathogenesis is Liver Blood deficiency failing to nourish the eyes and head, leading to accommodative dysfunction, dry eyes, and headache.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Blurred vision, dry eyes, headache worsened by prolonged use, eye fatigue |

| Associated Symptoms | Dizziness, pale complexion, insomnia, limb numbness, brittle nails |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale tongue with thin white coating, thready and weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Liver Blood deficiency failing to nourish the eyes and head |

| Etiology | Prolonged screen use, excessive reading, blood loss, poor nutrition |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Ganshu (BL18) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 | Back-Shu point of Liver meridian; nourishes Liver Blood |

| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver Qi and nourishes Blood |

| Cuanzhu (BL2) | In the depression at the medial end of the eyebrow | Local point; treats eye pain and headache |

| Taiyang (EX-HN5) | In the depression at the temple | Relieves headache and eye strain |

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Nourishes Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; may combine with warm compresses on the eyes to enhance Blood nourishment.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Bu Gan Tang (补肝汤) or Si Wu Tang (四物汤)

Composition:

Angelica (Dang Gui), White Peony (Bai Shao), Rehmannia (Shu Di), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Sour Jujube Seed (Suan Zao Ren), Papaya (Mu Gua), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Nourishes Liver Blood, relaxes the eyes, and relieves headache.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Dry eyes | Add Gou Qi, Ju Hua to nourish the Liver and brighten the eyes |

| Blurred vision | Add Gou Qi, Ju Hua to brighten the eyes |

| Insomnia | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |

| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to calm Liver Wind |

Western Mechanism Reference

Sustained ciliary muscle tension causing accommodative spasm, with accommodative microfluctuation abnormalities and decreased tear film stability. Liver Blood Deficiency corresponds to asthenopia and digital eye strain, where sustained accommodative effort and reduced tear film stability contribute to eye fatigue and headache.

References

  1. Ophthalmology of TCM - Liver Blood Insufficiency.

  2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver Blood Deficiency → Cross-layer Blood Nourishment.

  3. WHO. (2023). Vision and eye health. World Health Organization.

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