Eye Strain Headache - Liver-Yang Hyperactivity Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for eye strain headache
Eye Strain Headache · Liver-Yang Hyperactivity Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Liver-Yang Hyperactivity is a pattern in eye strain headache,
characterized by **accommodative spasm with intraocular pressure
fluctuation, throbbing headache, red eyes, dizziness, and
irritability. The core pathogenesis is Liver-Yang hyperactivity
disturbing the upper body**, causing ciliary muscle hypertonicity,
intraocular pressure fluctuation, and headache.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
strain |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
|
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology |
|---|
sleep |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; calms Liver-Yang |
| Fengchi (GB20) |
|---|
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind and calms Liver-Yang
|
| Taiyang (EX-HN5) | In the depression at the temple |
|---|
headache and eye strain |
| Baihui (GV20) |
|---|
anterior hairline | Calms the spirit and clears the head |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Nourishes Kidney-Yin to anchor Liver-Yang |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method for Liver
points, reinforcing method for Kidney points.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (天麻钩藤饮)
Composition:
Gastrodia (Tian Ma), Uncaria (Gou Teng), Abalone Shell (Shi Jue Ming),
Gardenia (Zhi Zi), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Eucommia (Du Zhong),
Loranthus (Sang Ji Sheng), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Leonurus (Yi Mu Cao),
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Calms Liver-Yang, extinguishes Wind, and relieves headache.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Throbbing headache | Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to calm Liver-Yang |
|---|
| Red eyes | Add Ju Hua, Xia Ku Cao to clear Liver Fire |
|---|
| Insomnia | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to extinguish Wind |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Accommodative spasm with intraocular pressure fluctuation, sympathetic
overactivity, and ciliary muscle hypertonicity. Liver-Yang Hyperactivity
corresponds to eye strain headache with sympathetic overactivity, where
ciliary muscle hypertonicity and sympathetic activation contribute to
intraocular pressure fluctuation and headache.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Liver-Yang Hyperactivity.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Yang Hyperactivity →
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.