Ear Infectionaccording to TCM

What is Ear Infection?

An ear infection is a common ailment that occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. People of all ages can be affected, but children are the most susceptible.

Ear infections can cause pain in the ear, fluid buildup, and sometimes, difficulty hearing. While acute infections are sudden and short-lived, chronic infections may recur and can cause persistent or permanent damage to the ear.

TCM Perspective on Ear Infection

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ear infection is understood as an imbalance in the body's Qi (vital energy) and Blood circulation, often caused by external pathogenic factors such as Wind or Heat, or internal disharmonies like Qi Deficiency.

TCM does not separate the symptom from the individual; it examines how the ear infection reflects an underlying disharmony within the body's organ systems. The goal is not only to alleviate the symptoms of the ear infection but also to restore balance and prevent recurrence by identifying and treating the root pattern of disharmony.

Acupoints for Managing Ear Infection

To address an ear infection, TCM recommends specific acupoints that correspond to the underlying patterns causing the condition. For example, the acupoint Yifeng TB-17 is located behind the earlobe and is a focal point for relieving ear-related symptoms. This point is believed to be effective in expelling pathogenic Wind, which is often associated with ear infections.

By stimulating Yifeng TB-17, along with other relevant points, practitioners aim to enhance the flow of Qi and Blood, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the ear. This integrative approach is a hallmark of TCM, highlighting its holistic nature and its emphasis on individualized treatment plans.

Acupoints for Ear Infection

See more details below about Yifeng TB-17, an acupoint used to address ear infection.

Yifeng TB-17

Posterior to the lobule of the ear, in the depression between the mandible and mastoid process.