Ayurvedic remedies for tinnitus

Ayurvedic name for Tinnitus is “Karnanada”. According to Ayurveda, Tinnitus in not a disease only a symptom of prana vayu disturbance.  Ayurveda considers tinnitus to be the result of a disturbance to vata dosha. Prana vayu is a subdosha of vata which resides in the head and governs all higher cerebral functions. Vata is the energy of the body that governs the nervous system and higher mental functions. Tinnitus may be accompanied by other signs of ear related vata disturbance such as dry wax in the ears, ear pain and loss of hearing.

Causes

The exact causes of tinnitus are still unknown. There are few aggravating  factors for it only which may  worsen tinnitus.

According to Ayurveda, the cause is vitiation of Vata dosha only. Thus lack of adequate sleep, tired nerves due to increased worries, incessant talking, excess fasting, excess exercise, sudden shock/grief/fear, excess and difficult to digest cerals in the food, excess bitter medicines/vegetables etc are some of the reasons for tinnitus. Depletition of dhatus as a result of excess indulgence in sex may be another reason. Some of other factors are listed below

1. Noise-induced hearing loss – Over exposure to loud sound or music is harmful for ear. Hair cells called cilia in the inner air can damage due to noise.
2.  Wax build-up in the ear canal – Over production of wax is also harmful for ear. If there is enough wax that can cause tinnitus seem louder.
3. Ear or sinus infections – Another reason for tinnitus may be the infection in ear or sinus infection.
4. Jaw misalignment – Tinnitus is induced by the misalighnment of jaw joints or muscles. Which also affect cranial muscles and nerves. Also tinnitus can start after removal of wisdom teeth if cranial nerves is damaged.
5. Cardiovascular disease – Vascular condition may also cause tinnitus. When blood flowing arteries or vein are compromised like a heart murmur, hypertension or hardening of arteries tinnitus can happen.
6. Certain types of tumors – Sometimes people with benign and slow tumour on auditory, vestibular or facial nerves may cause tinnitus, deafness and loss of balance.

7· Certain medications – Some medications are toxic to the ear. It will produce tinnitus as a side effect without damaging the inner ear Ex.- aspirin,

Diet tips

• Vata influences the movement of thoughts, feeling, prana flows, nerve impulses and fluids in the body. Hence vata balancing food plan is recommended.
• Breakfast usually desirable. use hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat or any other breakfast that is warm, milky and sweet.
• Take warm food, moderately heavy in textures and butter and fat. Sweet and sour tastes are diserable.
• Reduce dry foods and bitter tastes. Use warm or hot water and drinks.

• Useful Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, cloves in moderation.
  Green Gram Khichri is the best balanced food during dinner, and has easily digestible proteins in addition carbodydrates and fibres. This will take care of indigestion and constipation.
• Consumption of caffeine, nicotine, or cocaine can disturb the prana vayu leading to tinnitus hence avoid it.

Lifestyle Changes for Tinnitus 

• Use hair oil daily
• Use massage using Sesame oil for about 20 minutes to whole body and take hot water bath thereafter. The massage and bath just before bedtime will aid the sleep also. Oil massage calms down the Vata.
• Observe silence for a few days and note the change in ringing.
• Tinnitus appears to have some connection with the number of hours one spends daily in front of computer monitor. The radiation emitted by monitor is hitting the user all the time. A number of cases having auditory or vision nerve problems are coming to light.
•  Do not travel or walk in an extreme cold climate. Do not take bath frequently.
• Do not stop natural urges when body wants to eliminate the wastes.
• To increase blood circulation, rub by a mud soap at bath time also gives the effect of massage. In addition, it cleanses the blood to some extent.
• In addition, there are certain breathing techniques  good for tinnitus
• Excess television watching, excess use of computers, or sleeping near an electrical outlet should be avoided.
• Avoid too much exposure to loud noises, music, speakers, and professional activities which involve high frequency sounds.

 Panchakarma

• Karna poorana
• Nasya
• Shiroabhyanga
• Abhyanga
• Kabala
• Gandusa

 Yoga

• Karna pidasana
• Matshyasana
• Bhramari pranayama
• Anulom bilom