Can acupuncture cure tinnitus caused by nerve damage?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Acupuncture is effective for neural tinnitus. Neural tinnitus is typically caused by ischemia and hypoxia of the nerves. Dysfunction or partial damage to the auditory sensory nerves may lead to tinnitus. Acupuncture can help regulate these conditions, generally employing the following approaches:
1. Periauricular acupoint therapy: Promotes local meridian circulation and qi-blood flow; commonly selected points include Ermen (TE21), Tinggong (SI19), and Tinghui (GB2).
Many people experience tinnitus. During the day, it often goes unnoticed; however, when lying down to sleep at night in a quiet environment, one may perceive a chirping sound—similar to that of cicadas—inside the ears. This condition is known as sensorineural tinnitus. Can acupuncture effectively treat sensorineural tinnitus?
Can Acupuncture Effectively Treat Sensorineural Tinnitus?
Acupuncture is effective for sensorineural tinnitus. This type of tinnitus is commonly caused by ischemia and hypoxia affecting the auditory nerves. Dysfunction or partial damage to the sensory nerves of the ear can lead to tinnitus. Acupuncture can help regulate these underlying imbalances through several approaches:
- Periauricular Acupoint Therapy: This method promotes local meridian circulation and regulates Qi and blood flow around the ear. Commonly selected points include Ermen (TE21), Tinggong (SI19), and Tinghui (GB2). Additional nearby points such as Guliu (GB12) and Yifeng (TE17) may also be used; the mastoid point behind the ear (e.g., Tianchuang, SI15) is likewise clinically significant.
- Cervical Spine Treatment: Certain nerves and blood vessels originating from the cervical spine innervate and supply the ear. Dysfunction—including vascular spasm—may result from mechanical compression of these nerves or vessels due to cervical spine abnormalities. Such spasm compromises blood flow to the ear, leading to ischemia, hypoxia, subsequent auditory nerve injury, and ultimately sensorineural hearing loss. In such cases, treatment focuses on relaxing neck muscles and addressing underlying cervical spondylosis.
- Peripheral Acupoint Therapy: Tinnitus may also be treated by stimulating distal acupoints. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tinnitus is closely associated with liver and kidney imbalances. Therefore, regulating liver and kidney function is key—commonly targeted points include Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), and Yanglingquan (GB34).
We hope this information proves helpful!
