tinnitus

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 Tinnitus can vary in intensity and may be continuous or intermittent. It is not a condition itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. 

The causes of tinnitus can vary, but some common factors include:

1. Age-related hearing loss: Gradual hearing loss that occurs with age is a common cause of tinnitus.
2. Noise-induced hearing loss: Exposure to loud noises, either in a single instance or over an extended period, can damage the auditory system and lead to tinnitus.
3. Earwax blockage: Build-up of earwax can cause tinnitus by interfering with the proper functioning of the ear.
4. Ear and sinus infections: Infections in the ear or sinuses can cause temporary tinnitus.
5. Medications: Certain medications, such as high doses of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some antibiotics, can cause or worsen tinnitus.
6. Medical conditions: Tinnitus can be associated with various medical conditions, including Meniere's disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, head or neck injuries, cardiovascular diseases, and certain neurological disorders.
7. Stress and anxiety: Tinnitus can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety, although it is not clear whether these factors directly cause tinnitus.

TCM views tinnitus as a result of disharmony in the organs, meridians, and vital substances of the body.  It can be classified into different patterns based on the characteristics of the tinnitus and associated symptoms.  

Some common TCM patterns associated with tinnitus include:

1. Kidney Deficiency: Kidney deficiency is often related to age-related hearing loss and tinnitus. It is believed that the Kidney system in TCM governs the ears, and a deficiency in Kidney Yin or Yang can lead to tinnitus.
2. Liver Qi Stagnation: According to TCM, emotions play a role in the occurrence of tinnitus. Liver Qi stagnation, often associated with stress, frustration, or anger, can lead to tinnitus symptoms.
3. Phlegm-Fire Agitating Upwards: Excessive phlegm or heat in the body can result in tinnitus. This pattern is often associated with symptoms such as dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in the head, and a thick tongue coating.
4. Blood Stasis: Blood stasis refers to poor circulation or stagnation of blood in the body. It can be a result of trauma, chronic diseases, or other factors. Blood stasis pattern in TCM can manifest as tinnitus along with other symptoms like pain and a dark complexion.

Acupuncture is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address tinnitus and its underlying imbalances. The precise mechanisms by which acupuncture works for tinnitus are not fully understood, but there are several proposed theories:

1. Regulation of Qi and Blood Flow: Acupuncture aims to restore the balanced flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood throughout the body. By inserting fine needles at specific acupuncture points, the acupuncturist stimulates these points to regulate the circulation of Qi and blood, which may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms associated with poor circulation or stagnation.
2. Modulation of Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture has been suggested to influence the release and modulation of various neurotransmitters, including endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating pain perception, mood, and other physiological processes. By modulating these neurotransmitters, acupuncture may help reduce the perception of tinnitus and alleviate associated symptoms.
3. Activation of Central Nervous System: Acupuncture stimulates sensory nerves, which can transmit signals to the central nervous system. This stimulation may trigger a cascade of responses, including the release of endogenous opioids and other neurochemicals, which can modulate pain, inflammation, and other physiological processes. The activation of the central nervous system through acupuncture may help regulate the abnormal neural signals associated with tinnitus.
4. Psychological and Relaxation Effects: Tinnitus can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors. Acupuncture treatments often promote relaxation and induce a sense of calm, which can help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being. By addressing the emotional component of tinnitus, acupuncture may contribute to symptom relief.

Tinnitus can sometimes be associated with brain tumors, although it is important to note that tinnitus itself is a symptom and not a definitive indicator of a brain tumor. 

Tinnitus associated with brain tumors can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral), depending on various factors, including the location and size of the tumor. 

If you suffer tinnitus, the first thing you should do is seeing your GP.

Cortexi insisted that it comes from a Chinese doctor and all ingredients are herbs.

I have watched its video for a few times and have some doubts about it:

1. I can't find any online information about Dr. Janes Raashi in the UK.. The closest match is Dr James Rakshi, who is a consultant neurologist in London. 

2. As we all know, Chinese herbal treatment is based on patterns not on the name of problem. Different pattern, different prescription. 

3. There is a specialized biological barrier located in the blood vessel walls within the brain named "Blood-Brain Barrier" (BBB).  It acts as a protective and regulatory mechanism for the brain's internal environment. 

The primary function of the blood-brain barrier is to control and restrict the passage of substances, protecting the brain from potentially harmful compounds and maintaining a stable internal environment.  

 The blood-brain barrier plays a protective role for many substances, but it also limits the effective delivery of certain drugs to the brain for treatment purposes. In certain situations, such as brain disease treatment or drug delivery, researchers are exploring methods to bypass or temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to enable effective drug delivery to the brain. 

So can  green tea, vitis vinifera (grape), coleus, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)  effectively pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?