Eye Strain Headache - Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for eye strain headache
Eye Strain Headache · Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency is a chronic pattern in eye strain headache,
characterized by **accommodative fatigue with dry eye, blurred vision,
dry throat, dizziness, and headache**. The core pathogenesis is
Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency failing to nourish the eyes and head,
leading to accommodative fatigue, dry eye, and reduced accommodative
amplitude.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
accommodative fatigue |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
the lower back and knees |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
eyes |
| Etiology |
|---|
deficiency, overwork |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Ganshu (BL18) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 |
|---|
of Liver meridian; nourishes Liver-Yin |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney-Yin |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney-Yin |
| Cuanzhu (BL2) |
|---|
| Local point; treats eye pain and headache |
| Guangming (GB37) | 5 cun above the lateral malleolus |
|---|
Luo-Connecting point of Gallbladder meridian; brightens the eyes |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; may
combine with moxibustion on Shenshu to warm and tonify.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (杞菊地黄丸)
Composition:
Goji Berry (Gou Qi), Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), Rehmannia (Shu Di),
Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Poria (Fu Ling), Moutan (Mu
Dan Pi), Alisma (Ze Xie)
Action: Nourishes Liver-Kidney Yin, brightens the eyes, and relieves
headache.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Dry eyes | Add Gou Qi, Ju Hua to brighten the eyes |
|---|
| Blurred vision |
|---|
the eyes |
| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to calm Liver Wind |
|---|
| Lower back and knee soreness |
|---|
lower back |
Western Mechanism Reference
Accommodative fatigue with dry eye, reduced accommodative amplitude, and
decreased lacrimal gland secretion. Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency
corresponds to chronic eye strain with dry eye and accommodative
dysfunction, where reduced lacrimal secretion and accommodative
amplitude contribute to eye fatigue and headache.
References
1. Ophthalmology of TCM - Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency →
Cross-layer.
3. WHO. (2023). Vision and eye health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for eye health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM eye health.
Related TCM Patterns for Eye Strain Headache
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.