Pain at the anterior edge of the ear for 3 months?
Dear Doctor, I have been experiencing pain at the anterior edge of my ear (located in the Sanjiao and Gallbladder meridian areas) for three months, and it has not improved.
Additionally, I have a dry and prickly sensation at the tip of my tongue.
I have consulted two Western medicine doctors, and both examinations were normal.
I have also tried six different traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions: 1.
Xiao Chai Hu Decoction 2.
Long Dan Cao Decoction 3.
Yin Qiao San + Xiao Chai Hu 4.
Chuan Xiong Cha + Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin 5.
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan + Chai Hu Long Mu + Nu Zhen Zi + Han Lian Cao 6.
Xiao Chai Hu + Liu Wei Di Huang Wan + Yin Qiao San, but none have been effective.
Recently, I discovered that my condition is related to excessive internal heat.
1.
Could you please tell me what type of heat this is? (For example, stomach heat affects the teeth, liver heat affects the eyes, and heart heat affects the tongue...)
2.
Is the ear associated with kidney heat, and would using Ba Wei Di Huang Wan to return the fire to its source be appropriate? However, would the inclusion of Fu Zi and Rou Gui lead to an increase in heat?
A Cheng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/19
Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Netizen A-Cheng: You have been experiencing pain at the anterior edge of your ear for three months, along with a dry and prickly sensation at the tip of your tongue.
Western medical examinations have returned normal results, and treatment with traditional Chinese medicine has not been very effective.
You noticed that this condition is related to excessive heat, especially during barbecues.
You would like to know what type of heat this is and whether Ba Wei Di Huang Wan (Eight Flavor Rehmannia Pill) would be appropriate.
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, the ear is associated with the upper jiao and the facial region, and there are three meridians related to the ear (San Jiao, Gallbladder, and Kidney).
However, a TCM practitioner would need to prescribe a specific herbal formula based on a comprehensive assessment that includes observation, listening, inquiry, and pulse diagnosis.
Since you have observed a connection between your symptoms and excessive heat during barbecues, consuming cooling and heat-reducing foods may help alleviate the condition and provide relief from the pain.
If you have any topical anti-inflammatory medications at home, you may also apply them directly to the painful area.
In addition to seeking assistance from a qualified TCM practitioner, you may also consider consulting a dermatologist for further support.
Wishing you health and safety!
Yen Su-Mei, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital
Reply Date: 2016/09/19
More Info
Persistent ear pain can be a challenging condition to manage, especially when conventional medical evaluations yield normal results. In your case, the pain localized to the anterior edge of the ear, along with the sensation of dryness and prickling on the tongue, suggests a potential imbalance in the body's energy systems, particularly in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Understanding the Symptoms
1. Location of Pain: The anterior edge of the ear corresponds to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) and Gallbladder meridians in TCM. Pain in these areas may indicate an imbalance in the associated organ systems, particularly related to the liver and gallbladder, which are responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood.
2. Tongue Symptoms: The sensation of dryness and prickling on the tongue can be indicative of heat or fire in the body. In TCM, the tongue is a reflection of the internal organs, and changes in its appearance or sensation can provide insights into underlying conditions.
Potential Causes of "Fire" in TCM
In TCM, "fire" can manifest in various forms, and understanding the type of fire is crucial for effective treatment:
1. Liver Fire: Often associated with stress, anger, and emotional disturbances, liver fire can lead to symptoms such as irritability, headaches, and pain in the sides of the body, including the ears.
2. Stomach Fire: This type of fire can arise from poor dietary habits, such as excessive consumption of spicy or greasy foods, leading to symptoms like acid reflux, bad breath, and a red tongue.
3. Kidney Fire: While less common, kidney fire can manifest as heat in the lower body, affecting the ears and leading to symptoms such as tinnitus or ear pain.
Treatment Considerations
1. Herbal Formulas: You mentioned trying several herbal formulas without success. It may be beneficial to focus on a formula that specifically targets liver fire, such as Long Dan Cao (Gentian Root), which is known for its ability to clear heat and drain dampness from the liver and gallbladder.
2. Dietary Adjustments: Consider adjusting your diet to reduce foods that may contribute to heat, such as spicy, fried, or overly processed foods. Incorporating cooling foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and green leafy vegetables can help balance internal heat.
3. Acupuncture: Acupuncture can be an effective treatment modality for ear pain and associated symptoms. Targeting specific points along the Sanjiao and Gallbladder meridians may help alleviate pain and restore balance.
4. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi, can help reduce liver fire and improve overall well-being.
Addressing Your Concerns
Regarding your question about whether the ear pain is related to kidney fire and the use of Ba Wei Di Huang Wan (Eight Treasure Rehmannia Pill): While this formula is traditionally used to nourish kidney yin and clear heat, it is essential to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner to ensure that it is appropriate for your specific condition. The concern about using Fu Zi (Aconite) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon), which can generate heat, is valid. These herbs should be used cautiously and typically in conjunction with cooling herbs to prevent exacerbating heat symptoms.
Conclusion
In summary, persistent ear pain with accompanying symptoms may be indicative of an underlying imbalance in the body's energy systems, particularly related to liver or stomach fire. A holistic approach that includes dietary changes, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and stress management may provide relief. It is advisable to work closely with a TCM practitioner who can tailor treatments to your specific needs and monitor your progress. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted to rule out any underlying conditions.
Similar Q&A
Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Hello Dr. Ding, I have been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss in both ears by Western medicine, with a hearing loss of approximately 40 decibels. Both my eardrums and ear canals are normal, and it is suspected that the auditory nerve may have been damaged. Western medic...
Dr. Ding Hanxiang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that hearing loss can be categorized into two types: deficiency and excess. Deficiency is associated with kidney essence deficiency or qi deficiency, while excess is related to phlegm-heat, qi stagnation, or liver fire. Chronic conditi...[Read More] Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Managing Tinnitus: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Dr. Yan: I have been experiencing tinnitus for many years and have seen countless doctors without any improvement. The hospital diagnosed me with hereditary hearing loss, and the medication prescribed has not helped at all. I feel that my condition is worsening, and the tin...
Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tinnitus is indeed a challenging condition to manage. There are three small bones in the ear, and their structure is very delicate; even slight degeneration or past injuries can cause damage, making it difficult to identify the cause during examinations. Both vegetarian diets and...[Read More] Managing Tinnitus: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Hyperacusis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Hello Dr. Zheng, I am the patient who consulted you previously regarding discomfort in my right ear after being too close to a speaker during a music performance at the end of December last year (#193234). Currently, my symptoms are as follows: 1. A feeling of fullness and tight...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
1. A diagnosis cannot be made based solely on description; if you have concerns, please seek medical evaluation from a physician who can assess your condition through relevant examinations. 2. Indeed, there are studies indicating that acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine m...[Read More] Understanding Hyperacusis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Four months ago, I started experiencing difficulty swallowing saliva, opening my mouth, and when I exert pressure with my mouth, I hear a popping sound in my ears. Occasionally, I also feel a dull pain inside my ears (it gets worse when taking the elevator or going through tunnel...
Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear User Lai: When you swallow, your ears make a popping sound, and you may experience occasional dull pain inside your ears, along with intermittent tinnitus. If you wish to address this using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is certainly possible. You can find a qualifie...[Read More] Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Related FAQ
(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Tinnitus(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Headache(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Acupuncture(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Dizziness(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Allergic Diseases(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Dietary Therapy(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Gastrointestinal Discomfort(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Sleep(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Canker Sores(Traditional Chinese Medicine)