🫀 Chinese Remedy for Blocked Ears 👂

 

 

 Table of Contents

 

- Introduction

- Causes and Types of Blocked Ears

  - Earwax Blockage

  - Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

  - Foreign Objects

  - Allergies

  - Ear Infections

  - Swimmer's Ear

  - Sudden Changes in Air Pressure

  - Tumors

  - TMJ Disorders

- Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

  - Imbalances Causing Blocked Ears

  - Organs and Meridians Related to Ear Health

- TCM Diagnosis Methods

  - Looking

  - Listening

  - Questioning

  - Palpation

- TCM Treatment Methods

  - Acupuncture

    - How Acupuncture Works

    - Key Acupuncture Points

      - Large Intestine 4

      - Large Intestine 20

      - Bladder 2

      - Triple Heater 5

      - Gallbladder 2

  - Acupressure

  - Moxibustion

  - Cupping

  - Chinese Herbal Formulas

    - Herbs That Clear Wind-Heat

    - Herbs That Drain Fire

    - Herbs That Dispel Wind-Cold

    - Herbs That Dry Dampness

    - Herbs That Clear Phlegm

    - Herbs That Move Qi

  - Chinese Patent Medicines

  - Ear Exercises

- Lifestyle Changes

  - Quit Smoking

  - Stay Hydrated

  - Use Steam Inhalation

  - Limit Use of Earphones

  - Manage Allergies

  - Follow a Healthy Diet

  - Use Ear Protection in Water

  - Avoid Irritants

  - Improve Air Quality

  - Get Adequate Rest

  - Reduce Stress

  - Try Nasal Breathing Exercises

- When to Seek Medical Care

- Conclusion

- FAQs

 

 Introduction

 

We all know how annoying it can be when your ears feel plugged up and muffled. Blocked ears happen for many reasons - from wax buildup to allergies to colds. Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides natural remedies to relieve congested ears.

 

In TCM, the causes and treatment of ear blockages focus on restoring balance internally and clearing obstructions. Acupuncture, herbal formulas, ear massages, and certain lifestyle adjustments can open up clogged ears without medication. Read on to learn about Chinese medicine's perspective on ear blockage remedies!

 

 Causes and Types of Blocked Ears

 

Blocked ears have multiple possible causes:

 

 Earwax Blockage

 

Earwax protects the ears from damage and germs. But excess buildup can harden and plug the ear canal. Using cotton swabs pushes wax deeper inside.

 

 Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

 

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nose and throat. If swollen or clogged, it fails to regulate air pressure. This leads to clogged sensations.

 

 Foreign Objects

 

Small objects like beads, insects, or seeds can get stuck in the ear canal and cause blockages. Children are at higher risk.

 

 Allergies

 

Allergic rhinitis swells mucus membranes and clogs the Eustachian tubes and sinus passages connected to the ears.

 

 Ear Infections

 

Bacterial or viral infections like swimmer's ear can inflame the ear canal, forming discharge and blockages.

 

 Swimmer's Ear

 

Frequent swimming can wash away protective earwax and allow bacteria or fungi to infect the outer ear canal.

 

 Sudden Changes in Air Pressure

 

Air pressure changes during flights or scuba diving can cause painful blockages and muffle hearing.

 

 Tumors

 

Noncancerous tumors like osteomas grow in the ear canal and obstruct hearing and drainage.

 

 TMJ Disorders

 

Jaw inflammation from TMJ/TMD misaligns the jawbones and creates pressure on the Eustachian tubes.

 

While western doctors focus on treating specific conditions, TCM looks at blocked ears more holistically.

 

 Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

 

In TCM, ear blockages relate closely to imbalances in the liver, kidneys, sinus cavity, and digestive system.

 

 Imbalances Causing Blocked Ears

 

Blocked ears often arise from:

 

- Accumulation of dampness and phlegm

- Exposure to wind, cold, and heat

- Liver qi stagnation

- Deficiency in kidney qi

 

This leads to congestion from sinus troubles, allergies, ear infections, and more.

 

 Organs and Meridians Related to Ear Health

 

- The liver ensures smooth flow of qi and blood. If compromised, fluids accumulate causing phlegm.

 

- The kidneys give energy to the ears. Weak kidney qi allows pathogenic invasion.

 

- The gallbladder meridian runs through the ear region and helps clear damp-heat.

 

- The stomach and spleen transform food and fluids. Imbalance produces dampness.

 

Thus, ear blockages signify disharmony between these organs and meridians. TCM treatment focuses on restoring their proper functioning.

 

 TCM Diagnosis Methods

 

TCM practitioners use four key methods to identify the root imbalance behind blocked ears:

 

 Looking

 

Observing face, eyes, skin, tongue, throat, and ears for clues about internal disharmony.

 

 Listening

 

Listening to the voice, breathing sounds, and ear noises for further insight.

 

 Questioning

 

Asking about medical history, diet, lifestyle, symptoms, pain levels, and more.

 

 Palpation

 

Feeling the pulse, ears, neck, face, and abdomen to determine inflammation or blockages.

 

These give information to design customized treatment plans.

 

 TCM Treatment Methods

 

TCM uses holistic modalities to open blocked ears by rebalancing energy flow:

 

 Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture inserts thin sterile needles into strategic points on the body.

 

 How Acupuncture Works

 

- Releases blocked qi and blood, improving circulation

- Activates the body's natural painkillers

- Boosts immunity

- Reduces inflammation

- Regulates organ functioning

 

 Key Acupuncture Points

 

The main acupoints to target for ear blockages include:

 

- Large Intestine 4 - located between thumb and index finger, clears head congestion and ear pain.

 

- Large Intestine 20 - below nose, benefits sinus issues and nasal congestion.

 

- Bladder 2 - near inner eyebrows, improves hearing and ears.

 

- Triple Heater 5 - behind the ear, moves fluids and qi to unblock ears.

 

- Gallbladder 2 - below the ear, useful for deafness, ringing, itching.

 

 

Studies confirm acupuncture's efficacy in treating ear disorders and upper respiratory inflammation.

 

 Acupressure

 

Acupressure stimulates the same points as acupuncture, but uses fingers to apply pressure instead of needles. Massaging points around the ears, face, and hands can improve ear blockages.

 

 Moxibustion

 

Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort near acupoints to penetrate deep into tissues with healing heat. The warmth enhances circulation and clears congestion.

 

 Cupping

 

Cupping uses heated glass cups to create suction on the skin's surface. This improves blood flow and drains excess fluids to decongest the head and ears.

 

 Chinese Herbal Formulas

 

TCM herbal remedies contain ingredients tailored to the specific type of imbalance behind ear blockage:

 

 Herbs That Clear Wind-Heat

 

Wind-heat herbs like forsythia, mint, and dandelion fight allergic rhinitis and sinus infections.

 

 Herbs That Drain Fire

 

Fire-draining herbs such as dandelion, gardenia, and corktree bark treat ear swelling and pressure from excess heat in the head.

 

 Herbs That Dispel Wind-Cold

 

Warming herbs including ginger, cinnamon, and clove help expel wind-cold and open blocked ears.

 

 Herbs That Dry Dampness

 

Moisture-absorbing herbs like poria, peony, and atractylodes reduce phlegm congestion by drying excess dampness.

 

 Herbs That Clear Phlegm

 

Phlegm-dissolving herbs such as tangerine peel, bamboo sap, and lodole root eliminate mucus accumulation due to allergies or infections.

 

 Herbs That Move Qi

 

Stagnant qi herbs including turmeric, angelica, and cyperus facilitate circulation and reduce liver/kidney deficiencies behind blockages.

 

Herbs are dispensed as teas, tinctures, capsules, or custom formulas by TCM practitioners to unblock and prevent ear congestion long-term.

 

 Chinese Patent Medicines

 

Pre-made herbal formulas come in pill or powder forms based on common TCM ear remedies:

 

- Jing Jie Nose Drops - clears sinus congestion

 

- Bi Yan Pian - reduces ear pressure and pain

 

- Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin - dispels wind-heat, drains fire

 

- Qi Ju Di Huang Wan - nourishes kidneys, benefits ears

 

- Xiao Chai Hu Tang - treats liver qi stagnation

 

- Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang - expels phlegm and cold

 

Practitioners select suitable prepared formulas according to each patient's condition.

 

 Ear Exercises

 

Acupressurists suggest ear massages and exercises to stimulate circulation:

 

- Lightly massage ears in circular motions

 

- Alternate warm and cool compresses over ears

 

- Work the jaw up and down gently

 

- Hold nose closed while blowing air into ears

 

- Place palms over ears and thump the base of the skull

 

These improve flexibility in the ossicles and eardrum to open up congested ears. Proper technique is key to avoid damaging the eardrum.

 

 Lifestyle Changes

 

Certain daily practices along with TCM treatments can further reduce ear blockages:

 

 Quit Smoking

 

Smoking irritates mucosal tissues. Quitting relieves inflammation in ears, nose, throat, and sinuses.

 

 Stay Hydrated

 

Drinking adequate water keeps mucus thin so it can drain properly. Dehydration thickens secretions and increases congestion.

 

 Use Steam Inhalation

 

Inhaling warm steam helps loosen thick mucus and clears sinus congestion that causes ear fullness. Add eucalyptus oil for extra decongestion.

 

 Limit Use of Earphones  

 

Overuse of earbuds can push earwax deeper inside the ear canal leading to impaction. Give ears occasional breaks.

 

 Manage Allergies

 

Avoiding triggers, taking antihistamines, and using nasal sprays can alleviate allergy-related ear and sinus blockage.

 

 Follow a Healthy Diet

 

Eating anti-inflammatory foods high in antioxidants and omega-3s while limiting sugar, dairy, and junk food reduces phlegm.

 

 Use Ear Protection in Water

 

Sealing ear canals with wax earplugs prevents swimmer's ear infections which can cause recurring blockages.

 

 Avoid Irritants

 

Prevent blockages by steering clear of chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and cold/wind exposure which can trigger ear imbalances.

 

 Improve Air Quality

 

Using air filters, houseplants, and essential oils helps remove allergens and irritants leading to congestion and ear troubles.

 

 Get Adequate Rest

 

Adequate, high-quality sleep allows the body to heal faster and better resist infections that can cause ear blockages. 

 

 Reduce Stress

 

Anxiety and chronic stress disrupt liver functioning leading to qi and phlegm stagnation affecting ears. Relaxation techniques provide relief.

 

 Try Nasal Breathing Exercises

 

Special breathing exercises can help open the Eustachian tubes and enhance ventilation between nose, throat and ears.

 

By incorporating positive lifestyle habits, the root imbalances leading to clogged ears can be addressed from multiple angles.

 

 When to Seek Medical Care 

 

Consult a doctor promptly if you have:

 

- Severe ear pain

- Pus/discharge leaking from ears

- Sudden hearing loss or ringing

- Dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance

- Fever indicating infection

 

Also get medical help for chronic blockage accompanied by:

 

- Sinus problems lasting over a month

- Pain and clicking when chewing

- Hearing loss in just one ear

- Growths or lesions visible in the ear

 

These may indicate a potentially serious underlying condition requiring further diagnosis and conventional treatment.

 

 Conclusion

 

Stuffy ears make it tough to hear clearly and can be downright frustrating. While many factors cause ear blockages, TCM views them as related to imbalances between organs like the liver and kidneys. Using acupuncture, ear massages, herbal remedies, and healthy lifestyle adjustments, TCM aims to open clogged ears from the root.

 

Certain home remedies also provide relief - from warm compresses to nasal saline washes. However, it's crucial to see a doctor if ear congestion persists or worsens. Combining traditional medicine and modern medical care allows blocked ears to be cleared up for good. So don't resign yourself to perpetual plugged-up hearing - explore natural healing options to get your ears flowing freely again!

 

 FAQs

 

 FAQ 1: How long do blocked ears last?

 

Blocked ears caused by temporary factors like earwax, colds, or air pressure changes may last 1-7 days. Chronic blockages from TMJ, tumors, or eustachian tube dysfunction can last for months. TCM treatments help resolve blockages faster.

 

 FAQ 2: Is it OK to use a bobby pin to remove earwax?

 

No, using objects like bobby pins risks damaging the delicate ear canal and eardrum. It may also push earwax deeper, worsening impaction. Only use cotton swabs around outer edges of the ear. See a doctor for professional wax removal.

 

 FAQ 3: Can TCM cure my child's ear infections and chronic blocked ears?

 

Yes, TCM therapies may help treat recurrent pediatric ear infections and fluid buildup which cause chronic blockages in children. However, it's vital to work with your child's pediatrician and follow medical advice as well.

 

 FAQ 4: Will taking antihistamines help clear my blocked ears from allergies?

 

Yes, antihistamines can reduce allergic rhinitis swelling which clogs the eustachian tubes connected to the ears. Antihistamines combined with TCM treatments offer more holistic allergy relief.

 

 FAQ 5: Can regularly using earplugs lead to blocked ears?

 

Yes, long-term use of tightly sealing earplugs may increase earwax buildup and impaction leading to blockage over time. Give ears occasional breaks from plugs and avoid inserting them too deeply.

 

 FAQ 6: What's the connection between blocked ears and high blood pressure?

 

High blood pressure can cause fluid retention and inflammation that blocks the eustachian tubes, leading to ear fullness and muffling. TCM helps by improving circulation and reducing hypertension.

 

 FAQ 7: Can ear candling help unblock ears?

 

No, ear candling is not considered safe or effective. The FDA warns against it as the candle can burn the ears or puncture the eardrum attempting to remove wax.

 

 FAQ 8: Is it OK to fly with blocked ears?

 

It's better to avoid flying with complete ear blockages as pressure changes exacerbate discomfort. Try resolving the blockage first with TCM treatments and decongestants if it's a temporary issue.

 

 FAQ 9: Can blocked ears be related to teeth/jaw problems?

 

Yes, TMJ and misaligned bite issues can inflame the jaw and put pressure on the eustachian tubes causing blockage. Addressing dental problems may relieve associated ear problems.

 

 FAQ 10: What's the best way to prevent chronic blocked ears?

 

Leading a healthy lifestyle with a nutrient-rich diet, exercise, stress management, allergy care, and avoiding smoking/pollution can help prevent chronic blockages by reducing phlegm and ear infections.