Tinnitus according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, tinnitus is sometimes associated with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's tinnitus might be caused by the pattern Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from tinnitus alone. Indeed if tinnitus is caused by Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, patients also experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus. Similarly, patients with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tongue.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising so that you can have a better understanding of where tinnitus might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below six formulas that can help treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with tinnitus
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Symptoms: Vertigo Tinnitus Insomnia Headaches Dizziness Blurred vision Dream disturbed sleep Spasms in the extremities Numbness in the extremities Twitching in the extremities Feeling of heat rushing to the head
Tinnitus might be due to Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus. Similarly, patients with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tongue.
Read more about Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising here
The six herbal formulas that might help with tinnitus
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Source date: 1958 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Calms the Liver. Extinguishes wind. Invigorates the blood. Clears heat. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys.
Why might Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin help with tinnitus?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, a pattern sometimes associated with tinnitus. If it looks like you might suffer from Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Wan Dai Tang
Source date: 1826 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies the Middle Burner. Removes Dampness. Stops vaginal discharge. Strengthens the Spleen.
Why might Wan Dai Tang help with tinnitus?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with tinnitus. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan
Source date: 1172 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Drains Liver and Gallbladder Fire Excess.
Why might Dang Gui Long Hui Wan help with tinnitus?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with tinnitus. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Da Fang Feng Tang
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 14 herbs
Key actions: Expel Wind Damp. Relieve pain. Tonify the Liver and the Kidneys. Tonify the Blood and Qi.
Why might Da Fang Feng Tang help with tinnitus?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with tinnitus. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Bu Gan Tang
Source date: 1742 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies and regulates the Blood. Nourishes the Liver Yin.
Why might Bu Gan Tang help with tinnitus?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with tinnitus. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
