Traditional Chinese Medicine for Dark Circles


From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, dark circles can be caused by internal and external factors. For internal factors, the most common pattern is qi deficiency in kidneys. Common symptoms of qi deficiency in kidneys are fatigue and adrenal exhaustion, which often result in dark circles under the eyes.

Another common pattern is blood stagnation. Blood stagnation can be caused by liver problem, which often lead to blood is not moving smoothly in some parts of the body. The skin around your eyes is fairly transparent, when blood stagnation occurs around your eyes, it’s more easily seen.

For external factors, dark circles can be caused by lack of sleep, stress, sun overexposure, poor diet, aging and allergies. Dark circles can also be a hereditary trait for some people. Lack of sleep or stress can cause body fluids to build underneath your eyes. Since the skin tissues around the eyes are very thin, such changes in the circulation of body fluids can be revealed through the very thin layer. Skin tissues become thinner and more transparent as you age. The dark blood vessels underneath your skin become more visible causing the area below your eyes to darken.

Chinese Herbs for Dark Circles

TCM practitioners often use acupuncture combined with herbal formula. For dark circles caused by qi deficiency in kidneys, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, an herbal formula can be used. It has been traditionally used to nourish the energy of the kidneys. It can be helpful for dark circles caused by qi deficiency in kidneys. It contains herbs include Shu Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu, Shan Yao, Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi and Fu Ling.

1) Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, also known as Six Flavor Teapills, can be used to nourish the energy of the kidneys. It can be helpful for dark circles caused by kidney dysfunction.

Where to buy (amazon link): Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

How to use: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan can be used in the form of pills.

2) Yang Gan Ju (Chamomile) has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can help to decrease the dark circles, and also help with temporarily reducing the redness and irritation on eye bags.

Where to buy (amazon link): Chamomile Tea

How to use: Instead of drinking chamomile tea, place two bags of chamomile tea in boiling water for 2 minutes. Take the tea bags out, wait until they are cool enough, and then place them underneath your eyes for 5 minutes.

Acupuncture for Dark Circles

TCM practitioners believe that acupuncture can improve circulation around the eyes and improve blood flow. It can eliminate the root cause and reduce the dark circles under your eyes. Some of the acupuncture points for dark circles are located on the face. This type of acupuncture is also known as facial acupuncture or cosmetic acupuncture. Some studies indicate that acupuncture may help to reduce the appearance of dark circles, but not all studies agree. If you want to give Chinese medicine a try, but have a bit of hesitation about having needles inserted into your face, you can try to use only Chinese herbal formula first. Also, you can try stimulating acupressure points for dark circles on your own.

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