If asked to imagine an older adult, many of us instantly picture someone in glasses. It’s not an unusual association—after all, age-related vision decline is common. But traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) presents a more optimistic perspective that visual deterioration doesn’t have to be inevitable. One acupoint in particular, Four Whites (Si Bai, ST2), might challenge the narrative. Situated just below the eye, this acupoint has been part of TCM eye care for centuries and continues to hold strong clinical value.
An Ancient Acupoint With a Modern Mission
Si Bai was first recorded in “Ling Shu” (“Spiritual Pivot”), one of TCM’s foundational texts. It sits along the Stomach meridian and follows the core TCM idea of treating where the meridian (energy pathways) travels. Located directly under the eye socket, Si Bai is trusted for a range of eye-related issues. It’s also known for clearing pathogenic wind from the area, in TCM terms, which translates to reducing inflammation or irritation.Fun fact: Si Bai is one of the six points taught in guided eye-care routines in public elementary schools across China, where students stimulate these points daily to maintain vision and cultivate self-care habits.
