"Which Acupoints Should I Massage to Alleviate Tinnitus?"

Tinnitus and Its Relief Methods

Tinnitus is a common phenomenon in daily life, often occurring due to kidney deficiency. It can also stem from various causes such as vascular diseases, middle ear blockages, and head and neck injuries. Massage of specific acupoints around the ears, namely Ermen (ear gate), Tinggong (hearing palace), and Tinghui (hearing meeting), can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. If tinnitus is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an underlying disease, and treatment should focus on addressing the primary condition.

Acupoints for Tinnitus Massage

1. Three Acupoints in Front of the Ear

A. When you open your mouth, a bony protrusion appears in front of the ear. Behind this protrusion and in front of the ear, there is a vertical indentation containing three acupoints that are effective in treating tinnitus: Ermen (ear gate), Tinggong (hearing palace), and Tinghui (hearing meeting), arranged vertically from top to bottom.

B. Instead of locating each acupoint precisely, you can simply rub the side of your index finger against this vertical indentation until it warms up. If symptoms persist, switch to pressing the points to induce a noticeable soreness and distension sensation inside and outside the ear, which can quickly relieve tinnitus.

2. Ear Acupoint Prescription

A. Main Acupoint: Shenmen - Located in the upper part of the posterior 1/3 of the triangular fossa.

Supporting Acupoints: Neier (inner ear) - Middle of the front surface of the earlobe; Waier (outer ear) - In front of the supratragic notch near the helix; Jiaogan (sympathetic) - Intersection of the lower end of the helix crus and the inner edge of the helix; Shen (kidney) - Posterior part below the lower end of the helix crus.

B. Apply pressure to these ear acupoints with beans or cotton swabs in the order mentioned above, adjusting the pressure to the patient's tolerance until tinnitus subsides.

Causes of Tinnitus

1. Noise Exposure Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as those encountered by disco workers or operators of various equipment, can damage the inner ear nerves, leading to tinnitus. Sudden loud noises can also temporarily affect hearing nerves, with individual sensitivity to noise varying.

2. Vascular Diseases Vascular disorders like jugular glomus tumors, small vessel dilation in the ear, vascular malformations, and hemangiomas can cause tinnitus. Venous tinnitus often sounds noisy, while arterial tinnitus synchronizes with the pulse.

3. Medication Overuse of ototoxic drugs like gentamicin, streptomycin, or kanamycin can cause tinnitus and hearing loss, with tinnitus often appearing earlier.

4. Psychological Stress Excessive fatigue, lack of sleep, and intense emotions can trigger tinnitus due to psychological factors. This type of tinnitus is often temporary and requires self-adjustment.

5. Unhealthy Habits Caffeine and alcohol consumption can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Smoking reduces blood oxygen levels, damaging the oxygen-sensitive hair cells in the inner ear. It's essential to modify these unhealthy habits.