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Traditional Chinese medicine groups eye discomfort into a handful of patterns. Here are four of them, explained simply for readers across the North Shore and Northern Beaches.

Why does Chinese medicine connect the eyes with the liver?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), every organ system is paired with a sense organ, and the liver is paired with the eyes. TCM theory holds that liver energy rises to nourish them. Traditionally, if that energy and the blood that goes with it are plentiful, the eyes are described as clear, moist and comfortable, including at night.

Pattern one: heat rising

What does it look like? Eyes that are red, hot, itchy or dry, sometimes with a flushed face. How does TCM explain it? The liver is said to produce heat when it is out of balance, and heat naturally rises. Practitioners often point to the morning after a few drinks: alcohol is classed as heating, and red eyes with rosy cheeks are the traditional picture.

Pattern two: not enough liver blood

What does it look like? Dry, scratchy eyes and floaters, the tiny dark specks that float at the edge of vision. How does TCM explain it? Blood is considered the moistening substance, so a shortfall shows up as dryness, especially in the eyes.

Pattern three: Internal Wind

What does it look like? A twitching eyelid, tics, tremors, or itchy rashes that seem to travel. How does TCM explain it? When blood deficiency goes further, Wind is said to arise, and Wind is all about movement. Many people have had an eyelid twitch they were sure others could notice, even though nobody did; in TCM language, that is Wind.

Pattern four: low kidney yin

What does it look like? Dry eyes along with dry skin and stiff, creaky joints. How does TCM explain it? The kidney is regarded as the body's source of lubrication, and its yin aspect keeps tissues moist.

What should I do if my eyes are bothering me?

Start with your GP or optometrist, particularly for pain, discharge, light sensitivity or any change in vision. If you are interested in acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine as a complement to that care, our Lane Cove and Freshwater rooms are open to a chat about the traditional view; just keep your doctor in the loop.