Tinnitus – Basics
Tinnitus is characterized by a constant or lingering buzzing, ringing or clicking in the ears, which can affect daily activity. Several different factors can cause tinnitus including hearing loss, long-term exposure to loud noise, certain medications, allergies, the presence of a tumor and others.
Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for Tinnitus.
Tinnitus – Diagnostic Patterns
The Chinese Medicine treatment of tinnitus generally involves arriving at the appropriate TCM diagnosis or pattern. This pattern within the individual is what treatment is based on not the general condition. The following patterns may represent the underlying contributing factors for the development of tinnitus: Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liver Fire, Phlegm Stagnation and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Commonly used points: SI19 Tinggong, KI3 Taixi, GB41 Zulinqi, SJ5 Waiguan
Commonly used formula: Er Long Zuo Ci Wan, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Tong Qiao Huo Xue Wan, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan and Zuo Gui Wan
Research
EA – weak positive evidence; low quality evidence (He 2016 – SR of 5 RCTs)(1)
Reference
1. He M, Li X, Liu Y, Zhong J, Jiang L, Liu Y, et al. Electroacupuncture for Tinnitus: A Systematic Review. PLOS ONE. 2016;11(3):e0150600.