Is tinnitus due to liver fire or stomach fire?
May 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Tinnitus is a common symptom that may be caused by excessive liver fire; however, it could also result from excessive stomach fire. If discomfort occurs, one should promptly visit a正规 hospital for medical evaluation. During treatment, it is important to maintain emotional stability and avoid excessive anxiety or tension. At the same time, pay attention to rest, ensure sufficient sleep, and avoid overexertion.
Tinnitus is a common symptom that may be caused by liver fire; however, it could also result from stomach fire. If discomfort occurs, one should promptly visit a正规 hospital for proper medical evaluation. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Liver fire: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the liver governs smoothing and regulating functions, playing a key role in emotional balance, circulation of qi and blood, and coordination of organ systems. When emotions are repressed or anger damages the liver, liver qi becomes stagnant and over time transforms into internal heat. This heat may rise upward to affect the ear, damaging the ear's meridians and potentially causing tinnitus. Therefore, tinnitus may be induced by liver fire. In such cases, symptoms may include red eyes, irritability, headache, rib-side pain, and bitter taste in the mouth, in addition to tinnitus. Under medical guidance, patients may take herbal formulas such as Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Dang Gui Long Hui Wan, or Qi Ju Di Huang Wan to alleviate symptoms.
2. Stomach fire: Stomach fire refers to excessive stomach activity manifesting as heat signs, often associated with emotional imbalances, dietary factors, or chronic illness leading to yin deficiency. Common symptoms include dry mouth, bitter taste, preference for cold drinks, and dark, scanty urine. When stomach fire is severe, the heat may rise upward to the ear, impairing the ear's meridians and triggering tinnitus. Thus, tinnitus may also be related to stomach fire. Patients may follow medical advice to use remedies such as Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan, Shen Mei Yang Wei Ke Li, or Niu Huang Qing Wei Wan to relieve symptoms.
During treatment, it is important to maintain emotional stability and avoid excessive anxiety or stress. Adequate rest and sufficient sleep should be ensured, and overexertion should be avoided.
