Tinnitus/Ringing in the Ears

If the physical ear does not have a problem, as reflected by tests that show that there is no actual damage to the ear, tinnitus or ringing sounds in the ears is related to what traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) calls a function disorder. This is an "energy" problem. In TCM's Five-Element theory the ear is considered the "gateway" or opening of the Kidney. Another way of putting this concept is that the ear is a sort of Kidney "energy detector." If your Kidney energy (called "Qi" in Chinese, and pronounced chee) is deficient, much like a home smoke detector when there's smoke or fire, your ears (either one or both) will have a sound. The louder and the longer the duration of the sound, the lower your Kidney energy is. Sometimes, people with this problem experience a decrease in the loudness or the length of time it is present when they sleep well and are more rested.

For musicians, for instance, it may appear that the sound is caused by exposure to loud music, but in reality the cause is most likely due to constantly working late nights. TCM understands that when the body is forced to work and be active at night, particularly past midnight when it is natural for the body to rest, it expends many more times—double or triple—the amount of energy than it does during the day. It is like swimming against the current. When you live like this over a period of time, you are continually "spending" your Kidney Qi. Once it goes below a certain level, your body sends you a signal—it sets off a kind of alarm—and that is the ringing in your ears. This is the body's attempt to tell you "I need a refill, the tank is getting empty."

The real way to fix this kind of health problem is to change your lifestyle. The bottom line is if you don't change, down the line things will only get worse. Kidney energy is what powers the body, and without a sufficient amount, all your organs will eventually suffer—they are interrelated and interdependent. If this problem is caught while it is not too serious, you can regenerate and accumulate your energy. It will just take some time. Kidney energy can be compared to money: it's difficult to save money; it's easy to spend it.

TCM Tips for Healing

Tinnitus has been effectively treated for centuries using the following natural forms.

• Acupuncture is very beneficial to balance and harmonize organ function.
• Herbs: Two classical herbal formulas are very helpful for this condition: Er Long Zuo Ci Wan and Zi Bai Di Huang Wan. These must be used for at least a few months.
• Another treatment that can help is to use magnets. Tape them to the bottom of the foot in a spot located at the center of each foot (acupoint Kidney 1) and wear them daily for at least a couple of months. This can stimulate the Kidney.
• Qigong (energy-building postures and movements) is extremely beneficial because it helps increase and balance you Qi or internal energy. This maximizes the function of your internal organs, thereby saving energy.
• Lifestyle changes: To totally heal this kind of problem, you need to constantly save your energy and this is difficult to do, particularly living a busy Western lifestyle. You have to learn the value of regular rest and relaxation. Also, learn to let difficulties go emotionally—the constant churning of emotions burns up your energy. It's also important to know that overdoing it in terms of sex is not good. Kidney energy is lost during sex, so approach it with moderation in mind.