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Acupuncture/Tinnitus
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Question
I have a tinnitus for 3 years ago result of a problem in the auditory nerve and I want to know if acupuncture can cure the tinnitus.
Dear Cartolina -
I wish that I could give you a positive answer but I cannot. Theoretically, acupuncture can have an effect on tinnitus, however in actual practice it is not that easy. First, there is the passage of time in your situation: damage to nerves can sometimes be reversed if treated within the first six months to one year, but after three years there is seldom much that can be done to correct the nerve condition with acupuncture. Secondly, since tinnitus can have several causes, you will read about acupuncture being helpful but it really depends on the actual condition.
Since I also have tinnitus that is disturbing at times, this is a condition that interests me and I have tried different treatments with no results. (My condition came from being around gunfire for many years; I hope that your condition was not caused by something so dramatic.) With my patients I sometimes have an effect on tinnitus with acupuncture, however in those cases there is not nerve involvement.
What is sometimes helpful are certain Chinese herbal formulae. I cannot recommend anything specific since you are not my patient and I must answer questions on this forum in general terms. If you were to see an experienced herbalist who was very familiar with diagnosis and the use of Chinese herbs, there may be some assistance to be found. In terms of a complete resolution of this problem using herbs, I would think that doubtful.
I am so sorry, but I cannot recommend acupuncture as being of any help in your situation given the passage of time based on my experience with this condition.
Malama pono - -
Mike Zanoni, PhD, LAc
Honolulu
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Answers by Expert:
Michael M. Zanoni, MS, LAc
Expertise
I am knowledgeable about severe and chronic pain from musculoskeletal or neurological conditions, especially trauma, headache, and fibromyalgia. I can provide guidance that will assist healing and recovery after illness or surgery. I have a particular interest in long-term chronic conditions that are becoming progressively worse or intermittently severe (such as viral hepatitis, Crohn's, or Takayasu syndrome.) I have extensive experience treating endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid problems, where the primary condition is being monitored by a Western-trained physician, and cancer where there are specific treatment goals other than cure (e.g., decrease of pain; reduction of side effects of radiation and chemotherapy; lessening of edema; palliative treatment of associated conditions.) I do not treat or answer questions about infertility, ALS, or senile dementia.
Experience
I have practiced Oriental medicine for over fourteen years in a variety of settings. Much of my practice has centered around a busy clinic specializing in severe long-term chronic pain conditions and palliative care. For several years I worked in a hospice program. I also established a non-profit community clinic providing care to under-served and homeless patients. My work has found me in an HIV clinic in San Francisco, a busy private practice in Oregon, to traveling on muddy 4-wheel drive roads to see dying patients. I now teach acupuncture and Oriental medicine at a school in Hawaii.
Education/Credentials
My training was at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco where I received a master’s degree in Chinese Medicine. I have current board certifications in Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbology from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. I also have certifications in Chinese tui na bodywork, Physical Rehabilitation Training, and biofeedback. I am licensed to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. I also have BA, MS, and PhD degrees in subjects not directly related to Oriental medicine.
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