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Acupuncture Cures for Tinnitus

Tinnitus occurs when an individual hears ringing, static or squealing sounds in one or both ears. The ringing can come and go, or be constant. Tinnitus can present because of exposure to loud noises, aging, overwork over a long period or kidney problems. Acupuncturists treat tinnitus using very fine needles inserted into the skin to target particular qi, or energy, points in the body. Results vary with treatment for tinnitus, however, particularly in conjunction with how long the patient has had the condition and the age of the patient.

  1. Kidneys

    • The kidneys are connected to the ears in acupuncture treatment. When kidneys are affected or weakened, hearing can be affected.

    Heart and Lungs

    • The heart can also be involved in tinnitus cases and acupuncture treatment of tinnitus. In acupuncture, it is believed that the heart and the mind are connected, and a weaker heart or issues with blood flow to the heart will also affect the ears. Lungs are also believed to be an organ that is connected to the ears and can be a focus of acupuncture treatment for tinnitus.

    Phlegm and Yin/Yang

    • Phlegm can also be connected to tinnitus, because it can clog up your head and affect your hearing. In a more esoteric sense, acupuncturists may also explore the balance of yin and yang in the body. Yin is represented in the body by fluids like mucus or blood, and yang has to do with digestion.

    Points for Treatment

    • There are nine treatment points for tinnitus that are connected to the kidneys. There are seven heart-blood deficiency points that are used by acupuncturists to treat tinnitus, and 11 points that connect the lungs and hearing. Eleven points on the body connected to phlegm are useful as acupuncture treatment points for tinnitus.

      Not all of the acupuncture points will be used, as they will be chosen specifically based on the patient's case; in addition, some of the aforementioned points are the same for different organs, so there is overlap.

    Warning

    • Consult a primary physician before pursuing alternative treatments for serious medical conditions. As tinnitus is not generally treated and is viewed as permanent ear damage by Western medicine, acupuncture may be viewed by a physician as a worthwhile treatment option.

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