Q:I have been experiencing a tearing problem in my eyes for a few months. The fluid at the corners of my eyes tends to be sticky and is causing some blurring in my vision. Can TCM help?

A:Your problem is probably caused by a stagnation and/or a lack of qi and blood,a deficiency in spleen, liver and kidney function, as well as pathogenicfactors like "wind", "phlegm-dampness" and "heat-dampness".

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help alleviate your symptom by enhancingthe functions of the organs, dispelling the pathogenic factors and improving qiand blood circulation.

Have at least eight hours of sleep. You should also avoid excessive sexualactivity as it will affect the kidney's function.

Do exercise regularly. Avoid spicy and cold food as well as seafood andhigh-protein food as they may trigger allergies and cause water retention inthe eyes.

Information provided by Ms Lim Lay Beng, a TCM physician at YS Healthcare TCMClinic in The Adelphi.