Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (thin, transparent mucous membrane that covers the eyeball as well as the inner surface of the eyelids). This may be caused by an infection, an allergy or a chemical reaction. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious but is also self-limiting within two weeks' duration. Chronic conjunctivitis may result in degenerative (wear and tear) changes to the eyeball and eyelids. In the Western hemisphere, conjunctivitis is probably the most common eye disorder. In TCM, conjunctivitis is called "heaven red eyes". It usually occurs in the spring or the autumn and has a much higher infection tendency.

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Acupuncture and herbal medication are highly effective in treating acute conjunctivitis. It is very fast and has no side effects. Usually a treatment 2-5 times is effective in controling and curing any clinical syndromes. Herbal medication has an adjustment action. Clinical observations note that the use of herbs is effective in promoting the eradication of infections, reducing swelling and relieving pain.

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Syndrome (a)
External wind heat with toxin evil type

A patient may show signs of pink eye with a swollen eyelid. He or she may have difficulty in opening the eye along with an extreme sensitivity to light. Headeaches and fever are also common, and the persons' pulse may be rapid.

Therapeutic principle: Getting rid of the fire and cooling the blood helps in improving the body function.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Prescription/Formula: Modified decoction for rush down wind detoxifcation. Gypsum at 30 g; Anemarrhena, Mulberry bark, Scutellaria root Red peony root at 12 g each; Gardenia forsythia Notopterygium root Ledebouriella root Rhubarb at 9 g each; Liquorice at 6 g each.

Simple Prescription: Using 20% berberine liquid washing conjunctival area twice a day, if it has sham velum first to clean and move it away. Also could use the herbal medicine's dregs in a cloth bag put on the eyes for 10 minutes twice a day.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Therapeutic principle: Clearing the heat from the body, discharge and the swelling and relieving pain by using points mainly from Extra meridian point and the Gall Bladder meridian of Food Shao-Yang and the Large Intestines meridian of Hand Yang-Ming.

Prescription/Formula: Taiyan (Extra2), Fengchi (GB20), Hegu (LI4). Acupuncture 10-20 minutes or with Moxibustion at each point 1-2 minutes.

  

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Syndrome (b)
Liver Gall bladder fire over vigorous

A sensitivty to light and pink eye with swelling and pain is a common symptom. The pulse may be string-like.

Therapeutic principle: Clearing the fire from the lung, liver, and gall bladder

To treat by Herbal medicine
Prescription/Formula: Modified rush down heats of fire and give out detoxifcation. Honeysuckle at 30 g; Purple terra man, Red peony root at each 15g, Wild mum at 12g?Dandelion at 20g; Scutellaria root Hydrastis Gardenia Rhubarb, Ledebouriella root and Heracleum at 9g each.

Simple Prescription: Using Dandelion 100g and winter Mulberry leaf 30g decocted, using hot water for fuming eyes and afterwards cooling to wash the eyes, twice a day.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Therapeutic principle: Clearing the heat of wind, discharge, resolve swollen stasis and relieve pain by using points mainly from Urine Bladder meridian of Food Tai-Yang and the Gall bladder of the Food Shao-yang, Sanjiao meridian of Hand Shao-Yang and the Liver meridian of the Foot Jue-Yin.

Prescription/Formula: Jingming (UB1), Fengchi (GB20), Waiguan (SJ5), Xingjian (L2). Acupuncture 10-20 minutes or with Moxibustion at each point 1-2 minutes.

  

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5. Healing by Other Therapies

(a) Qigong and other therapies
1. Qigong: self setting exercise for 10-30 minutes. Relax and lead the Qi down to foot then release the bad energy out of the foot. Before finishing, rub both hands together quickly 10-15 times until the palm feels hot, then put the palm to the Laogong point at the eyes for 5-10 second.

For effect of Qigong on the Nervous System Function, click here.

Generally speaking, Qigong is good for healing effect of this specific ailment, however individual results may vary. It improves the flow of the qi and the circulation of the blood, so you'll experience more energy, but, you won't see/ feel any immediate effects, as with many exercises and therapies, it takes a few weeks or even months of practice before you'll see any significant improvements.

The following types of Qigong may help:

• Static Qigong:
  Inner-Nourishing Qigong
  Six-Character Formula
  Standing Qigong
  
• Dynamic Qigong:
  Fifteen Sets of Taiji-Qigong
  Taiji
  
• Specific Dynamic Qigong:
  Eye Qigong.
  

For the information of different types of Qigong ,just click a link above.

This information is for education purpose only. We strongly advise you seek a licensed Qigong master to learn the correct ways to conduct these exercises before attempting them.

(b) Medicated diet
1. Fragrant solomonseal rhizome conjee: Fragrant solomonseal rhizome 5-20g and rice 60g, first cut to fine pieces decoct dandelion just make liquor take out the dregs then put rice with rock candy make some conjee to eat.
2. Sophora yam, Sha-Shen and thin pork soup: Sophora yam at 30g, Sha-Shen at 20g, thin pork at 100g, 4 bowls water make decoct to one bowl soup for eat.

(c) Life style
1. Diet: Avoid peppery food and stop smoking and alcohol consumption.
2. Note in Life: Eat different foods whenever possible.
3. Life habit: Having good hygiene habits are important. Avoid working at night and try to keep a regular life. If you have difficulty focusing, try to get a pair of glasses.

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Acknowledgments:
Healthphone.com greatly acknowledges the support and dedication of our
Healing Centre Panel, without whom this section would not be possible.

We also greatly acknowedge Ms. Najaf Munir, MBBS, for her editorial support. Ms. Munir simplified the highly technical medical documents into easy-to-read documents, for the enjoyment and education of our numerous visitors.