Dark Circles and Tear Troughs: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

Q: Dark Circles and Tear Troughs: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

Dear Anonymous / 25 years old / Female User： Hello, <br>1. <br>You have dark circles under your eyes and often experience nasal congestion, but there are no allergens present. <br>Neither of your parents has significant dark circles, and you did not have them before the age of th

Tear trough issues?

Hello Doctor,
1.
I have had dark circles under my eyes since kindergarten, and I often experience nasal congestion.
However, it’s strange that after visiting several ENT specialists, including at National Taiwan University Hospital where I underwent allergy testing, the diagnosis has always been that I do not have allergic rhinitis symptoms, nor any allergens.
The doctors have told me that I am healthy, which leaves me puzzled about the cause of my dark circles.
Neither of my parents has dark circles, and I did not have them before the age of three.
I also go to bed early and get plenty of sleep, yet the dark circles remain prominent.
2.
Additionally, I have had tear troughs since childhood, and now at 25 years old, they have become deeper as I have grown older.
The skin around my eyes is naturally thin, making the blood vessels quite noticeable.
I have also undergone aesthetic treatments, including hyaluronic acid injections to reduce the tear troughs, but the results have been limited.
The doctor mentioned that due to the depth of my tear troughs, complete removal would require invasive surgery to transfer fat from other areas around the eyes to the tear troughs, which I find too risky and have thus not considered.
I would like to ask if there are any traditional Chinese medicine remedies or methods that could help improve the appearance of my tear troughs.
Specifically, are there any approaches in traditional Chinese medicine that could help plump up my cheeks a bit and thicken my skin? Thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/23

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Anonymous / 25 years old / Female User: Hello,
1.
You have dark circles under your eyes and often experience nasal congestion, but there are no allergens present.
Neither of your parents has significant dark circles, and you did not have them before the age of three.
You also go to bed early and get plenty of sleep, yet the dark circles remain pronounced.
It is possible that your body has undergone changes that have led to the development of dark circles.
2.
You have tear troughs, which have become more pronounced as you have grown older.
The skin around your eyes is naturally thin, making the blood vessels quite visible.
I have undergone cosmetic procedures, including hyaluronic acid injections to reduce the tear troughs, but the results have been limited.
It may be worth considering issues related to the muscles around the eyes; consulting a medical aesthetician or a physician may be advisable.
3.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) could be considered to strengthen the spleen and stomach to help plump up your cheeks and thicken your skin, as well as to tonify kidney qi.
The natural color of kidney qi is black, and deficiencies in kidney qi can lead to symptoms such as lower back pain, cloudy urine, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Strengthening kidney qi may help improve the appearance of your tear troughs.
4.
However, it is essential to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced TCM practitioner who can provide a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan to achieve improvement.
Wishing you well,
Dr.
Lin Ching-Chung,
Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department,
Fengyuan Hospital,
Associate Professor, General Education Center,
Chung Tai University.

Reply Date: 2016/01/23

More Info

Dark circles and tear troughs are common concerns that can significantly affect one's appearance and self-esteem. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these issues are often viewed through the lens of underlying health conditions, such as deficiencies in the body or imbalances in the organs.

Understanding Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes can be attributed to several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions. In TCM, they are often associated with deficiencies in the kidney and spleen, which are believed to govern the vitality and nourishment of the body. A deficiency in these organs can lead to poor blood circulation and inadequate nourishment of the skin around the eyes, resulting in dark circles.
In your case, since you have experienced dark circles since childhood and have undergone various medical evaluations without a clear diagnosis, it may be beneficial to explore TCM approaches. TCM practitioners might recommend herbal formulas that tonify the kidney and spleen, such as Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) or Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder). These formulas aim to improve blood circulation and enhance the overall vitality of the body, which may help reduce the appearance of dark circles over time.

Understanding Tear Troughs
Tear troughs, or the hollows under the eyes, can be a result of genetic predisposition, aging, or loss of fat and collagen in the skin. In TCM, this condition is often linked to the same organ deficiencies that cause dark circles. The thin skin around the eyes can also be a sign of "yin deficiency," which refers to a lack of moisture and nourishment in the body.

To address tear troughs, TCM may suggest treatments that focus on nourishing the skin and promoting collagen production. Herbal remedies such as Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) can be beneficial as they are known to enhance blood flow and nourish the skin. Additionally, acupuncture can be employed to stimulate circulation and promote the rejuvenation of the skin around the eyes.

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
In addition to herbal treatments, TCM emphasizes the importance of diet and lifestyle in maintaining health. Consuming foods that nourish the blood and improve skin health can be beneficial. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, such as leafy greens, nuts, and fruits, can help improve skin texture and elasticity. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as it helps maintain skin moisture.

Moreover, practices such as facial massage can enhance blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which may help reduce the appearance of dark circles and tear troughs. Regular sleep patterns and stress management techniques, such as meditation or tai chi, can also contribute to overall well-being and improve skin health.

Conclusion
While TCM offers various approaches to address dark circles and tear troughs, it is essential to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who can provide personalized treatment based on your specific condition. They can assess your overall health, identify any underlying imbalances, and recommend appropriate herbal formulas, acupuncture treatments, and lifestyle modifications.
In summary, TCM views dark circles and tear troughs as reflections of internal health, and by addressing these underlying issues, it may be possible to improve the appearance of the skin around the eyes. With a holistic approach that includes herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments, you may find a path toward healthier, more vibrant skin.

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