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🔗Links mentioned in this episode:

Chinese Medicine Treatments Made Easy Book/PDF

TCM Diagnosis Made Easy Masterclass (+ get CEs!)

 

 

Show Notes

I get requests almost daily for case studies, so today we are taking a real case on Tinnitus and breaking it down – together! This podcast covers how I would treat this tinnitus case, often known as ear ringing, using Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

 

Introduction to Tinnitus and TCM Diagnosis

Tinnitus is one of those conditions that can be incredibly tricky to manage. For many, it’s a persistent and nagging issue. But guess what? We’re not in this for nothing! With TCM, we have this amazing toolkit that empowers us to make a real difference. Today, we will explore our case, focusing on a 33-year-old self-employed DJ. He has been experiencing increased awareness of tinnitus for the past six months, coupled with various symptoms that give us clues for a TCM diagnosis.

 

Exploring the Causes

The most important part of TCM Diagnosis is finding the root cause. Our patient has spent years as a drummer and DJ, exposing his ears to constant noise pollution. This repetitive trauma to the ear canal is a primary cause of his tinnitus. We can’t ignore the emotional factors at play here—stress, anxiety, and bouts of anger have been prevalent in his life, stemming both from his personal and family history. Moreover, his lifestyle choices, such as past drug use and regular alcohol consumption, contribute significantly to his condition. These cumulatively create imbalances in his liver and other organ systems from a TCM perspective.

 

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The patient reports consistent low-level tinnitus, along with sinus pressure, fluctuating stress levels, anxiety, sleep disturbances, digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea, and even physical symptoms like neck and shoulder tension. Looking at these symptoms through the TCM lens, they point toward multiple imbalances. We see liver qi stagnation accompanied by liver yang rising, spleen qi deficiency, kidney essence depletion, and lung-related problems—all of which connect to his lifestyle and emotional history.

 

Treatment Principles

Now onto the treatment strategy. Our primary goals involve:

  • Liver: Moving the liver qi and calming the overactive yang energy are crucial. We aim to smooth over those jagged emotional responses and help him cope better.
  • Kidney and Lung: Tonifying is necessary here. By strengthening these organs, we can help alleviate symptoms like low-level tinnitus and sinus issues.
  • Spleen: We focus on supporting digestive function and drainage of dampness, which manifests as sinus pressure and digestive issues.
  • Mind-Body Harmony: The emotional aspects can’t go unaddressed. Managing stress and anxiety will significantly improve his quality of life and treatment outcomes.

 

Acupuncture Points and Herbal Formulas

Choosing the right acupuncture points is integral to addressing these complex issues. We have Liver 3 for moving qi efficiently, Spleen 6, a powerful point that coordinates the liver, kidney, and spleen, and Kidney 6 for tinnitus relief. Other points like Stomach 36 and PC 6 might help balance digestive functions and ease anxiety, respectively.

In terms of herbal support, formulas like Rambling Powder and Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin I would highly recommend to this patient. The former targets liver qi stagnation, helping work through those emotional and digestive issues. The latter is particular to his tinnitus, addressing liver yang rising alongside kidney deficiencies.

 

Dietary Recommendations

Diet often plays a silent yet profound role in health. While I don’t know the specific details of our patient’s diet, I can recommend general dietary changes. For instance, incorporating liver-friendly greens, opting for kidney-supportive bone broths, and consuming lemon water can be beneficial. It’s key for our patient to avoid alcohol, as well as sugary, dairy, and processed foods that could exacerbate dampness.

Thank you so much for joining me on this exploration today! Through this case study, I hope to provide some valuable insights into using TCM for treating tinnitus and helping patients achieve a better quality of life. Our roles as practitioners, educators, and guides are essential in supporting our patients on their healing journeys.

 

Disclaimer

The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Additionally, as well as users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

 

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