Tinnitus

Pronounced "TIN-nuh-tuhs" affects more people than you think.  This is a condition where you hear ringing or noises in one or both of your ears.  It is a common condition that affect older adults in 15 to 20% of the population.  In Chinese Medicine, the pitch of the ringing can indicate which internal organ is involved in causing the condition.  Many of my patients have had success with using acupuncture to treat both acute and chronic tinnitus.  In some cases, the ringing can be completely eliminated.  If you think you have tinnitus, I would highly recommend confirming the diagnosis with your doctor first, either low-pitched or high-pitched tinnitus, because sometimes tinnitus can also be part of Meniere's disease, which is another topic in itself.  Also, sometimes a Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist can help with removing ear wax that might help to reduce tinnitus.  In clinic, I notice that patients with tinnitus might also experience poor circulation throughout the body, generally have tight neck and shoulder muscles, may experience jaw pain, or tend to clench their teeth at night.  When the correct cause is addressed and treated, then tinnitus will resolve fairly quickly and easily.  It doesn't hurt to try acupuncture, because it either will help to improve your condition or the condition will not change and cannot get worse.  Don't you feel it is at least worth a try?!

~Mei-Lin Maunakea

image: credit to Farah from Burst