The eyes are said to be the windows to the soul. Indeed, it is through our eyes that we perceive this magnificent world. The eyes are the human body’s most important “navigation system,” as they aid in distinguishing and controlling our walking. The eyes are responsible for about 80% of the brain’s knowledge and memory. Many people, on the other hand, frequently overuse their eyes and face electronic products for extended periods of time, resulting in visual fatigue, soreness, and dryness.
How can we identify symptoms of eye muscle pain and prevent eye pain and eye strain headaches? We will go through the causes of eye muscle strain and a few acupuncture points that can help protect your eyes.
What is Digital Eye Strain, and how does it affect you?
Digital eye strain is defined as eye fatigue or temporary discomfort in the eyes caused by two or more hours of digital device use. Digital Eye Strain is caused by the constant use of electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and gaming systems.
Eye Strain Symptoms
You may experience tired or achy eyes and sore eye muscles as a result of eye strain. These strained eye muscle symptoms can happen if you spend too much time reading or staring at a screen. This sensation occurs after you have used your eye muscles for a long time.
Some other digital eye strain symptoms are:
- Eyes that are sore, tired, burning, or itching.
- Eyes that are watery or dry.
- Vision that is hazy or double.
- Headache.
- Neck, shoulders, or back pain
- Light sensitivity has increased.
- Concentration is difficult.
- You can’t seem to keep your eyes open.
How to treat eye strain
Acupuncture points around the eyes include Chengqi, Cuanzhu, Sizhu Kong, Jingming, and others. Today, we’ll discuss three eye-protecting acupoints that are particularly useful for eye health:
Massage and rub these acupoints for eye strain
You may use the knuckle of your index finger, your thumbs, to massage these acupoints
1. Zanzhu acupoint
The Zanzhu acupoint (also known as acupoint Bl-2: or Gathered Bamboo) (攢竹 zán zhú) is located at the tip of both eyebrows, along the inner eye area;
2. Yuyao acupoint
Yuyao acupoint (EM3 魚腰Yú yāo or Fish’s Waist in English) is located at on the forehead, the midpoint of the eyebrow, right above the pupils of the eyes;
3. SizhuKong acupoint
SizhuKong (also known as acupoint TE-23 or Silken Bamboo Hollow in English) (絲竹空 sī zhú kōng) is located at the tail-end of both eyebrows, away from the eyes.
4. The Taixi and Taichong acupoints
For several important meridians that have a great impact on the eyes, such as the kidney meridian or liver meridian, it is recommended to massage the Taixi (KI-3: Great Stream 太谿taì xī) and Taichong points (Liv-3: Supreme Rush 太沖 taì chōng), and rub it with your thumb for 3 to 5 minutes.It is normal to experience some soreness, which will draw blood flow to the area for natural healing.
Taixi: It is a relatively shallow acupuncture point, located on the ankle of the foot.
Taichong: Tai Chong (LV3), also known as Great Surge, is located on your foot. It’s 2 finger widths above the point where the skin of your big toe and the next toe meet.
5. Massage ear acupoints
Massage of the ears on a regular basis is also beneficial to eye health. Pinch the earlobe (where women wear the earring) with your thumb and index finger and gently rub it.
Herbs for Eye Strain and Dizziness:
Certain herbs are known to benefit the eyes. Here are a few of them.
1. Black Chinese wolfberry (Hei Gou Qi 黑枸杞)
In comparison to the regular Chinese wolfberry, which is also known to benefit the eyes, black Chinese wolfberry is a relatively new addition to the market. Black Chinese wolfberry, on the other hand, is much higher in anthocyanin, vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants than regular Chinese wolfberry. It improves eye health and reduces eye strain by making vision clearer and brighter.
2. Dendrobium stem (Shi Hu 石斛)
Dendrobium stem is commonly used to treat dry eyes in traditional Chinese medicine. It increases the moisture content of the eyes, which improves vision and reduces eye fatigue.
No More Eye Muscle Pain
Visual fatigue can be effectively relieved by massaging the above acupuncture points and rubbing them for 3-5 minutes or consuming the herbs above whenever you feel symptoms of eye strain. If the eye strain persists and cannot be relieved after attempting home remedies, it is recommended that you seek a proper diagnosis eye strain treatment from a professional physician.
