According to herbal therapy and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), vertigo and tinnitus can have several possible root causes. To treat tinnitus, it would depend on its underlying cause and the Organ Systems that are affected. Usually, tinnitus is the result of an Excess that’s exacerbated by cupping the hands over the ears. It can be also relieved by cupping the ears. Listed below are some of the more common patterns for tinnitus based on traditional Chinese medicine teachings.
Tinnitus Caused by Depletion of Kidney-Essence
This is the most common type of tinnitus associated with aging. Its onset is gradual and its characteristic symptom is a low quality sound. Other symptoms can include fear, sore knees and back, slight dizziness, and poor memory.
Tinnitus Caused Kidney Deficiency
This kind of tinnitus usually develops gradually. Its main symptom is usually a low sound that resembles a low ringing, a low buzz, or water rushing. Afternoon-evening sweats or hot flashes can manifest with Kidney Yin Deficiency along with other Kidney Yin Deficiency symptoms. Other Kidney Yang Deficiency symptoms can include low sex drive, coldness, knee pain, and lower back soreness or pain.
Liver Excess Vertigo and Tinnitus
A sudden onset Tinnitus with loud noises is often believed to be caused by the upward rise of Liver-Fire due to emotional issues such as frustration or anger; this can lead to Internal Wind that often comes with dizziness. A tinnitus of this kind may lead to symptoms such as vertigo-dizziness or a stabbing, painful, sharp headache.
Tinnitus Due To Kidney-Heart Imbalances
The kidney in TCM represents the element of Water, while the Heart represents the element of Fire. The balance of Fire and Water is essential for the body to maintain wellness. TCM identifies a break down in the communication between the Heart and Kidney energetic organ system that can arise if one or both organ systems are affected. A tinnitus of this kind can lead to Kidney Deficient symptoms along with symptoms associated with Heart Blood Deficiency such as anxiety characterized by a sense of impending doom, poor memory, sleeping difficulties, and palpitations.
Vertigo and Tinnitus Caused By Liver-Spleen Imbalance
Long term Spleen Qi Deficiency that has not been adequately addressed can lead to Internal Dampness, which when combined with Liver Qi Stagnation, may result in tinnitus associated with the upward rising of Phlegm-Fire. A tinnitus of this type is characterized by Liver symptoms possibly along with the sound of crickets, vertigo or dizziness, and a heavy head.
Tinnitus Caused By Imbalances In The Kidney Liver
Chronic Stagnation of Liver Qi, usually caused by Liver Blood Deficiency or Yin Deficiency, can lead to tinnitus with both Kidney Deficient and Liver Excess and symptoms
Other Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can also be considered a symptom that’s related to various types of hearing loss. It can also be a sign of other health problems. Based on information provided by the American Tinnitus Association, at least 12 million Americans suffer from tinnitus with at least a million of them suffering from severe symptoms so much so that it disrupts their daily activities. Individuals suffering from severe cases of tinnitus can find it very hard to work, hear, or even sleep.
Duration of Herbal Treatment
Several months of tonic herbal treatment may be required to rectify the Organ Level Deficiencies that have led to your tinnitus; the treatment may take approximately 8-10 months of continuous herbal application. In the meantime, if you have a difficult time hearing, request your family and friends to face you when they talk so you can see their faces. You can understand them a lot better when you’re seeing their facial expressions when they talk. Tell people to speak louder, but not shout. Let them know that they don’t have to talk slowly, just more clearly.
Western Medicine’s Idea On The Factors Causing Tinnitus
– Loud noise: Tinnitus and noise-induced loss of hearing may result from too much exposure to loud noise.
– Hearing loss: Scientists and physicians have found out that people with different kinds of hearing loss may also be suffering from tinnitus.
– Pharmaceutical drugs: Over 200 medicines can cause tinnitus. If you’re taking medications and have tinnitus, ask your pharmacist or doctor if your medicine is the one causing your tinnitus.
– Surgery and trauma
– Other health conditions: These illnesses can lead to tinnitus – tumors, allergies, and problems in the neck, jaws, blood vessels and heart.
With regard to the things that can help you cope, some people find relief in listening to music. Concentrating on the music can temporarily help you forget about your problem since music can drown out the sound of your tinnitus. Others find relief by listening to recorded nature sounds, like the wind, sea waves, or even crickets.
Stay away from things may potentially aggravate your tinnitus. This includes loud noise, alcohol, and smoking. If you are a hunter, work at the airport, a construction worker, or if you are exposed to loud noise at home or at work on a regular basis we recommend that you wear special earmuffs or earplugs to protect your hearing and prevent the aggravation of your tinnitus.
Emily Farish is a licensed acupuncturist in Spokane, WA and the founder of Emily Farish Acupuncture.