Quick answer: Acupuncture may help ease tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and TMJ (jaw pain and tension) by activating the body's relaxation response, calming the nervous system, and reducing inflammation. Many people do best with a series of treatments from a properly trained acupuncturist, because the effects tend to build over time.
Tinnitus and TMJ often ease with an acupuncture treatment series, thanks to the relaxation response acupuncture initiates. Calming neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, may be released during treatment, which can help ease stress and jaw tension.
Tinnitus and TMJ often show up in people with high-stress, busy, multitasking lives. Acupuncture is wonderful at calming the mind, especially when it is stuck in a loop of overthinking and overanalyzing.
Right away, upon needle insertion, acupuncture may stimulate the release of anti-inflammatory compounds at the site of injury and throughout the bloodstream, and may help inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The vagus nerve plays a big role here. There is an actual vagus nerve acupuncture point on the ear, and research suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve may reduce cytokine production. In other words, it may help slow down the body's inflammation response, which can calm tinnitus and relax jaw tension with TMJ.
Tinnitus can be debilitating. It can interfere with daily activities like driving, and it can affect balance and stability, leading to vertigo and more stress. Often people stop socializing because background noise makes tinnitus worse, and they can become isolated and depressed.
In my practice, patients have told me they were told to 'learn to live with it,' or that they would 'get used to it.' It can be frustrating and scary when no solution is in sight. My purpose in writing this article is to bring awareness and offer hope: tinnitus and TMJ may respond well to an acupuncture series administered by a properly trained acupuncturist.
Search for one in your area at NCCAOM.org, and look for an acupuncturist who has completed an accredited master's-level program with extensive clinical training. If you are in the Pensacola Beach area, I would be happy to help. I am Sarah Newman, the acupuncture physician of Vitality Acupuncture LLC.
Can acupuncture help tinnitus?
Acupuncture may help calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation, which can ease tinnitus for some people. Results vary from person to person.
Can acupuncture help TMJ and jaw tension?
By activating the relaxation response, acupuncture may help ease the stress and muscle tension that often accompany TMJ.
What does the vagus nerve have to do with tinnitus and TMJ?
Research suggests the vagus nerve helps regulate inflammation. There is a vagus nerve acupuncture point on the ear, which may help calm the body's inflammatory response.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
Most people do best with a series of treatments, since the effects build on one another. Your acupuncture physician can recommend a plan that fits you.
Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Acupuncture supports your overall wellness in conjunction with your additional healthcare providers. This content is for general education and is not a medical guarantee.
Thank you for reading! Text (904) 687-4093 for your Welcome Text or to request an appointment.
Sarah Newman, Acupuncture Physician, MAOM, AIT/Acupuncture Injection Therapy cert.
Vitality Acupuncture LLC | 2810 E Cervantes St, Pensacola, FL 32503 | VitalityAcupuncture.net