Itchy ears 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.
Itchy ears can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like itchy ears here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here itchy ears is often associated with chest pain, constipation and anger in the pattern “Wind-Phlegm”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of itchy ears we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Wind-Phlegm, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause itchy ears
In Chinese Medicine itchy ears is a symptom for the pattern "Wind-Phlegm". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) is the king ingredient for Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a formula used for Wind-Phlegm
Wind-Phlegm
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating
Tongue shape: Deviated, Swollen
Wind-Phlegm is when Phlegm invades the Channels and sensory orifices, leading to such symptoms as dizziness, vertigo, or headache.
In addition to itchy ears, other symptoms associated with Wind-Phlegm include chest pain, constipation and anger.
Wind-Phlegm is often treated with Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula made of 8 herbs (including Crow-Dipper Rhizomes - Ban Xia - as a key herb). Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Dries and dissolves Phlegm".
A herbal formula that might help with itchy ears
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Source date: 1732 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Dries and dissolves Phlegm. Strengthens the Spleen. Smoothes the Liver and calms Liver Wind (antispasmodic).
Why might Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang help with itchy ears?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Wind-Phlegm' of which itchy ears is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for itchy ears
The two Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat itchy ears
Why might Gastrodia Rhizome (Tian Ma) help with itchy ears?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Wind-Phlegm' (a pattern with itchy ears as a symptom)
Gastrodia Rhizomes is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Liver.
Its main actions are: Calms Liver Wind. Sedates Liver Yang and relieves convulsions. Relieves Wind and stops pain.
Why might Crow-Dipper Rhizome (Ban Xia) help with itchy ears?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Wind-Phlegm' (a pattern with itchy ears as a symptom)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention.
Other symptoms often associated with itchy ears
Chest pain Constipation Anger Dizziness Feeling of oppression of the chest Aphasia Rattling sound in the throat Numbness in the limbs