Health Viewpoints
Sometimes we don’t even know it’s there—until everything around us becomes quiet—then the ongoing background sound inside our head becomes loud and clear.
Tinnitus refers to the perception of buzzing, ringing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears in the absence of external sound stimulation. Tinnitus can have various causes, and in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is attributed to disruptions in the body’s energy and blood circulation, as well as imbalances in organ function. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate one’s constitution and improve tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a common clinical phenomenon. A study found that nearly one in ten Americans experienced tinnitus symptoms in the past year, but less than half sought medical attention.
Tinnitus can result from different factors—the following are some of the primary factors that can lead to tinnitus:
1. Structural Issues in the Ear
Tinnitus can stem from problems within the ear’s internal structure, such as damage or degeneration of the cochlea, the organ responsible for hearing.2. Ear Infections
Ear infections or inflammation, such as in the case of middle ear infections (Otitis Media).3. Exposure to Loud Noises
Prolonged exposure to high-volume or loud environments. This condition is often referred to as noise-induced hearing loss.4. Age-Related Factors
As individuals age, natural degeneration of ear tissues can lead to tinnitus.5. Ear Trauma
External trauma to the ear, such as a severe impact or pressure.6. Accumulation of Earwax
The buildup of earwax in the ear canal can cause auditory abnormalities, including tinnitus.7. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications or chemicals can trigger tinnitus, especially at high doses or with long-term use.8. Blood Circulation Issues
Poor blood circulation or cardiovascular conditions can affect the blood supply to the ears, leading to tinnitus.9. Neurological Tinnitus
Sometimes, tinnitus may be linked to neurological issues, such as increased intracranial pressure or nerve damage.Tinnitus can sometimes serve as a warning signal for underlying health issues or other medical conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate or resolve the problem.
How to Prevent and Treat Tinnitus
The prevention and treatment of tinnitus depend on its root causes. If you experience occasional and mild tinnitus, it may not require specific treatment. However, if tinnitus is frequent, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional medical advice. Here are some suggestions that can help alleviate or prevent tinnitus:1. Maintain a Healthy Auditory Environment
Avoid prolonged exposure to high-volume or noisy environments. If unavoidable, consider using earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears.2. Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus. Learning relaxation techniques and stress management skills may help ease tinnitus.3. Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol Intake
Caffeine and alcohol consumption can affect blood circulation and worsen tinnitus. Reducing the intake of these substances may be beneficial.4. Prevent Ear Trauma
Protect your ears and avoid severe impacts or pressure to the ear region.5. Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, properly managing it can help reduce tinnitus.
Research has shown that hypertensive patients are more likely to experience tinnitus, with approximately 32 percent reporting symptoms and 12 percent experiencing frequent tinnitus.
6. Prevent Earwax Buildup
Regularly clean your ears to prevent earwax accumulation.7. Avoid Medication Abuse
Refrain from unnecessary or incorrect use of medications, especially those known to cause tinnitus. Aspirin, quinine, certain antibiotics, and antidepressants are among the medications that can worsen tinnitus.8. Seek Medical Assistance
If tinnitus is frequent or severe, seek the advice and treatment of a medical professional.TCM Approaches to Treating Tinnitus
In traditional Chinese medicine, tinnitus is believed to result from imbalances in the body’s energy (qi), blood, and organ functions. Therefore, TCM treatment methods primarily focus on regulating qi and blood circulation, nourishing the liver and kidneys, and balancing organ function.Here are two common TCM approaches used to treat tinnitus:
Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture is a frequently used TCM treatment that stimulates specific acupoints to adjust qi and blood circulation, thereby improving tinnitus symptoms.Commonly used acupoints for treating tinnitus include Ear Gate (SJ 21), Palace of Hearing (SI 19), and Auditory Convergence (GB2). Patients can also perform self-massage on these acupoints regularly, enhancing hearing and alleviating tinnitus.
A study conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan found that of 107 patients who received acupuncture treatment four times or more, 56 patients experienced significant improvement in their tinnitus symptoms, with seven achieving complete recovery. Furthermore, patients who received acupuncture treatments 17 times or more tended to experience better therapeutic outcomes. Compared to patients who received acupuncture solely on ear acupoints, those who received a combination of ear and other body acupoints showed more pronounced improvements in their overall constitution. This suggests that acupuncture therapy targeting various acupoints across the body can be more effective in enhancing one’s overall well-being and reducing tinnitus symptoms.
Herbal Medicine
TCM practitioners may prescribe specific herbal formulations tailored to the patient’s constitution and symptoms. These herbal remedies aim to regulate qi and blood circulation, nourish the liver and kidneys, and clear heat and toxins, all of which can help relieve tinnitus symptoms.TCM Herbal Formulations for Treating Tinnitus
Here are some commonly used TCM herbal formulations for treating tinnitus:1. Tonify the Kidneys and Nourish the Liver Formulas
Examples include the Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill and Golden Book Teapills.These formulations are typically used for tinnitus associated with kidney and liver deficiencies, which can lead to dizziness and tinnitus.
2. Activate Blood Circulation and Remove Blood Stasis Formulas
Examples include Peach Kernel and Rhubarb Decoction and Resolve Stasis and Invigorate Blood Decoction.These formulations are used for tinnitus related to qi stagnation and blood stasis, which can result in poor blood circulation in the ear region.
3. Clear Heat and Detoxify Formulas
Examples include Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver and Three-Yellow Cleansing Drink.These formulations are employed for tinnitus associated with ear infections. According to TCM theory, excessive “heat” can lead to inflammation and tinnitus.
4. Strengthen the Spleen and Regulate the Stomach Formulas
Examples include Tangkuei Decoction for Frigid Extremities and Four Gentlemen Decoction.These formulations treat tinnitus associated with digestive issues and a weakened spleen.
Strengthening the spleen and stomach can remove dampness from the body. TCM practitioners believe that the spleen, stomach, and intestines are located at the body’s center and generate qi and blood to nourish the whole body. If the spleen is weak, it will lead to indigestion and insufficient qi and blood. The function of the spleen also includes water metabolism, and if the spleen is damaged, “dampness” will be generated. Insufficient qi and blood and excessive dampness can lead to tinnitus.
5. Calm the Spirit and Settle the Mind Formulas
Examples include Bupleurum, Dragon Bone, Oyster Shell Decoction, and Peaceful Sleep Formula.These formulations are used for tinnitus related to emotional instability, stress, or nervous tension.
Note: When seeking treatment for tinnitus, it’s advisable to consult an experienced TCM practitioner who can tailor a suitable herbal formulation or acupuncture regimen based on your specific condition.
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