Some prefer staying home, inevitably spending hours watching TV, using computers, or glued to phones—especially indulging in online entertainment all day. Excessive screen time strains eyes, most noticeably causing eye fatigue. How to prevent it? Traditional Chinese medicine suggests massage as an effective method.
Prolonged Internet Use Causes Eye Fatigue
Some individuals experience red, swollen eyes, nervous exhaustion, and body aches from extended online sessions. Sometimes they neglect meals, eventually leading to stomach bleeding. These symptoms primarily affect teenagers. Additionally, computer keyboards in internet cafes harbor numerous viruses and bacteria, facilitating the spread of various illnesses—such as eye conditions like eye fatigue.
Three Acupoints to Relieve Eye Fatigue
For those whose work relies on computers, if you frequently experience eye fatigue but it's not bedtime, you can use the Mingyan acupoint massage to alleviate symptoms.
As we age, presbyopia becomes common. Try massaging the Mingyan acupoint—it's said to improve both hearing and vision.
Three adjacent acupoints on the thumb are Mingyan (Bright Eye), Fengyan (Phoenix Eye), and Dakonggu (Large Hollow Bone).
Mingyan and Fengyan alleviate eye fatigue and acute conjunctivitis, while Dakonggu addresses all eye-related symptoms. Individuals prone to eye strain should stimulate these points twice daily.
To stimulate: Pinch the area with the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand. Apply pressure with your thumbnail directly on each point using just enough force to feel slight discomfort.
This simple massage technique can be performed anytime—during work breaks, while waiting for transportation, or at any convenient moment. Individuals who struggle to sleep due to eye fatigue may find relief by applying this stimulation, facilitating easier sleep. This method also helps prevent age-related cataracts.
Four Teas to Combat Eye Fatigue from Late Nights
1. A cup of green tea in the morning:
Green tea contains potent antioxidants and vitamin C, which not only eliminate free radicals in the body but also stimulate the secretion of hormones that counteract stress. The small amount of caffeine in green tea can stimulate the central nervous system and invigorate the mind. However, it's best consumed during the day to avoid affecting sleep.
2. A cup of chrysanthemum tea in the afternoon:
Chrysanthemum flowers help improve vision and clear the liver. Some people brew chrysanthemum with goji berries or add honey to the tea, both of which aid in relieving depression.
3. A cup of goji berry tea when tired:
Goji berries are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, nourishing the liver, benefiting the kidneys, and improving eyesight.Naturally sweet, they can be brewed as tea or eaten as a snack like raisins, effectively relieving dryness and fatigue in "computer users." Goji berries excel at clearing liver heat and improving vision due to their high content of carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, calcium, and iron—essential nutrients for healthy eyes. Brewing them in water is a good option.
4. A cup of cassia seed tea in the evening:
Cassia seeds clear heat, improve vision, nourish the brain marrow, calm liver qi, and strengthen tendons and bones. Those with constipation may drink it after dinner, as it is highly effective for treating constipation.