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By Gerard Yeo
I have been experiencing twitching under my left eye several times a day for a few months. This sensation usually lasts for about two minutes each time. Is this a sign of some internal disorder?
You may be experiencing a condition known as eyelid spasm. This includes twitching of the eyelids, essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.
While the cause of twitching eyelids is unknown, essential blepharospasm is a condition usually involving both eyes where the eyelids close involuntarily. It is caused by abnormal nerve impulses producing muscle spasms and is not a psychiatric disease.
On the other hand, hemifacial spasm is a condition which involves the eyelid muscles and the muscles around the mouth. This happens on only one side of the face and is usually caused by an artery pressing on the nerve to the facial muscles.
These conditions are due to a weak immune system, a deficiency in the functions of the liver and spleen, as well as a stagnation of blood. Pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, heat and phlegm also play a part.
Chinese medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion or cupping therapy, and tui na massage can improve your condition by strengthening your immune system, enhancing blood circulation and the functions of your organs, as well as removing the pathogenic factors.
Chinese herbs such as qianghuo (incised notoptergium rhizome), fangfeng (divaricate saposhnikvia root) and xixin (Manchurian wildginger) are usually prescribed to treat eyelid spasm.
Avoid cold environments and emotional stress. Do not take alcohol, caffeinated drinks, spicy, sour, cold and deep-fried food as these create heat and dampness.
Massage the area around your eyes in a circular motion for 10 minutes as this helps to enhance blood circulation and dispel the pathogenic factors. Seek medical attention if the condition persists for more than a week.
Information provided by Ms Lim Lay Beng, a TCM physician at YS Healthcare TCM Clinic in The Adelphi.
Remember, you should not self-medicate. Always consult a practitioner. Send your questions to stlife@sph.com.sg
This story was first published in thesundaytimes on Sept 28, 2008.
I was surprised to see your note about the weak immune system. Very interesting. Our daughter had HFS and underwent a successful surgery to correct it about 5 years ago. I have written a site about her situation. Certainly less invasive cures would have been preferable, but indeed, we are thankful that Kathy's spasms are now gone. Thank you for an informative article.
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