Acupuncture and Tinnitus
- Jean Donati
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
🧠 Acupuncture and Tinnitus: What’s the Connection?
If you’re experiencing tinnitus—the persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears—you know how it can impact your sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life. While conventional treatments may not be effective for everyone, acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free alternative that many people are exploring for relief.
🌿 How Acupuncture May Help with Tinnitus
Acupuncture, a gentle technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves placing ultra-thin needles at specific points on the body to restore balance and enhance well-being. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat imbalances in the body—and more recently, it's been studied for its effects on tinnitus. Here’s how it may help:
Here’s how acupuncture may help with tinnitus:
🔌 Neuromodulation: Acupuncture may help calm overactive nerves and rebalance activity in the brain’s auditory centers, potentially easing the sensation of ringing or buzzing.
😌Stress Relief & Better Sleep: Tinnitus is often accompanied by stress, anxiety, and insomnia,
which can exacerbate symptoms. Acupuncture helps regulate stress hormones, promoting relaxation and deeper sleep.
❤️Improved Circulation: Targeting specific acupuncture points may increase blood flow to the ear and surrounding areas, supporting healing and reducing inflammation.
In Summary: Acupuncture
• Improves circulation to the ears and head, which may support hearing function.
• Calms the nervous system, helping reduce the intensity of ringing or buzzing.
• Lowers stress and anxiety, which are known to make tinnitus worse.
• May balance the body’s energy (Qi) in ways that help reduce symptoms over time.
📚 What Does the Research Say?
Battlefield Acupuncture as a Treatment Option for Chronic Tinnitus: A Pilot Study
This study reported a significant reduction in tinnitus-related distress for up to six months.
NCCAOM Report on Acupuncture and Herbs: Clinical trials have shown promising results using electroacupuncture and herbs, especially for liver-gallbladder heat type tinnitus.
Karger Scoping Review (2024): A review of 106 studies, with most from China showing benefits,identified common acupuncture points such as TE17, GB2, SI19, and TE21.
Springer Meta-analysis (2016): This meta-analysis reported positive outcomes in Chinese studies.
🧘♂ Is Acupuncture Right for You?
If stress, poor sleep, or nervous system imbalances are contributing to your tinnitus—or if you’re seeking a natural option that supports your body’s healing—acupuncture may be a valuable addition to your care plan. Most people find the experience relaxing, and many feel a sense of calm after just one session. Regular sessions over several weeks usually offer the best results and long-term benefits.
Want to learn more or book your first session? I’m all ears—pun intended. 🧏♂
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