AYURVEDA

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BY - DR. SHASHIKANT PATWARDHAN

B.A.M & S; F.F.A.M.

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TINNITUS

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[http://ayurveda-foryou.com]

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INDEX INDEX ............................................................................................................ 2 ABOUT THE AUTHOR ................................................................................ 3 ABOUT AYURVEDA ................................................................................... 4 TINNITUS - LINE OF TREATMENT .......................................................... 8 TINNITUS - AYURVEDIC VIEW.............................................................. 15 AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF TINNITUS ....................................... 17 HERBS AND FORMULATIONS USEFUL IN TINNITUS ...................... 21 HOME REMEDY FOR TINNITUS ............................................................ 23 YOGA FOR TINNITUS............................................................................... 25 TINNITUS AND KUNDALINI................................................................... 26 OTHER PUBLICATIONS ........................................................................... 30 ASSOCIATED EAR PROBLEMS AND AYURVEDA ............................. 27 LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR TINNITUS MANAGEMENT ................... 24 CAUSES OF TINNITUS................................................................................ 6 EXERCISES FOR TINNITUS..................................................................... 14

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PANCHAKARMA FOR TINNITUS........................................................... 19

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr.Shashikant Patwardhan

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Copyright Copyright (C) 2012. Dr.Shashikant Patwardhan. All Rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form ,by Photostat, Microfilm , xerography, or any other means ,which are not known ,or to be invented, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, without the written permission of the owner -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disclaimer This ebook publication is being distributed with the expressed and implied understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional advice. The information presented in this ebook is not intended to replace the services of a health practitioner licensed in the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease. While the author has made every effort to be factual, your results may vary.

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He writes articles on various topics in Ayurveda in Ayurvedic health magazines.

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He has authored books on various topics in Ayurveda and is first to publish them in ebook format.

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He is working as a chief editor of a comprehensive website on Ayurveda http://www.ayurveda-foryou.com since last twelve years.

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He is practicing as 'Ayurvedic Consultant' for last 30 years at the city Sangli , Maharashtra -India. Now he is settled in Bangalore, KarnatakaIndia. He has done his graduation in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery [B.A.M&S] and post graduate Fellowship of Faculty of Ayurvedic Medicine [F.F.A.M.] From Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune University , India, during the years 1970-1976.

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AYURVEDA FOR TINNITUS

ABOUT AYURVEDA Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, derived from two roots: ayur, which means life, and veda, knowledge. Knowledge arranged systematically with logic becomes science. During the course of time, Ayurveda became the science of life. Ayurveda has been developed over thousands of years in India by wise men who have thoroughly tested all the theories by practicing on themselves and their patients. It has its root in ancient vedic literature and encompasses our entire life, the body, mind and spirit.

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Ayurvedic medicine doesn't promise instant results. Its approach is gentle and comprehensive, working to correct the root cause of imbalances rather than the surface symptoms. And it places the responsibility for your well being on your own shoulders. But if you make that commitment to yourself, you'll be richly rewarded, with ongoing benefits that add up gradually, day after day. Although Ayurveda is a most ancient and traditional science, it's not outdated. It's very practical. Its time-tested principles are perfect for today's seekers of prevention-oriented self-care.

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Ayurveda is a way of healing and a way of life that always takes into consideration the whole person. According to the teachings of Ayurveda, every aspect of your life contributes to your overall health. Poor health seldom has a simple or single cause.

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In our modern, high-stress, sleep-deprived, eat-on-the-go, get-it-all-doneyesterday world, having our systems go out of balance is easy. And imbalances manifest themselves as ill health and diseases. Popping pills and treating the symptoms for the time being and getting superficial relief isn't the right answer. And the unfortunate truth is that many prescription drugs come with unwanted, and sometimes dangerous, side effects.

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Ayurveda describes health as the state where mind, body and spirit are in perfect balance -- the way nature has designed them to be.

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FOREWORD Word TINNITUS is derived from a Latin word TINNIRE meaning To Ring Tinnitus is a subjective disorder characterized as chronic ringing, roaring, buzzing, humming, chirping, clicking or hissing in the ears in the absence of environmental noise. The ringing can be intermittent or constant-with single or multiple tones-and its perceived volume can range from subtle to shattering. Symptoms of tinnitus are frequently found in elderly persons and are often associated with hearing loss related to the aging process. Sometimes tinnitus is called "head noise." In tinnitus, the acoustic nerve transmits impulses to the brain that are not the result of vibrations produced by sound waves. Instead the impulses are the result of stimuli that originate inside the head or within the ear. In healthy ears, thousands of auditory cells maintain an electrical charge. There are microscopic hairs on the surface of each auditory cell that move in relation to the pressure of sound waves. Movement of the hairs discharges electrical charges through the hearing nerve to the brain. The brain interprets these electrical signals as sound. If the hairs are damaged, they move erratically and are in a constant state of irritation. As a result, the auditory cells cannot hold their charge and random electrical impulses flow to the brain as noise.

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It is estimated that in U.S. alone, over 50 million experience tinnitus to some degree. Of these, nearly 25% have severe enough tinnitus and about 5% are so seriously debilitated that they cannot function on a "normal," day-to-day basis. The population of affected appears to contain more number of "intellectuals", in sedentary occupation.

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CAUSES OF TINNITUS

The exact physiological causes of tinnitus are not known to science. There are, however, several likely sources, all of which are known to trigger or worsen tinnitus. 1. Noise-induced hearing loss - Exposure to loud noises can damage and even destroy hair cells, called cilia, in the inner ear. Once damaged, these hair cells cannot be renewed or replaced.

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6 Certain types of tumors - Very rarely, people have a benign and slowgrowing tumor on their auditory, vestibular, or facial nerves. These tumors can cause tinnitus, deafness, facial paralysis, and loss of balance. 7 Certain medications - Some medications are ototoxic-that is, toxic to the ear. Other medications will produce tinnitus as a side effect without

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5 Cardiovascular disease - Approximately 3 percent of tinnitus patients experience pulsatile tinnitus; they typically hear a rhythmic pulsing, often in time with a heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus can indicate the presence of a vascular condition-where the blood flow through veins and arteries is compromised-like a heart murmur, hypertension, or hardening of the arteries.

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4 Jaw misalignment - Some people have misaligned jaw joints or jaw muscles, which can not only induce tinnitus, but also affect cranial muscles and nerves and shock absorbers in the jaw joint. Many dentists specialize in this temporomandibular jaw misalignment and can provide assistance with treatment. On the other hand, tinnitus can start by removal of wisdom teeth, (last molars) if cranial nerves in the neighborhood get damaged.

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3 Ear or sinus infections - Many people, including children, experience tinnitus along with an ear or sinus infection. Generally, the tinnitus will lessen and gradually go away once the infection is healed.

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2 Wax build-up in the ear canal - The amount of wax ears produce varies by individual. Sometimes, people produce enough wax that their hearing can be compromised or their tinnitus can seem louder.

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damaging the inner ear Ex.- aspirin, quinine and some antibiotics. Effects can depend on the dosage of the medication, can be temporary or permanent. 8 Head and neck trauma - Physical trauma to the head and neck can induce tinnitus. Other symptoms include headaches, vertigo, and memory loss. Often the practitioners of the modern medicine use words "you just have to learn to live with it." Far from being helpful, this phrase increases the isolation and frustration of the tinnitus patients. They are alone, and they are without hope. Often, patients say that they are going mad at the continuous noise. 9. Physiological origin : Ringing in ears is caused by physiological factors like traumatic shock caused to the ears by sudden loud noises, consistent noise pollution, stress, nervous tension, fatigue, low or high blood pressure, digestive disorders, constipation, sleep disorders, deprivation, muscle inflammation, neck injury, head injuries, circulatory disorders, kidney disorders (diabetes), liver disorders or intoxication. As per this school of thought, these physiological imbalances induce an impairment of the auditory system and result in tinnitus.

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11. Excessive amounts of stress can interfere with normal body chemistry and may cause tinnitus.

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10. Neurological origin: As per this school, tinnitus has a strong neuronal origin. In response to sudden excessive noise or in reaction to stress, the brain attaches an exaggerated importance to the background noise and lesser importance to the loud noise, in order to protect the auditory system from damages. This receptiveness of the brain tends to linger for a longer time. Researchers have also found that many tinnitus patients show an abnormal excitation of neurons in the auditory cortex area of the brain.

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TINNITUS - LINE OF TREATMENT The treatment of tinnitus depends on the cause. As noted earlier, if the tinnitus is caused from a health condition, there may be steps your physician can take to eliminate or reduce the noise: removing earwax, treating an ear infection, correcting a vascular condition, changing or discontinuing a medicine, or recommending a hearing. If tinnitus is caused by age-related hearing loss or damage to your ears from exposure to excessive noise, there is no treatment to reduce the noise. Instead, treatment consists largely of managing the condition. Not every suggested treatment works for everyone, so you may need to try several to find one that will help.

Avoid irritants. Tinnitus can be aggravated by loud noises, nicotine, caffeine, tonic water containing quinine (used to treat malaria), alcohol, and excessive doses of aspirin. Nicotine and caffeine constrict blood vessels, increasing the force of blood through veins and arteries. Alcohol also increases the force of blood by increasing the speed of blood flow. Mask or cover up noise. A fan or soft music can help mask the noise of tinnitus. Tinnitus maskers are devices that are similar to hearing aids in appearance, but they produce a pleasant sound. Listening to recordings of soothing music or sounds such as ocean waves may help cover the unwanted noise, especially while sleeping. There are some electronic sound devices that provide several relaxing sounds to facilitate sleep by masking tinnitus.

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Lifestyle Changes -Sometimes symptoms of tinnitus improve with time. However, many people must learn to make adjustments to their lifestyle (coping skills). Try some of these techniques to help reduce the severity of tinnitus and to increase your tolerance of it:

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It is important to avoid anything that could make your tinnitus worsen, including smoking, alcohol, and loud noises. If you are a construction worker, an airport worker, a hunter, or are often exposed to loud noise at home or at work, you should wear ear plugs or special ear protection (muffs) to protect your hearing.

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Use a hearing aid. If you have tinnitus that is accompanied by a loss of hearing, a hearing aid can amplify outside sounds and possibly make tinnitus noise less noticeable. For the stress induced tinnitus, psychological counseling, biofeedback, or the hypnosis useful for the tinnitus. These are helpful for reducing emotional tension which produces unnecessary muscle spasm in tiny tensor tympani or the stapedius muscles inside the ear. Engaging in regular exercise may also provide relief by increasing blood circulation to the head. Reduce use of salt. This can increase the buildup of fluid in the ear. Diet in Tinnitus :

Increasing dietary magnesium and potassium (good sources are apricots, baked potatoes, bananas, beets, leafy greens, and nuts) and taking a daily multivitamin-mineral plus separate supplements may help compensate for the above-average nutrient needs of some tinnitus sufferers. Food allergies may cause tinnitus in some people. Do some experimentation to determine if allergic reactions to certain foods aggravate the affliction for you. For some individuals, caffeine or other stimulants, excess salt, or the quinine in tonic water can trigger an episode of ear noise.
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A three-day fruit and vegetable juice fast can clear the ear of clogging mucus. Thereafter, a four-week therapy of garlic juice, which lowers blood pressure and dilates and relaxes tiny blood vessels, is an effective treatment. It should be combined with a predominantly vegetarian, whole foods diet including plenty of raw vegetables and fruit. Drastically reducing the intake of saturated fats, vegetable shortening and margarine can produce a dramatic improvement in hearing. Avoid sugar, which promotes tinnitus by provoking adrenalin release, which, in turn, causes vasoconstriction in the inner ear.

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Scientists suggest that there is a major connection between tinnitus and food. Unwanted ear sounds can be a symptom of arteriosclerosis or high blood pressure. These diseases are very often the result of poor diet. An abundance of animal protein, especially red meat, refined flours and sugars, and processed foods constrict the arteries and stress the body.

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Dietary Supplements Ginkgo Biloba Melatonin B Vitamins Vitamin A Vitamin E Choline Zinc Magnesium Other Supplements

Another controlled study showed that ginkgo extract caused a statistically significant decrease in behavioral manifestation in the animal model of tinnitus (Jastreboff et al. 1997). In human studies, it was shown in patients who had cerebrovascular insufficiency (a common condition associated with normal aging) that ginkgo extract produced a significant improvement in the symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, headache, and forgetfulness (Holstein 2001; Morgenstern et al. 2002).

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Melatonin
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In a study conducted in Denmark, tinnitus and dizziness were reduced after a treatment of 4-6 weeks with ginkgo biloba. Researchers also noted that there were minimal side effects in patients who followed the recommended dosage (Soholm 1998).

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Ginkgo Biloba A plant extract used to reduce the symptoms of cognitive deficits such as decreased memory function, poor concentration, and reduced alertness, ginkgo biloba has been shown to have positive results in the treatment of tinnitus and dizziness in the scientific literature (Stange et al. 1975; Jung et al. 1998). Studies have shown that 120-240 mg a day of pharmaceuticalgrade ginkgo biloba extract can alleviate tinnitus, although some earlier studies failed to show benefits (Burschka et al. 2001). The therapeutic effect of ginkgo biloba is attributed to several active constituents with vasoactive and free-radical-scavenging properties.

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Rosenberg et al. (1998) evaluated a treatment for subjective tinnitus at the Ear Research Foundation in Sarasota, Florida. Patients were given 3 mg of melatonin nightly for 30 days. In patients with difficulty sleeping due to the symptoms of tinnitus, an overall improvement was seen in 46% of the study group as opposed to 20% in the group given placebo. The researchers also concluded that patients with bilateral (two-sided) tinnitus showed significant improvement over those with unilateral (one-sided) tinnitus. Because of the minimal side effects associated with melatonin, it is considered a safe alternative treatment for chronic tinnitus (Rosenberg et al. 1998).

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Some patients say vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplemented at 100-500 mg daily has provided them with relief from symptoms. Vitamin B3 (niacin) is the subject of numerous anecdotal reports that purport it to help reduce symptoms. Dr. Seidman usually recommends a starting dosage of 50 mg twice a day of niacin, up to a maximum of 500 mg twice a day, but he believes that if there is no improvement within 3-4 months, it is unlikely to occur. There may also be some correlation between the decline in vitamin B12 levels and the increasing prevalence of tinnitus in the elderly. A study by Shemesh et al. (1993) showed that there was a high prevalence (47%) of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with chronic tinnitus. This deficiency was more widespread and severe in the tinnitus group that was associated with
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According to Michael Seidman, M.D. (Tinnitus Center in Bloomfield, Michigan), there are specific nutrients that have been suggested to benefit persons with tinnitus. B-complex supplements lead this category because deficiencies in the B vitamins have been shown to result in tinnitus. The B vitamin complex stabilizes nerves and appears to have a beneficial effect on some tinnitus patients. However, only anecdotal evidence is available on this therapy.

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Taking an additional 50 milligrams of B6 two or three times a day may help stabilize inner-ear fluids. It is found in whole grain products, bananas, most fruits and vegetables, eggs, and dairy products.

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B Vitamins Supplementing B vitamins, especially B12, B6 and B5 (pantothenic acid), often improves ear ringing.

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noise exposure, suggesting a relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and dysfunction of the auditory pathway. Supplemental cobalamin was found to provide some relief in several patients with severe tinnitus.

Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency can cause inner-ear problems such as ear ringing, since this vitamin is important for the membranes in the ear. . Good sources of vitamin A are oily fish, dark green leafy vegetables, blueberries, yellow vegetables, and fruits (such as carrots, yams, oranges, apricots and cantaloupe). Vitamin A supplementation (5,000 to 10,000 I U a day) may be at least partially effective against tinnitus. Vitamin E

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Magnesium People in large cities are exposed to potentially damaging loud noises on a daily basis. Studies have shown that noise exposure causes magnesium to be excreted from the body (Mocci et al. 2001). It is possible that supplementing with magnesium could reduce noise-induced ear damage and thus reduce the likelihood of new-onset tinnitus. Few studies document that magnesium
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Zinc Studies have shown that there is a high content of zinc in the inner ear. Ochi et al. (1997) demonstrated that patients who had tinnitus had significantly decreased zinc levels and that supplementation with doses of 34-68 mg of zinc for more than 2 weeks significantly improved their tinnitus. Excellent results were also found by combining niacin with 25 mg zinc gluconate twice daily.

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Choline (provided by two lecithin capsules at each meal or 2 tablespoons of brewer's yeast daily) has cleared ear noises in less than 2 weeks for some patients with high blood pressure.

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Vitamin E improves oxygen supply to the cells. Vitamin E is found in whole grain products, dried beans, green leafy vegetables, fish, and eggs.

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relieves tinnitus symptoms, but many patients have experienced relief by using magnesium (Attias et al. 1994).

Daily Dosages: Vitamin B12, 1 mg Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper Vitamin B complex, 50 mg twice per day Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)

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Other Supplements Hydergine, the ergot derivative, at a dosage level of 10-15 mg daily, has been shown to alleviate tinnitus in some people. In one study as little as 4.5 mg a day improved tinnitus by 57.1% (Jimenez-Cervantes et al. 1990). Vinpocetine, the cerebral vasodilator, can also be effective at a dosage of 2040 mg daily. In one study, after acoustic trauma, tinnitus was improved 66% by using vinpocetine (Konopka et al. 1997).

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EXERCISES FOR TINNITUS Atherosclerosis and hypertension are two most common causes of tinnitus. Researches have proved that regular cardiovascular exercise decreases the intensity of tinnitus. A list of exercises beneficial in tinnitus are listed hereunder. In general any exercise that gets blood pumping is beneficial in treatment of tinnitus

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Tinnitus Exercise # 4: Stand facing a mirror. Support your chin with both hands and open your mouth wide. Touch the inside top of your mouth with the tip of your tongue and do a slow up-down movement of your jaws. Provide slight resistance to your moving jaws with your hands. Do this for one minute in each sitting and repeat up to three times a day

Tinnitus exercises #5: Sit in an upright position and open your jaws wide but in a relaxed position. Now with mouth wide open, lift your heads to the back to point your brow to the skies. Take deep breath and exhale slowly. Come back to the starting posture and repeat.

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Tinnitus Exercise #3: Sit in an upright posture and move your chin up and down for around 20 times. Stop and then move your chin in a side to side movement for another 20 times. Repeat thrice. Do not stretch too hard or you may sprain your neck.

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Tinnitus Exercise #2: Without exerting too much, open your jaws as wide as possible. With jaws wide open, touch the roof of mouth with the tip of your tongue. Move the tongue tip in backward direction (toward your tonsils), while it touches the roof of the mouth. Hold for few seconds. Next pull your tongue out of your mouth and stretch it the maximum. Hold for few seconds. Repeat 4-5 times.

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Tinnitus exercise #1: Sit upright and bow your head to the front so that the chin comes in contact with your chest. Intertwine fingers of your hands and keep it at the back of your head. Pull your head back while letting your intertwined hands oppose this rear movement. Dont over exert. Repeat this 3-5 times twice a day to relax your entire spinal chord. This exercise is a very effective home remedy for tinnitus.

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TINNITUS - AYURVEDIC VIEW

Causes of Tinnitus

Samprapti ( Pathogenesis) of Tinnitus

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Sushruta says when vayu covered with doshas taking faulty passage get located in sound carrying channels,then the patient perceives various types of sound;this disease is known as Pranada or Karnanada(ringing in the ears). Vata principle governs movements in the body like circulation, digestive movements, sensory movement etc. It is made of air and space elements .If vata gets vitiated air and space elements get increased in physiology and disturb all the bodily functions of movements. This leads to pressure in the head , nervous system, dryness in the senses, tinnitus, loss of sleep, dry scalp, dry skin , tendency of unstability, anxiousness, nervousness etc. In tinnitus the sound is experienced only by the patient, it is not external it is internal, it is not the persons imagination it is result of internal, vata, imbalance. Because every individual has a different body constitution, the sound in tinnitus varies in different type of people. One may experience high frequency ringing or whistling sounds while other perceive low frequency or

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The reasons which cause vitiation of Vat dosha are also causing this disease. 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 is also another reason.

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Ayurvedic name for Tinnitus is "Karnanada". According to Ayurveda tinnitus in not a disease but a symptom of prana vayu disturbance. Prana vayu is a subdosha of vata which resides in the head and governs all higher cerebral functions.

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buzzing behind the head, or moderate wind blowing noise. People suffering with high frequency sound in the ears are the most sufferers; it disturbs their daily living activities, concentration, causes further increase of symptoms. People with the low frequency or moderate sounds, some how they try to learn to live with it. According to Ayurveda vata body type people are prone to suffer with high frequency, pitta body type people with moderate frequency and kapha body type people have the tendency to suffer with low frequency sounds. Another similar condition is karnasveda(sound in ears).Here Vayu aggravated by exertion, wasting, intake of rough and astringent food and also after head-evacuation and excessive use of cold associating with Pitta, kapha and Rakta gets located in the passage of ear and thus produces sound of bamboo in the ears. The difference between karnanada and karnaksveda is that the former is caused by single vata with perception of various sounds while the latter is produced by vata associated with other dosha and with flutes sound.

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Tinnitus (karnanaad) may lead to hearing loss (karna baadhirya). It may not be necessary that all tinnitus cases cause hearing loss. People with high vata imbalance, vata body type are more prone to certain other disorders like hearing loss. So these people prone to a condition called hyperacusis (certain high-frequency sounds can be very painful, this condition is also known as hyperacusis.), concentration problems, sleeping problems, irritation and annoyance, hypersensitivity to sounds, or increased sensitivity in silence. chronicity of this problem causes despair, frustration and depression in many people

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Complications:

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AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF TINNITUS Approach of Ayurveda-Tinnitus is most commonly found as a symptom in many diseases. The proper examination and case history reveals the actual cause or underlying other medical condition if any for the tinnitus. Ayurvedic medications treat disease according to its basic cause. This allows the better and long term relief from the condition. Tinnitus is a disease of ear and Ayurveda has a specialized branch for treating all the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) complaints. This is known as Shalakya tantra Ayurveda considers tinnitus to be the result of a disturbance to vata dosha. Vata is the energy of the body that governs the nervous system and higher mental functions. A brief understanding of the nature and qualities of vata is very helpful in treating tinnitus symptoms. The ancient Ayurvedic text, Astangha Hrdayam, describes Vata as: tatra ruksho lagu sheetah | khara sukshma chalo nilah ||

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Diet -Vata influences the movement of thoughts, feelings, prana flows, nerve impulses, and fluids in the body. Hence Vata balancing Food Plan is recommended. All soothing foods are good for settling disturbed Vata. Use foods such as: warm milk, cream, butter, warm soups, stews, hot cereals, fresh baked bread. Since vata is a cold dry dosha, warm, nourishing foods such as these are good for stabilizing vata.

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As tinnitus is a vata disorder the Vata balancing therapies and herbs are beneficial.

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Ayurveda works with the natural energies and laws of our universe, and gently applies opposite qualities for helping to regain balance of Vata dosha.

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Translation: the qualities of Vata are dry, light, cool, rough, subtle and mobile.

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On the other hand cold foods such as cold salads, iced drinks, raw vegetables and greens are not very good for persons with vata imbalance. Breakfast is highly recommended. Use hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat or any other breakfast that is warm, milky, and sweet. Take a hot or herbal tea with snacks in the late afternoon. Avoid drinks with high caffeine as vata gets disturbed by it.

Use spicy foods such as spicy Mexican or Indian foods that are cooked in oil. Use warm moist foods such as cooked grains and cereals, bowl of hot oatmeal or cup of steaming vegetable soup. Warm milk is good. You can add a little sugar or honey to it if you prefer. Avoid eating candies as it disturbs vata. Prefer salted nuts that are heavy and oily as opposed to dry salty snacks. All sweet fruits are Ok for vata. Avoid unripe fruits as they are astringent Take warm or hot water instead of ice water and drinks. Warm or hot water and drinks. Raw nuts and nut butters.

Vegetables : Beets, cucumbers, carrots, asparagus and sweet potatoes are good. They should be cooked, not raw. The following vegetables are acceptable in moderate quantities if they are cooked, especially with Ghee or oil and Vata reducing spices: peas, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini and potatoes. It's better to avoid sprouts and cabbage Beans : Reduce all beans, except for tofu and mung dal.

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Fruits : Favor sweet, sour, or heavy fruits, such as oranges, bananas, avocados, grapes, cherries, peaches, melons, berries, plums, pineapples, mangos and papayas. Reduce dry or light fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and dried fruits.

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Grains : Rice and wheat are very good. Reduce intake of barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, rye and oats.

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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. Useful Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, cloves in moderation. Mustard seed and small quantities of black pepper are acceptable. Consumption of caffeine, nicotine, or cocaine can disturb the prana vayu leading to tinnitus hence avoid it.

PANCHAKARMA FOR TINNITUS Nasya:

Abhyanga :(Massage)

Karnapooran:(Ear drops) To calm the vata in the ears, ten drops of warm sesame oil is applied daily to each ear. The oil is allowed to remain in the first ear for five or ten minutes, then that ear is cleaned, and the same procedure is followed with the other ear, with the patient lying on the other side. Typically, this treatment should alleviate tinnitus, and most other symptoms of prana vayu disturbance, within eight to ten days. Bilwadi tail, Apamargkshar tail, Dashmool tail can be used for Karnpooran. Kawala & Gandush:

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Shiroabhyanga(head massage) and padabhyanga(Foot massage), wherein the soles of the feet are massaged with warm sesame oil, has a specific effect in calming the prana vayu. At bedtime, warm sesame oil should be applied to the soles of the feet and also to the scalp. This treatment rapidly normalizes the prana vayu. and ensures a peaceful night's sleep

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Vacha (Acorus calamus) oil nasya, has a powerful effect in calming and balancing the Prana vayu. A preparation of sesame oil medicated with calamus root is taken nasally, five drops per nostril, at night and in the morning. The nasya should be warmed to blood heat before administration. nasya helps to nourish the senses to eliminate excess vata from senses.

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Gargling of medicated oils or certain liquids/Kwath is Kawala.It strengthens the nerves of eyes and ears and also pacifies aggravated vata. Gandush is Withholding medicated oils or certain liquids in the mouth for a certain period of time

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HERBS AND FORMULATIONS USEFUL IN TINNITUS Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, Dashmool , Rasna are the useful herbs and formulations like 101 avartit Ksheerbala , Anu tail, Brahmi ghrit can be used. Ashwagandha herbal preparations can be used. Simplest way is to take "Aswagandha ghana" 1- 2 tab. along with 1 cup of warm milk preferably taken at bed time along with a little sugar and cardamom powder mixed, so that resulting sound sleep will reduce Vata dosha. Aswagandha has certain chemicals which cause increase of serotonin, a sleep inducing hormone. Dinner should consist of more proportion of carbohydrates which also cause increase of serotonin. Aswagandharishtam also can be taken instead, 15 ml with equal water. Being an arishtam, take it after dinner rather than at bedtime. This relaxation to cranial nerves reduces the ringing caused by Tinnitus.

For those who have chronic tinnitus, and fairly old ailment, 'Brihad Vata Chintamani Ras' is available. This is very expensive medicine as it is made from silver and gold oxides. It acts on nerves fairly rapidly calming Vata fast. Being a gold oxide based medicine, should be taken only a single tablet twice a day, mixed well with cow ghee and honey. The dose can be reduced to one tab per day, after the reduction of ringing. Oral administration of "Sarasvati choorna" can be given in doses of a quarter teaspoon twice daily after meals. [We can supply this on request]

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Vata is always tamed by oils. There are various oils directed at ringing and some other problems of the ear. Useful oils are "Bilva Tailam", "Amrut Bindu" and "Kshar Tailam", to be dropped 2 drops in ear at bed time and early morning. They can be applied to insides by using cotton bud. Another oil receipe which can be prepared at home consists of ginger powder, saindhav salt and honey mixed to a fine paste and boiled in sesame oil on low heat till all moisture vaporises. After cooling and straining the oil, it can be applied to insides of ear by using a cotton ear-bud. Garlic oil is often effective. Place 3 drops into your ear at night before going to bed.

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You can take Yogaraj Guggul (250 mg. 2 or 3 times a day) with warm water, after food. it will reduce inflammation in ear. Drinking a cup of fenugreek seed tea each morning, noon, and night is reported to abolish disturbing ear noises. To alleviate this root cause-aggravation of vata in the nervous systemprepare a tea made from equal amounts of comfrey, cinnamon, and chamomile. Steep up to 1 teaspoon of this mixture per cup, and drink 2 or 3 times a day.

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HOME REMEDY FOR TINNITUS -- An effective home remedy for tinnitus would be to put 20-40 mg of Maidenhair tree extract inside the ears. -- When suffering from tinnitus, it is advisable to avoid saturated fats, processed foods, sugar and salts. -- Coffee, tea, sweet foods and refined alcohol, all add to the tinnitus problem. It is advisable to avoid these foods and beverages.

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-- Gently rubbing the mastoid bone (behind your ear) with warm sesame oil may be helpful. Try it twice day, morning and evening, for a week, and see if it helps. -- Garlic oil is often effective. Place 3 drops into your ear at night before going to bed.

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-- Taking hot and cold foot baths, alternatively, proves effective in treating tinnitus.

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-- Chewing dry fruits helps enhance the blood circulation, thereby acting beneficially in solving tinnitus.

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-- Have lots of fresh pineapple, as it reduces the inflammation in your ear, thereby curing tinnitus.

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-- Exercising regularly is a good way to tackle tinnitus problem. Wearing earplugs is a good way to cure tinnitus at home. The earplugs can be of any variety, such as rubber, foam or moldable wax ones.

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-- Mix a tsp each of salt and glycerin in a pint of warm water. Use this liquid as a nasal spray, spraying it in each nostril until the solution drains to the throat.

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-- Include lots of fruits and vegetables, garlic, kelp and sea vegetables in your diet. Have food rich in protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, zinc and choline.

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LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR TINNITUS MANAGEMENT - Use hair oil daily - Use oil massage using Sesame oil or Mahanarayan Tailam 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. Skin is an important seat of Vata, since it is widely distributed over the body. - Observe silence for a few days and note the change in ringing.

- Do not stop natural urges when body wants to eliminate the wastes.

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- Excess television watching, excess use of computers, or sleeping near an electrical outlet should be avoided. - Moderation in sensory activities, especially ear sense -avoid too much exposure to loud noises, music, speakers, and professional activities which involve high frequency sounds. Lifestyle adjustments are thus an essential part of the effective treatment of tinnitus.

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- Peace of mind and Vata vitiation are inversely proportional. In fact Vata dosha unbalance causes a vacillation and constantly thinking mind. Hence, in case of all Vata disorders meditation appears to help.

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- 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.

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- Do not travel or walk in an extreme cold climate. Do not take bath frequently.

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- 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.

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YOGA FOR TINNITUS Yoga improves circulation throughout the body, and specific asanas, or poses, can bring relief to those with tinnitus. Because tinnitus is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, consult your doctor first.

Supported Bridge Pose Supported bridge pose, or Setubandha Sarvangasana, relieves ear problems and strengthens the liver, says Iyengar. Line up two yoga bolsters in a vertical position. Place your back and legs on the bolsters, allowing the back of your head and top of your shoulders to touch the floor. Hold the pose for three minutes and gently come out of the pose by rolling to one side.

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In addition, there are certain breathing techniques invented by Guru Padmasambhava two thousand years ago, which have to be learnt in presence of Guru. These are known to help in most of vatic ailments affecting the body.
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Viparita Karani Viparita karani, or inverted pose, is good for ear ailments, according to yoga master, B.K.S. Iyengar. Start by lying on your back with your legs up a wall. Have a yoga bolster handy. Lift your tailbone up and place the bolster under your tailbone, then relax your tailbone onto the bolster. Stay in the pose for three to four minutes. Gently come out of the pose by removing the bolster first, then rolling to one side.

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Seated Forward Bend According to principles of Ayurvedic medicine, ringing in the ears could be a sign of kidney or liver problems. Seated forward bend pose is beneficial to both the kidneys and liver. In a seated position, bring your legs out straight in front of you. Stretch your upper body up then stretch forward and reach for your toes, trying to keep your spine as straight as possible.

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Shoulder Stand While laying on your back, hug your knees into your chest. Place the palms of your hands on your lower back and straighten your legs up toward the ceiling. Eventually work up to having your entire body in one line above the shoulders. Yoga props can make this pose more comfortable and it is best to practice this pose under the guidance of an experienced teacher.

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TINNITUS AND KUNDALINI Tinnitus, a warning symptom of disturbed prana vayu, should be carefully distinguished from perceptible nad, an indicator of active kundalini. The nad, or cosmic sound current, can be perceived only when our normally dormant potential energy, known in Ayurveda as kundalini shakti, the 'serpent power', is awakened. Practitioners who are unaware of or unfamiliar with this phenomenon may present to their physician complaining of tinnitus, when in fact they have begun to experience the nad. The following qualities distinguish perceptible nad from tinnitus:

3. The sound usually heralds or accompanies an altered state of consciousness.

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2. The sound typically resembles the buzzing of a bee, the ringing of Tibetan bells, singing bowls, or other musical instrument.

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1. Nad is heard only in the right ear.

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ASSOCIATED EAR PROBLEMS AND AYURVEDA Tinnitus might go along with other symptoms of Vata and Kapha disturbance like ear wax, ear pain, ear infections and hearing loss. All ear infections and aches are collectively known as Putikarna in Ayurveda. They are generally caused due to vitiation of the kapha dosha, which is the body element that coordinates the earth and water elements of the body. Hence a person with ear problems must take care not to aggravate the kapha dosha further.

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- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) The holy basil, or tulsi as it is called in Hindi, is beneficial for ear problems. The juice extracted from its leaves must be used as ear drops. It has added benefits in children who are suffering from ear problems.

- Neem (Azadirachta indica) Neem has antiseptic properties due to which it can kill the organisms that produce the infections in the ear. It is effective by itself. In order to enhance its effects, it can be taken with bael root as mentioned earlier.

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- Bishop's Weed (Trachyspermum ammi) Bishop's weed is very effective in treating ear congestions. About a teaspoonful quantity of it is heated in 30 milliliters of milk. The juice of the weed is allowed to permeate into the milk. This is then used as ear drops.

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- Bael (Aegle marmelos) The root of the bael tree is used in a unique manner to treat ear problems. A stiff root of the tree is dipped in neem oil and it is lighted. The oil dripping from this root is allowed to fall into the ear. This brings about tremendous relief in ear aches and infections.

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Useful Herbs for the Treatment of Ear Infections and Aches

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The cold season is usually associated with hearing problems. In some people, earaches, infections are associated with common colds are caused at the beginning of the winter months.

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Dietary Treatments for Ear Infections and Aches The diet taken by a patient with ear problems should be such that it does not vitiate the kapha dosha, which is responsible for them. The following dietary guidelines must be followed:- Sour foods must be avoided as they vitiate the kapha. These include curds and fruits that are sour in taste.

- Bananas, watermelons, oranges, papayas and cucumbers must be avoided. These foods can increase the chances of having common cold. This would aggravate the ear problem. For the same reason, all refrigerated foods must also be avoided.

Home Remedies for Ear Infections and Aches - Make a fine mixture of turmeric and burnt alum (alum that has been allowed to swell). Introduce this mixture slowly into the ear.

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- Mixing Indian barberry and honey in mother's milk and putting it in infected ears provides benefits. - Put a little fenugreek in cow's milk. This can be used to put as drops into the infected ears. - The paste of the bilwa root is boiled with mustard oil. After filtering, this oil is used as ear drops.
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For external use, Nirgundi is prescribed. The extract of the nirgundi oil is boiled with mustard oil. The solution is used as external drops for the ear. The drops are generally prescribed to be used twice daily.

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Most ear problems are treated with Lakshmi Vilas rasa. In adults, the dose is one pill thrice daily. It is a bitter pill, so to reduce its bitterness it is taken with honey.

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Ayurvedic Treatments for Ear Infections and Aches

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- Valuable foods during ear problems are onion, ginger and garlic. Turmeric is also very good, and must be used for spicing the meals.

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- A single piece of clove is sauted in sesame oil. Three to four drops of this is put into the ear. This method gives immense relief in ear problems. - One simple remedy is to use extract of ginger as eardrops. The juice of the onion can also be used in a similar fashion, but it must be warmed.

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