Blood, Yin and Eye Health in TCM

By Makari Wellness, updated September 5, 2026

Understanding the foundations: blood and yin in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blood and yin are vital substances that nourish and moisten the body. Blood is responsible for nourishing tissues, maintaining vitality and anchoring the mind. Yin represents the cooling, moistening and restorative forces that prevent excessive heat and dryness.

When blood and yin become deficient, TCM associates this with symptoms such as dryness, poor vision, fatigue and dizziness, and with degenerative changes affecting the eyes and optic nerves.

Watch our TCM blood and yin video.

Eye conditions linked to blood and yin deficiency

In our recent educational series, we explored several major eye conditions through the lens of TCM:

• Diabetic retinopathy: damage to the small blood vessels in the retina caused by prolonged blood sugar imbalance. In TCM, this often relates to Blood stasis, Spleen Qi deficiency and Yin depletion weakening the nourishment to the eyes.
• Optic nerve atrophy: degeneration of the optic nerve fibers, typically linked in TCM to Liver Blood and Kidney Yin deficiencies, read as poor nourishment of the nerve tissues.
• General vision decline: early signs like blurred vision, floaters, dryness and difficulty seeing at night often point to Liver Blood deficiency, Kidney Yin deficiency, or internal Wind stirring from systemic imbalances.

Watch our diabetic retinopathy and optic nerve atrophy video.

TCM treatments for blood, yin and eye health

TCM aims to address the root pattern, not just the symptoms. Our integrative approaches include:

• Acupuncture: stimulating key points to encourage blood flow, regulate Qi and support nerve health. Studies suggest acupuncture may improve retinal blood flow.
• Herbal medicine: formulas like Qi Ju Di Huang Wan and Gou Qi Zi (Lycium fruit) are traditionally used to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, enrich Blood and protect the eyes.
• Dietary therapy: foods that build blood and yin, such as goji berries, black sesame seeds, spinach and beets, are part of personalized recommendations.

Watch our Liver and Kidney connection to eye conditions video.

Research on TCM for eye health

Modern research is increasingly looking at acupuncture and herbal therapies for ocular conditions. Studies suggest that acupuncture may enhance microcirculation to the eyes and reduce oxidative stress, and some report changes in visual acuity in certain degenerative conditions.

Herbal compounds used in TCM have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in laboratory research, which makes them an active area of study for diabetic retinopathy and optic neuropathies.

Eye care at Makari Wellness

At Makari Wellness, we focus on complex vision conditions through an integrative TCM approach. Whether you are managing diabetic retinopathy, optic nerve atrophy or general vision decline, we customize treatment to support your body's internal resources and long-term eye health, alongside your eye doctor's care.

Book online to begin.

This is general wellness information, not medical advice. Continue care with your ophthalmologist.

Formulas here illustrate how pattern diagnosis shapes treatment. They are not recommendations; a practitioner selects and adjusts formulas for the individual.

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