Eye Strain Headache - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for eye strain headache
Eye Strain Headache · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in eye strain headache,
characterized by **visual fatigue with accommodative insufficiency,
reduced accommodative microfluctuation amplitude, headache, and
generalized fatigue. The core pathogenesis is Qi-Blood deficiency
failing to nourish the eyes and head**, leading to accommodative
insufficiency, visual fatigue, and headache.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
insufficiency, generalized fatigue |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dizziness, poor sleep |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the eyes |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
loss, postpartum |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the body |
| Cuanzhu (BL2) |
|---|
| Local point; treats eye pain and headache |
| Taiyang (EX-HN5) | In the depression at the temple |
|---|
headache and eye strain |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Qihai to warm and tonify Qi
and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤) or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
(补中益气汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria
(Fu Ling), Angelica (Dang Gui), White Peony (Bai Shao), Chuanxiong
(Chuan Xiong), Rehmannia (Shu Di), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), Bupleurum
(Chai Hu), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, lifts Yang, and nourishes the
eyes.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe visual fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to calm Liver Wind |
|---|
| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Visual fatigue with accommodative insufficiency, reduced accommodative
microfluctuation amplitude, and reduced convergence function. Qi-Blood
Deficiency corresponds to chronic visual fatigue with accommodative
insufficiency, where reduced accommodative amplitude and convergence
function contribute to eye strain and headache.
References
1. Ophthalmology of TCM - Qi-Blood Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Qi Deficiency + Blood Deficiency.
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.
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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.