How does Traditional Chinese Medicine treat macular degeneration?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for macular degeneration typically includes oral herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupoint massage, herbal steam therapy, and emotional regulation. Herbal prescriptions are individualized based on the patient's constitution and pattern differentiation (such as liver-kidney deficiency, qi and blood deficiency, phlegm-dampness with blood stasis, etc.). Commonly used herbs include Lycium fruit (Gou Qi Zi), Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang), Angelica root (Dang Gui), and Salvia root (Dan Shen). These treatments aim to regulate organ functions, promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, and improve blood supply to the eyes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for macular degeneration generally includes oral herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupoint massage, herbal steam therapy, and emotional regulation. The specific approaches are as follows:

1. Oral Herbal Medicine: Based on the patient's constitution and syndrome pattern (such as liver-kidney deficiency, insufficient qi and blood, phlegm-dampness with blood stasis, etc.), herbs are prescribed accordingly. Commonly used herbs include Lycium fruit (Gou Qi Zi), Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang), Chinese Angelica (Dang Gui), and Salvia root (Dan Shen). These herbs help regulate organ functions, nourish the liver and kidneys, promote blood circulation, and resolve blood stasis, thereby improving ocular blood supply, slowing the progression of macular degeneration, and require long-term use under medical guidance to consolidate therapeutic effects.

2. Acupuncture Therapy: Points around the eyes (such as Jingming, Zanzhu, and Taiyang) and distal points (such as Zusanli and Taichong) are selected. Needle stimulation helps unblock meridians, improve local blood and qi flow in the eyes, and regulate the upward flow of vital essence from internal organs to the eyes. This can alleviate symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision. Treatments are typically administered 2–3 times per week, with the course adjusted according to individual conditions.

3. Acupoint Massage: Daily self-massage of periocular acupoints such as Jingming, Sibai, and Sizhukong is recommended. Each point should be pressed for 1–2 minutes with moderate pressure. This practice promotes ocular blood circulation, relaxes eye muscles, and supports improved nutritional supply to the macular region, serving as a sustainable home-based complementary therapy.

4. Herbal Steam Therapy: Herbs with heat-clearing and vision-brightening properties—such as honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), mint (Bo He), and mulberry leaf (Sang Ye)—are decocted, and the medicinal steam is used to fumigate the eyes. The warm vapor, combined with herbal penetration, helps relieve ocular discomfort and improves microcirculation on the eye surface, creating a favorable physiological environment for the macula. Care must be taken to control the temperature to prevent burns.

5. Emotional Regulation: TCM holds that "anger harms the liver" and "excessive worry injures the spleen." Negative emotions can disrupt organ function and worsen eye conditions. Patients are advised to manage emotions through meditation, listening to soothing music, walking, or other relaxing activities. Maintaining a positive mood and avoiding anxiety or irritability can enhance the effectiveness of herbal and acupuncture treatments and support overall eye health.

TCM treatment must follow the principle of pattern differentiation and individualized therapy. Patients should seek care at qualified TCM medical institutions and avoid self-medicating or performing acupuncture without professional supervision. Regular ophthalmic follow-ups are essential during treatment, and therapeutic efficacy should be evaluated using Western medical diagnostic methods. When necessary, an integrated approach combining TCM and Western medicine may yield better outcomes.

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