Under-Eye Dark Circles and Complexion Improvement — Korean Medicine Beauty for Blood and Kidney Deficiency
Table of Contents
Three types of dark circles
Under-eye dark circles are not caused by a single factor — three types typically appear in combination.
- Vascular type (purple/blue): Capillaries show through due to stagnant blood flow under the eyes. Sleep deprivation, fatigue, and allergic rhinitis are major causes.
- Pigmented type (brown): Melanin deposition makes the under-eye area darker. UV exposure, atopic dermatitis, and the habit of rubbing the eyes are causes.
- Structural type (shadow): With age, the under-eye skin thins and the orbital fat protrudes, casting shadows.
Blood deficiency (血虛) and kidney deficiency (腎虛) — the Korean medicine view of dark circles
In Korean medicine, the eyes are where the essence of the five viscera converges. The under-eye area in particular is governed by the kidney (腎), so kidney deficiency (腎虛) darkens the area beneath the eyes. At the same time, when blood circulation is weak due to blood deficiency (血虛), blood stagnates in the capillaries around the eyes and appears dark. A dull, lifeless overall complexion is also an expression of blood deficiency.
Samul-tang (四物湯) + cosmetic acupuncture
Samul-tang (Danggui, Sukjihwang, Baekjakyak, Cheongung) is the basic formula that nourishes and circulates blood. It is used as the foundation for dull complexion and dark circles caused by blood deficiency.
- When kidney deficiency is also present: Add Gugija, Sansuyu, and Yeojeongja to tonify the kidney and brighten the eyes (補腎明目)
- When nasal congestion from rhinitis accompanies: Add Changija and Sinihwa to clear the nose (通鼻) — improving nasal blood flow also affects under-eye circulation
- Liver-blood deficiency from sleep deprivation: Add Sanjoin and Yonganyuk to nourish the heart and calm the spirit (養心安神)
Cosmetic acupuncture uses ultra-fine needles at acupoints around the eyes such as Sajukgong (絲竹空), Chanchuk (攢竹), Sabaek (四白), and Seungeup (承泣) to directly improve microcirculation. One course consists of 6 to 8 sessions, 1 to 2 per week.
Daily care for a brighter complexion
Getting 7 to 8 hours of adequate sleep is most important. Apply eye cream for moisture before bed. Alternating warm and cold compresses (warm towel for 3 minutes, then cold towel for 1 minute, repeated 3 times) provides immediate effects on circulation around the eyes. Vitamin K-rich spinach and broccoli support vascular health, and vitamin C-rich fruits help suppress pigmentation.