Niangling Maijiang Dianlang (Hordeolum / Stye)

Niangling Maijiang Dianlang (Hordeolum / Stye)

Overview

In Miao-medicine, hordeolum is called Niangling Maijiang Dianlang. It is primarily caused by wind toxin. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the condition arises from wind-heat attacking the eyelids, resulting in localized red, swollen nodules at the eyelash root, often filled with pus and resembling a grain of wheat.

In Western medicine, this condition is referred to as hordeolum or stye, which can affect the upper or lower eyelid. It frequently occurs in individuals with poor hygiene, weakened immunity, or chronic eye strain. It is considered an acute purulent inflammation.

Miao Medical Classification

This condition is classified as a minor disease in Miao-medicine.

Etiology

According to Miao-medicine, toxins are everywhere and varied. Wind toxin is highly mobile, easily invades the surface, and often carries other toxins. When bodily systems are weakened—such as poor qi and blood circulation, spleen-stomach weakness, or accumulated heat—wind toxin can invade and cause illness. This condition is most often triggered by wind toxin.

Pathogenesis

The invasion of wind-heat toxins impairs the circulation of qi and blood in the eyelids. Overconsumption of spicy food may cause internal heat that attacks the eyelids, leading to disharmony in the nutrient-defense system and resulting in stagnation. If residual toxins remain unresolved due to weak spleen-stomach function, recurrence is likely. Wind toxins typically affect the eyelid and eyelash follicles, leading to nodules, tenderness, and localized pus. If toxins invade deeper, systemic symptoms such as fever, thirst, and constipation may occur.

Diagnostic Points

Key Symptoms:

Red nodules at the eyelid margin or eyelash root, often the size of a soybean

Tender to touch, possibly accompanied by swollen lymph nodes behind the ears

Systemic signs: fever, dry mouth, constipation

Typically resolves in 3–5 days

Related Examinations:

Blood tests can help confirm inflammation

Differential Diagnosis

Galing Maipo Mong (Lacrimal Inflammation)
Both caused by wind toxin, but this type affects the lacrimal sac with symptoms like red, painful conjunctiva and continuous tearing. Niangling Maijiang Dianlang specifically causes nodules and pus at the eyelash root.

Niang Maixiang Lalai (Ulcerative Blepharitis)
Caused by wind, damp, and heat combined, with ulceration at the eyelid margin. Niangling Maijiang Dianlang is characterized instead by localized pustules at the root of eyelashes.

Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment

Symptoms:
Localized red nodule at the eyelid or eyelash root, soybean-sized, painful to touch, may be accompanied by fever, thirst, constipation, and enlarged lymph nodes. Course: 3–5 days.

Meridian Affiliation:
Belongs to heat meridian and hot-type diseases.

Treatment Principles:

Clear heat and detoxify (qingre jiedu)

Disperse wind and relieve heat (shusan fengre)

Recommended Herbal Prescription:

Chrysanthemum Flower (juhua) 15g

Dandelion (pugongying) 20g

Goldenrod Herb (yizhihuanghua) 15g

Gentian Root (longdancao) 20g

Herbal Functions:

Chrysanthemum Flower (juhua): cold, bitter; clears heat, relieves toxicity, disperses swelling

Dandelion (pugongying): cold, bitter; detoxifies, reduces abscesses

Goldenrod Herb (yizhihuanghua): cold, slightly toxic, disperses wind and heat, eliminates swelling

Gentian Root (longdancao): very cold, strongly bitter; clears liver fire, dries dampness, detoxifies

Preventive Measures

Maintain eyelid and facial hygiene

Avoid squeezing or rupturing the abscess

Do not incise before pus is evident

Follow a light diet; avoid spicy, greasy, and fried food

Commentary

In Miao medicine theory, illness is caused by “toxins, injuries, deficiencies, accumulation, microbes, parasites, disorder, and abnormalities.” Fundamentally, disease results from either toxins or internal imbalance. Poor hygiene or overconsumption of spicy foods can generate heat in the spleen and stomach, which may rise to affect the eyelids. Treatment focuses on clearing heat, detoxifying, and dispersing wind and heat. Light diet and rest are recommended to support recovery.