Dark Circles (The Sunday Times, 12 March 2006)

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Q. I have dark circles under my eyes, which have got worse since Christmas. I find that creams and gels do not help. I really want to know what the possible causes are, and how I can get rid of them. I do lead a very active life — do I simply need to slow down?



A. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dark circles under the eyes relate to kidneys and the adrenal glands, which are seen as the foundation of our vitality. Sufficient sleep is one of the simplest remedies to support these vital organs. In TCM, winter is the season associated with the kidneys and adrenals, so perhaps this helps to explain why the dark circles have worsened over this period. TCM supports the belief that we should emulate animals and their hibernation patterns by going to bed early and rising late. We should not take strenuous exercise at this time; instead try t’ai chi and qi gong, which do not deplete the body of vital chi (energy).

The adrenal glands often become exhausted if stress levels are high, which, in turn, can lead to food intolerances. Dark circles under the eyes are also commonly thought to be a symptom of a food intolerance. With the help of a nutritionist, you could identify and isolate the specific foods that you may be sensitive to and substitute alternatives over a period of time to give your body a chance to recuperate. Call the British Association for Nutritional Therapy on 0870 606 1284 to find a qualified nutritionist.




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