November 2024 letter - Bags under the eyes, dark eye circles, and what Chinese medicine says about them

As many of my readers know I have a massive interest towards Ayurveda and have been writing a lot about it. At the moment, I am trying to learn more about Chinese medicine - an equally interesting ancient medical practice. Like Ayurveda, Chinese medicine aims to restore the balance in the body, to reduce chronic symptoms. In the core is our vital force of life, Qi. Any imbalance to Qi can cause symptoms. This imbalance is most commonly thought to be caused by an alteration in the opposite and complementary forces that make up the Qi, called yin and yang. Restoring energy balance in these forces of energy - Yin and Yang - helps us restore health.

According to Chinese medicine, bags and dark circles under the eyes are associated with poor kidney energy. As you may know, Chinese medicine sees our internal organs as having much more holistic functions compared to the modern Western medicine. In Chinese medicine, the internal organs are associated with energy, mental activity and emotional life. For example, a weakness in the kidneys does not mean that there is something wrong with the kidneys from a Western medicine point of view. However, any signs that something may not working very well, are whispers from your body, your body talking to you. You need to listen and make changes to prevent any bigger problems.

Our kidneys filter waste products and also maintain the correct water balance in our bodies. If they are not working well, we often feel tired, sluggish, bloated, and puffy. A sign of Kidney problems may be seen as bags and dark circles under the eyes.

DARK CIRCLES UNDER EYES

According to Chinese medicine, dark circles and shadows under the eye area indicate a deficiency of the Kidney Yin. There may also be other symptoms present, such as dizziness, brain fog or poor memory, tinnitus thirst and a dry mouth at night, night sweats, back and knee problems, a burning sensation in the palms, soles of the feet and centre of the chest, constipation and dark, concentrated urine. Especially a dry mouth and night sweats are key symptoms of Kidney Yin issues. You can also look at your tongue; with this condition it is usually red and has no coating.

Kidney Yin deficiency may be due to a long-term illness or chronic stress caused by over-working or prolonged emotional stress. A lack of Yin causes the Yang energy to increase and because Yang is fire and hot in nature, it dries out fluids, causing hollowness under the eyes, heat in the body, a dry mouth and night sweats.

BAGS UNDER THE EYES

Bags under the eyes may indicate a deficiency of Kidney Yang. This causes the flow of Fluids in the body to become blocked, leading to too much Fluid accumulating in tissues. Other symptoms may be cold back or limbs, especially knees, a pale face, fatigue, low energy and swelling in the body, especially feet and ankles. The tongue is also pale and me appear swollen.

Kidney Yang deficiency may be caused by a long-term illness or old age, but could also be the result of weakness of the Spleen Qi, which is very common and associated with digestive issues.

Treatment

According to Chinese medicine, the Kidneys as holding the ‘Essence of life’. A person receives a ‘deposit’ of this Essence before birth, a precious life energy worth protecting. The best way to protect this Essence is moderation in your life and avoiding exhaustion. It can also be supported and strengthened with food and drink, which is why a healthy diet is also very important.

When Kidney Yin is low, we need to slow down, rest and sleep well. In addition, it is important to increase the amount of fluids. According to Chinese medicine, warm, boiled spring or filtered tap water is the best. We must not consume water that is too cold, or too hot. Nor is there a need to drink large quantities; in fact, this is seen to be harmful in Chinese medicine. It is best to take small sips of water throughout the day. Adding a pinch of sea salt into the water helps to hydrate the body. In addition to water, enjoying bone broth/stock, soups and seaweed is very beneficial.

In terms of skin care from the outside, facial gua sha supports the skin’s metabolism, microcirculation and lymphatic fluid flow very well, which helps transport oxygen and nutrients to the skin. As a result, the skin regenerates more effectively and stays healthy.

Kidney Yang problems can be treated by consuming fennel seeds, ginger, cloves, onions, red meat, lamb and salmon, which warm the body. A good balance can be maintained a by also supporting the Kidney Yin, with seaweed, chlorella and blueberries, for example.

According to Chinese medicine, food should be consumed cooked and warm as this is optimal for digestion. As the deficiency of Kidney Yang is usually caused by weakness of the Spleen Qi, associated with digestion issues, raw fruit and vegetables or cold foods should be avoided. Also please avoid eating too much.

Facial gua sha is very effective in treating swelling caused Kidney Yang deficiency. Lymphatic therapy in particular improves the flow of fluids and eliminates the accumulation of excess fluid in tissues.

I am currently learning more about Gua Sha and will write more about it later.