Symptom family: Hearing Disorders
Parent symptom: Tinnitus
Neurogenic tinnitus is a type of tinnitus where the perceived ringing or noise in the ears is directly linked to nerve function and health. This condition may arise from issues within the neural pathways that influence auditory perception, suggesting a neurological origin of the sounds experienced.
Unlike tinnitus with an apparent external cause, like exposure to loud noises or earwax buildup, neurogenic tinnitus is deeply rooted in the nerves' capacity to correctly interpret sound signals.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets neurogenic tinnitus as a symptom of underlying disharmony in the body's natural flow of Qi, particularly related to the Kidney and Liver Channels, which are believed to nourish the ears.
TCM posits that when the flow is disrupted, or when there is a Deficiency or Stagnation of Qi, it can manifest as tinnitus. Identifying the precise disharmony pattern is crucial, as treatments in TCM are tailored to correct the specific imbalances, thereby addressing the root cause of the symptom.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, neurogenic tinnitus is often linked to an underlying imbalance within the body's energetic system. A common pattern associated with this condition is Kidney Yang Deficiency. The Kidney in TCM is not just an organ but a complex system responsible for essential life energy.
When Yang energy in the Kidney is Deficient, it can lead to various symptoms, including tinnitus. This is because the Kidneys in TCM are believed to have a direct influence on the ears. Symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency may include cold extremities, fatigue, weakness in the lower back and knees, and a general sense of feeling cold.
To treat neurogenic tinnitus within the framework of TCM, particularly when stemming from Kidney Yang Deficiency, practitioners often turn to specific formulas designed to warm and tonify Yang. One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, which includes Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) as a key ingredient.
This formula is well-regarded for its ability to strengthen Kidney Yang, thus addressing the root cause of tinnitus associated with this deficiency. By warming and tonifying the Kidney Yang, Shen Qi Wan helps alleviate the symptoms of neurogenic tinnitus, promoting a balance of the body's internal energies.
See more details below about Shen Qi Wan, a herbal formula used to address neurogenic tinnitus.
Neurogenic tinnitus can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address neurogenic tinnitus, organized by herb category.
Neurogenic tinnitus can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurogenic tinnitus, like Shen Qi Wan.
Neurogenic tinnitus can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurogenic tinnitus, like Shen Qi Wan.