Have you ever tried acupuncture for tinnitus?
What is tinnitus and what are the causes of tinnitus?
Have you ever suffered from a peculiar ringing in the ears? If so, you may be experiencing a condition called tinnitus. Tinnitus is constant, abnormal ear noise when there is no corresponding external sound present. Most sufferers of tinnitus describe the noise as a ringing sound. But this can vary from person to person. Tinnitus is more common than you think. Statistics shows it can affect 1 person in every 10.
Tinnitus can have a wide range of causes from exposure to sudden, loud music to a nerve disorder creating a constant ringing in a person’s ears. Tinnitus can range from mild to chronic. At its worse, tinnitus can lead to deafness. We often think this is a problem associated with veterans and the elderly. But other common causes also include whiplash or even certain types of dental work.
Tinnitus can be a very frustrating health problem for many people. Sufferers may be disinclined to socialise as they experience difficulty in settings with background noise such as concerts. It can be discouraging after many doctor visits where prescription drug therapies fail to make a difference. Tinnitus can cause insomnia, an inability to concentrate, and depression. Treatment is aimed at reducing the loudness and intrusiveness of the tinnitus, and minimising its impact on daily life.
What is acupuncture
Acupuncture is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is a comprehensive medical system used in China for thousands of years to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve wellbeing. Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to health and regards illness as a sign that the body is out of balance. It can also be used as a preventive measure to strengthen the constitution and promote general well-being. Acupuncture entails stimulating certain points on the body, most often with a needle penetrating the skin, to alleviate pain or to help treat various health conditions.
An increasing weight of evidence from scientific research is demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating a wide variety of health conditions. The benefits of acupuncture and TCM are now widely acknowledged all over the world.
How can acupuncture help with tinnitus?
Tinnitus caused by structural damage to the ear is very difficult to repair. Otherwise acupuncture for tinnitus and Chinese herbal medicine may assist in managing the symptoms of tinnitus. The effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment may vary depending on the cause, how advanced the tinnitus is and the patient’s age. For example, treatment effectiveness for an elderly person with tinnitus may be significantly less than in the case of a younger person.
Some studies have found evidence that acupuncture provides relief from tinnitus, with one finding it more effective than western medicine. However, they were very small, and larger, high-quality studies are required to confirm these findings.
The use of acupuncture for tinnitus is a non-invasive treatment that has been used for centuries. As there is more than one cause of tinnitus, treatments will vary.
In cases of tinnitus where the ringing sensation is periodic, causes may be linked to high emotional strain, such as sudden anger. Diet can also have an effect on this condition. Excessive consumption of greasy foods or erratic eating patterns can lead to the production of phlegm. This prevents the rising of clear ‘qi’ to the head and results in the ringing noise associated with tinnitus. Nerve disturbance created by overwork or excess physical strain can lead to tinnitus. Trauma, or physical strain, is a common factor associated with the ringing noise that presents in this disorder. In these cases, tinnitus is an expression of an underlying disharmony. For these patients, the treatment options will include acupuncture for tinnitus alongside herbal therapies. For others, tinnitus may arise as a result of side effects from medications or exposure to very loud noise over many years. These patients may respond well to acupuncture therapy alone.
How is acupuncture for tinnitus applied?
So, how is acupuncture applied? The practice of acupuncture is based on the stimulation of specific points on the body, including meridians and channels. After determining the patient’s unique case, stimulating specific points may rebalance the ‘qi’ (or, energy flow) to alleviate the source of the problem.
Acupuncture for tinnitus uses one or more dry needles that are gently tapped into the surface of the skin at specific points. The needles are very fine and about 10 times thinner than conventional hypodermic needles and the treatment is painless and safe. There is no requirement for uncomfortable examinations and you may find this treatment very calming and soothing. Patients feel a sense of wellness and relaxation as a result of this natural body response. Moreover, there is no medication administered in the needles.
Contact us to book a consultation
If you are experiencing the discomfort of tinnitus and wanting to seek treatment using acupuncture and Chinese herbs, we are here to help. For further information regarding acupuncture and Chinese medicines for tinnitus, please contact us at our Perth or Subiaco clinic:
Perth Clinic: Ph 9228 8828
Subiaco Clinic: Ph 9380 4171
Alternatively, you can send us your queries through our online contact page.
