TCM Methods for Eye Bags: 5 Pressure Points To Reduce Puffiness And Dark Circles

If you’ve ever thought your eye bags were just the result of a few late nights, you’re not alone. Many of us try to “sleep off” our puffiness, only to wake up with even more swelling. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however, sleep isn’t the only factor—90% of eye bag cases are actually related to internal imbalances, especially a weakened spleen. Let’s explore what both TCM and Western medicine say about the root causes of eye bags, and how massaging five key pressure points may help reduce them.

1

What Causes Eye Bags? TCM vs Western Medicine

TCM's Perspective:

According to Dr. Lily Tam, a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, eye bags are often linked to imbalances in the spleen and kidneys:

• Spleen Deficiency: The spleen governs fluid metabolism and controls the transformation and transportation of nutrients. When it’s weak, excess fluids tend to accumulate under the eyes, causing noticeable puffiness.
• Kidney Deficiency: A lack of kidney qi can impair water metabolism and blood circulation, leading to dark, swollen eye bags that make you look constantly tired.

Western Medicine's View:

From a clinical perspective, eye bags are caused by:

• Skin aging and muscle laxity
• Fat accumulation beneath the eyes
• Genetics
• Poor lifestyle habits

As we age, the skin and muscles around the eyes lose elasticity, making fat deposits more visible and causing under-eye puffiness.

Common Eye Bag Triggers in Hong Kong:

• High stress and frequent late nights
• Unbalanced diets with too much processed food and not enough fiber
• Damp, humid climate that makes fluid retention worse

Understanding the root cause of your eye bags is key to choosing the right treatment.

2

5 TCM-Approved Pressure Points to Reduce Eye Bags

Good news: You can begin improving your eye bags at home with a simple massage routine. Here are five TCM pressure points recommended by experts to promote circulation and reduce swelling:

1. Jingming (BL-1)

• Location: Inner corner of the eye, near the nasal bone
• Massage: Gently press using your index or middle finger in a circular motion for 10–15 rotations
• Benefits: Reduces eye fatigue, dark circles, and puffiness

2. Chengqi (ST-1)

• Location: Directly below the pupil, in the lower eye socket
• Massage: Circular motion using light pressure for 10–15 rotations
• Benefits: Helps metabolize melanin and improve under-eye darkness

3. Sibai (ST-2)

• Location: One finger-width below the pupil, on the cheekbone
• Massage: Use light circular motions for 10–15 rotations
• Benefits: Firms the skin, reduces puffiness, and boosts skin elasticity

4. Taiyang (EX-HN5)

• Location: About one inch outward from the corner of the eye, between the brow and eye tail
• Massage: Gentle pressure in circular motion for 10–15 rotations
• Benefits: Relieves fatigue and tension, improves circulation, helps with headaches

5. Yuyao (EX-HN4)

• Location: Center of the eyebrow, above the pupil
• Massage: Apply light circular motion for 10–15 rotations
• Benefits: Reduces fluid retention, tightens eyelids

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4 Massage Best Practices

1. Keep It Short & Gentle: Massage each point for about 2–3 minutes, no more than 10–15 presses.
2. Watch the Pressure: Don’t tug or rub harshly—delicate eye skin is easily damaged.
3. Clean Hands: Always wash hands to avoid introducing bacteria to your face.
4. Use Eye Cream: Massage with a hydrating eye cream to avoid friction and boost absorption.

With Hong Kong’s humid climate and busy lifestyle, gentle acupressure can help reduce swelling naturally and promote better eye health.

5

Bonus Eye Bag Tips Beyond Massage

Want to maximize results? Pair your massage with these daily habits:

Lifestyle Habits

• Sleep 7–8 hours nightly
• Avoid salty and greasy foods
• Stay hydrated, but avoid too much liquid right before bed

Eye Creams & DIY Remedies

• Use creams with caffeine or vitamin C to boost circulation and reduce pigmentation
• Alternate hot and cold compresses (warm towel 5 mins, cold towel 3 mins)
• Try chilled cucumber slices or cooling eye masks

TCM Teas for Internal Balance

• Try a “Sang Ju Bright-Eye Tea” (桑菊明目飲) made with mulberry leaf, chrysanthemum, goji berries, and cassia seeds to soothe tired eyes (best for people with heatiness and dry eyes)
• Always consult a TCM practitioner before long-term use

You can find goji berries, barley, and black beans easily at Hong Kong supermarkets and herbal stores.

6

What Other Hongkongers Are Doing to Treat Eye Bags

In fast-paced Hong Kong, many people seek effective, time-saving eye bag solutions:

• Natural therapies like acupressure and herbal drinks are popular for being gentle and non-invasive
• Convenience is key—treatments need to be simple and quick to fit into busy schedules

Popular Options in HK:

• Medical Aesthetic Treatments: Eye bag removal surgery, filler injections, laser therapy
• Skincare Products: Eye creams and masks that claim to depuff and firm—though long-term use is usually needed
• Acupressure Massage: Safe, affordable, and no side effects—perfect for young professionals and students

7

Eye Bag Myths—Busted

Q: Does drinking water before bed always cause puffiness?

A: Not necessarily. Just avoid excessive fluid intake and ensure good kidney health.

Q: Do eye creams really work?

A: Some do, especially those with caffeine or vitamin C, but results vary by individual.

Q: Should I massage daily?

A: Yes—once in the morning and once at night for best results.

Q: Is makeup a good way to hide eye bags?

A: Yes, but it takes practice. Puffiness is harder to conceal than hollowness.

Q: Are massage techniques helpful for hereditary eye bags?

A: Not really. Structural eye bags due to genetics may need medical treatments.

Q: What’s the cost of eye bag surgery in HK?

A: Internal incision: HK$25,000–35,000; external incision: HK$60,000–80,000, plus consultation and follow-up fees.

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When Massage Isn’t Enough: Try the R6 Miracle Eye Rescue Treatment

Massage works best for puffiness and mild fluid retention, but may not help with structural or aging-related eye bags. That’s where aesthetic treatments come in.

Perfect Medical’s R6 Miracle Eye Rescue Treatment is a non-invasive, no-downtime option for people looking for noticeable results:

• Uses medical-grade RF energy and red/blue light to target multiple skin layers
• Stimulates collagen, tightens loose skin, and drains lymphatic fluid
• Reduces eye bags, fine lines, and dark circles in one treatment

No needles, no pain, and no recovery time—ideal for first-timers or those who want to avoid surgery. Learn more or book a free trial via the link below!