Deafness and Tinnitus
Both deafness and tinnitus are auditory disturbances . Tinnitus is
characterized by ringing sound in the ears felt by the patient and deafness is
failing or loss of hearing . Because of the similarities between these two
conditions in etiology and treatment , they are discussed together .
Etiology and Pathogenesis
Deafness and tinnitus can be divided into two types : deficiency and excess .
The excess type is caused by fury or fright with upward rush of wind fire of
the liver and gallbladder that obstructs the qi circulation in the Shaoyang
Meridians or caused by invasion of pathogenic wind blocking the orifice . The
deficiency type is due to deficiency of the kidney qi and failure of essential
qi to ascend to the ear .
Differentiation
a ) Excess type :
Main manifestations : Sudden deafness , distension sensation and constant
ringing in the ear that can not be eliminated by pressing . In the case of
upward perversion of pathogenic wind fire of the liver and gallbladder , there
are flushed face , dry mouth , irritability and hot temper , forceful and
string - taut pulse . In the case of invasion by exogenous pathogenic wind , there
appear headache and superficial pulse .
Analysis : The pathogenic fire of the liver and gallbladder that flames up
along the related meridians results in deafness , tinnitus , headache , flushed
face , bitter taste in the mouth and dryness of the throat . Hyper function of
the liver causes hot temper , and irritability is brought about by the
pathogenic heat disturbing the mind . Forceful and string - taut pulse indicates
the excess condition of the liver and gallbladder . When the pathogenic wind
attacks the exterior of the body and obstructs the orifices , deafness ,
tinnitus and headache occur . Superficial pulse is a sign of invasion of the
exogenous pathogenic wind .
b ) Deficiency type :
Main manifestations : Protracted deafness , intermittent tinnitus aggravated
by strain and eliminated by pressing , dizziness , soreness and aching of the
lower back , seminal emission , excessive leucorrhoea , thready and weak pulse .
Analysis : Hypo function of the kidney makes essential qi fail to ascend and
fill up the orifices , so there are deafness , tinnitus and dizziness . The loin
is the house of the kidney , so hypo function of the kidney causes soreness and
aching of the lower back . Deficiency of the kidney qi with impaired
restraining function or deficiency of yin with flaming up of the asthenic fire
that stimulates the seminal organs causes emission . Since the kidney loses its
function of restricting the Dai Meridian , there is excessive leucorrhoea .
Thready and weak pulse are signs of deficiency condition .
Treatment
Method : Points of Shaoyang Meridians of Hand and Foot are used as the
principal points . The reducing method is applied for excess condition , while
the reinforcing method for deficiency condition . Moxibustion is also
advisable .
Prescription : Yifeng ( S J 17 ) , Tinghui ( G 2 ) , Xiaxi ( G 43 ) , Zhongzhu ( S J
3 ) .
Fire preponderance in the liver and gallbladder : Xingjian ( Liv 2 ) , Zulinqi
( G 41 ) .
Invasion of exogenous pathogenic wind : Waiguan ( S J 5 ) , Hegu ( Li4 ) .
Hypo function of the kidney : Shenshu ( B 23 ) , Mingmen ( Du 4 ) , Taixi ( K 3 ) .
Explanation : The Shaoyang Meridians of Hand and Foot travel to the ear
region , so points of Shaoyang Meridians are used , e . g . Zhongzhu ( S J 3 ) ,
Yifeng ( S J 17 ) of Hand - Shaoyang , Tinghui ( G 2 ) and Xiaxi ( G 43 ) of Foot - Shaoyang ,
to regulate the qi circulation in the meridians . In the prescription , two
local and two distal points are combined . Xingjian ( Liv 2 ) and Zulinqi ( G 41 )
are used to clear away the pathogenic fire from the liver and gallbladder , and
to connect the upper and lower portions of the body . Waiguan ( S J 5 ) and Hegu
( Li4 ) expel pathogenic wind . Shenshu ( B 23 ) , Mingmen ( Du 4 ) and Taixi ( Liv 3 )
reinforce the essential qi of the kidney .
Remarks
Tinnitus and deafness may be present in various diseases , most of which seen
in acupuncture clinic are neural .
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