Library

The Heart is the Sovereign Monarch, presiding over all zang-fu organs; therefore, worry, thought, fatigue, and anger all disturb the Shen (Spirit) of the Heart. The Heart corresponds to the Fire element in the South. The canthi (inner and outer corners of the eye) are governed by the Heart. If the Heart suffers from the penalizing effect of Fire pathogenic factors, the flesh at the canthi will become congested, protrude, and cause pain. If there is itching without pain, it indicates a Deficiency syndrome, possibly due to excessive labor or Kidney Water deficiency failing to control Heart Fire. The inner canthus is governed by the Pericardium and also belongs to the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) meridian, which is characterized by abundant Qi and scarce Blood; thus, pathology here relates to Blood Deficiency caused by the scorching effect of Fire. If Heart Fire pathogenic factors are exuberant and penalize Lung Metal, it results in pterygium (fleshy growth invading the cornea) at the canthus, indicating Excess Fire. If there is itching without pain, it indicates Deficient Fire. Pterygium at the inner canthus is a Deficiency syndrome caused by Deficient Fire penalizing Lung Metal. Bilateral fleshy growths on both upper and lower eyelids indicate Kidney Water deficiency and Blood insufficiency, with Fire pathogenic factors penalizing Lung Metal; in severe cases, it may erode the Shen Shui (aqueous humor), representing Heart Fire overcoming Kidney Water. Bleeding, swelling, and pain at the canthus indicate Excess Fire. The Heart commands the blood of all meridians; when Fire is exuberant, Heat in the Blood causes reckless bleeding. Itching without swelling or pain indicates Deficient Fire, resulting from the failure of communication between the Heart and Kidney, with the Ministerial Fire blazing upward. The left eye belongs to Yin, and the right eye belongs to Yang; Yin governs Blood, and Yang governs Qi. Men often suffer from left-eye disorders, while women often suffer from right-eye disorders. Although this distinction exists, one must not adhere rigidly to it; flexibility and adaptability are key.

The Lung is known as the Canopy (Hua Gai) and is the master of all vessels. Red filaments covering the sclera indicate Lung Heat. Purple swelling of the scleral tissue, potentially leading to darkening around the eye orbits, indicates that Blood has been invaded by pathogenic factors and becomes stagnant. "Jade grains invading the eye" (conjunctival follicles) is caused by stagnation of Lung Qi. A membrane forming on the sclera, resembling a fish bubble, indicates Cold constraint in the Taiyin (Lung) meridian. White nebula invading the cornea indicates Metal overcoming Wood (Lung affecting Liver); if the eyeball is congested, swollen, red, and painful, one must distinguish the specific pathogenic factor and treat accordingly. Protrusion of the eyeball accompanied by nasal congestion and cough indicates Wind-Cold invading the Lung with rebellious Lung Qi. Dislocation of the eyeball from the orbit indicates rebellious Qi of the Lung and Kidney, constituting a deficiency of both Metal and Water. The ability to look up but not down indicates excess Qi and insufficient Blood. The ability to look down but not up indicates excess Yin and insufficient Yang. Ji Mang (a type of night blindness where vision is dim until late night) occurs when Yin Qi fails to ascend, causing dimness, yet objects remain visible after human rest time. Que Mang (common night blindness, total inability to see at night) is caused by Liver Blood deficiency and Lung Yin deficiency. Hu Yan Ning Jing (fixed eyeballs) indicates disharmony of Yin and Yang, with Fire overcoming Metal. In summary, the Lung resides at the highest position and unifies the Qi of the whole body; its symptoms mostly manifest in the Qi Wheel (sclera). By carefully examining the symptoms, medication will naturally prove effective.