Research Progress on Time-Specific Acupuncture for Dry Eye Based on the “Five Movements and Six Qi” Theory

Abstract

Dry eye is a common clinical ocular surface disease characterized primarily by an imbalance in the tear film homeostasis, which significantly affects patients’ quality of life. In recent years, time-specific acupuncture therapy based on the Five Movements and Six Qi theory has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of dry eye and has gradually become a research focus at the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s chronobiology and clinical ophthalmology. This article systematically reviews the academic origins and theoretical framework of acupuncture for dry eye guided by the Five Movements and Six Qi theory. It summarizes clinical research progress on time-based acupuncture protocols for dry eye, including the Long-Sha Opening-Closing Six Qi Acupuncture Method, the Zi-Wu Flow Acupuncture Method, and Gu’s Tai Chi Opening-Closing Pivot Timing Chart. The article also summarizes modern research evidence on relevant mechanisms of action, analyzes current research shortcomings, and outlines future research directions. Research indicates that time-segmented acupuncture based on the Five Movements and Six Qi theory exerts therapeutic effects through multiple pathways, such as regulating the neuro-immune-inflammatory network and improving tear film stability; however, existing studies still require further improvement in terms of the level of evidence and the depth of mechanism exploration.