Acupuncture.Com - Gateway to Chinese Medicine, Health and Wellness        Store                    Google
PATIENTS

bulletConditions A-Z
bulletAcupuncture Clinic
bulletFind an Acupuncturist
bulletHerbal Remedies
bulletDiet & Nutrition
bulletChi Gong &Tai Chi
bulletChinese Medicine Basics
bulletPatient Testimonials
bulletAnimal Acupuncture
bulletStore
PRACTITIONERS/STUDENTS

bulletSyndromes A-Z
bulletAcuPoint Locator
bulletHerbology
bulletPractice Building
bulletCEUs/Events
bulletEmployment
bulletStudy Acupuncture
bulletAcupuncture Schools
bulletResearch
bulletTCM Library
bulletLaws & Regulations
bulletPractitioner Links
bulletPractitioner Store

MORE

bulletPoints Newsletter
bulletCatalog Requests
bulletContact Us
bulletAbout Acupuncture.Com
bulletPrivacy Policy

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Acupuncture.Com accepts article contributions. Email submissions to contact@acupuncture.com

FIND AN ACUPUNCTURIST
Search In
within
of

( Zip/Postal Code )
Over 30,000
Professionals Listed
Advanced Search Search Help List Your Practice

Subscribe
Keep informed on current news in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Home > Newsletters > February 2010 > Ask the Doctor

Points -  Ask the Doctor

Q: Why do I dark circles under my eyes? What can I do about them?

A: Because the skin around our eyes is the thinnest skin in the body, dark circles are actually blood vessels that can be seen through the skin, producing a bluish tint. Dark circles are often hereditary. Allergies are another common cause of dark circles; when you rub and scratch your itchy eyes, you can break the tiny capillaries beneath the skin, causing puffiness and discoloration.

Chinese medicine considers dark circles to be a sign of weakness in the Kidney organ system due to exhaustion and overstrain coupled with a lack of rest and relaxation. Because the Kidney in Chinese medicine governs the hormonal system, it also affects the skin pigment, melanin. In TCM, depleted Kidney chi or energy produces pigment deposits in the skin under the eyes and in other parts of the face.

Dark circles and puffiness can also be due to vitamin K deficiency, or a lack of antioxidants in your diet. Iron deficiency is also believed to cause dark circles. As we age, our skin loses collagen and becomes thinner and more translucent, so dark circles can be more noticeable with age.

Remedies:

  • Do your best to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of water and make certain you are getting all your vitamins and minerals. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially cabbage, spinach and other leafy greens. Eat a handful of raw nuts and seeds between meals, and avoid salty foods.
  • Asian pear is a juicy, crunchy fruit prized by Chinese herbalists for lightening under-eye circles. Fuji apples are also prescribed.
  • Lie down and apply cool tea bags to your eyes for about ten minutes per day. The tannin in tea bags has been found to reduce swelling and discoloration.
  • Gently apply almond oil under your eyes every morning and evening until you see improvement.
  • Avoid smoking; it makes blood vessels under the skin appear more prominent.
  • Consider visiting a doctor of Chinese medicine to uncover your root imbalances and improve your overall health.

About our Doctors

This month's Ask the Doctor question was answered by:

Dr. Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D. from his website:

 
This Month's Articles

February 2010
Volume 8, Number 2

The Year of the Tiger - 2010

The Health Indexes in Chinese Medicine System  

5 Secrets to Winter Health and Energy

Recent Research

Ask The Doctor

 

Featured Products

Mood Elevation Formula

Supports a Healthy Emotional Outlook

Anxiety / Sleepless Formula

Calms Anxiety & Promotes Sleep

Calm-Fort Sleeping Capsules

Calm and Relaxation in a Bottle

Emotional Tranquility Tea

A Blend of Herbs to Calm the Mind & Spirit

Dao-In Yoga

Get in Shape with Chinese Yoga

Meditation for Stress Release CD

Achieve Tranquility of Mind & Body with Meditation

Enduring Youth  Tablets

A Special Formula that Nourishes and Balances the Body

More Featured Products


 		    
All Contents Copyright © 1996-2009 Cyber Legend Ltd. All rights reserved.
Acupuncturist directory and Acupuncture school referral services provided by Acufinder.com.
Use of this website is subject to our Terms and Conditions. All logos, service marks and trademarks belong to their respective owners.