Aetiology and Pathology

Emotional Strain

Emotional problems such as anger, frustration, resentment, or hatred cause Liver-Qi stagnation
and, in the long run, Liver-Fire which may rise upwards to disturb the ears. This may cause
tinnitus with a sudden onset and a loud noise.

Emotions such as sadness, grief and worry which weaken Lungs and Heart may also lead to
tinnitus. This occurs when deficient Heart- and Lung-Qi fail to rise to the head to brighten the
ear orifices.

Excessive Sexual Activity and Overwork

These weaken the Kidneys so that they cannot nourish the ear and tinnitus may result. This type
of tinnitus is of gradual onset and the noise is of low pitch. This is the most common cause of
tinnitus.

Old Age

Kidney-Essence declines naturally as we grow older and, in old people, it may fail to nourish
the ears and brain leading to tinnitus. This does not mean, of course, that every old person will
inevitably suffer from tinnitus. This type of tinnitus would also have a very gradual onset and a
low sound.

Diet

Excessive consumption of dairy products and greasy foods, together with irregular eating habits,
may lead to the formation of Phlegm which may rise to the head. Here it prevents the rising of
clear Qi to the head to brighten its orifices (which include the ears), and the descending of turbid
Qi from the head, resulting in tinnitus and dizziness.

Exposure to Loud Sounds

Long-term exposure to very loud sounds such as may occur in certain factories or in
discotheques where loud rock music is played may also cause tinnitus.

Thus, as always, the most important differentiation is that between Full and Empty types of
tinnitus. Full types of tinnitus are caused by the flaring up of some pathogenic factors disturbing
the ear. These are usually Fire, Wind, Yang, Phlegm, or Phlegm-Fire. The tinnitus deriving from