Effective Management of Tinnitus (Karnanada) Through Ayurvedic Therapy: Taila Treatment for Karnanada Relief

Tinnitus (Karnanada)

Definition: The term Karnanada is basically derived from two root words Karna and Nada. Karna– Means ear or organ of hearing. Nada– Sound or ringing in the ear.

Tinnitus is an ear disorder in which there is a ringing sound or whistle sound perceived by an individual in the ear or head in the absence of external sound. The term ‘tinnitus’ is derived from the Latin word Tinnire which means ring. Patients hear ringing, whistling, hissing, pulsating roaring, or clicking sounds varying from intermittent to constant, low pitch to high pitch. It is common in old age.

Here, Ayurveda has herbal remedies that can effectively minimize Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Before dealing with the Ayurvedic remedies, we will discuss the cause and symptoms of tinnitus.

Etiological factors which are responsible for the causation of the clinical condition of Tinnitus (Karnanada):

1. Pratisyaya (common cold).

2. Avasyaayam (exposure to cold wind) can trigger symptoms.

3. Jalakrida (swimming and play in rainy)

4. Sastra-mithyayoga (Avisodhita yantras and sastras which are inserted in the Karnam for diagnostic and surgical procedures for removal of foreign bodies etc.,

5. Atiyoga, Ayoga, Mithya Yoga of the Sabda (Incompatible correlation of sensation of sound (high, low, medium pitched sound) with the organ of hearing) can lead to Karna Nada.

Rupa /Clinical features of  Tinnitus (Karnanada)

Nanavidha Sabda- Different kinds of sounds heard in Sabdavaha Srotas. 

Symptoms of Tinnitus (Karnanada)

· Feel dizzy· Hearing loss· Ringing sound· Booming sensation in ears often correlates with tinnitus.· Sounds like clicking, rushing

Causes of Tinnitus (Karnanada)

However, the exact physiological causes of tinnitus are unknown to science but still, severalcauses are observed in studies that are like-

·       Wax build 

·       Noise can trigger tinnitus symptoms. 

·       Medications

·       Jaw Misalignment 

·       Particular tumors 

·       Head and neck trauma 

·       Reccuring sinus infections and middle ear infections

·       Stress and long-term Insomnia

·       Cardiovascular problem-  It is usually pulsating tinnitus but often with a heartbeat

· Long-term Migraines

·       Epilepsy

·       Vascular tumors of the middle ear (Glomus tumor)

·       Aneurysm and arterio-venous shunt around the ear.

·       Live insects in the ear

Samprapti /Pathogenesis Tinnitus (Karnanada)

When the Vata gets localized in the channels of the ear the patient hears various types of sound like those of a Bheri (bulge/drum), Mrudanga, Samkha, etc.

Diagnosis of Tinnitus (Karnanada)

Laboratory, Otologic, and Neurotologic Testing .Complete audiometric assessment is of primary importance for evaluating the patient with tinnitus.

Treatment of Tinnitus (Karnanada): 

Medical and Surgical Current medical treatments for tinnitus include pharmacologic therapy, acoustic-based therapy, counseling and education, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and treatments based on complementary and alternative medicine. Psychopharmacological treatment can be part of tinnitus retraining therapy.

Many drugs, including psychopharmacological agents, are routinely employed in the treatment of tinnitus.

Chikitsa of Tinnitus (Karnanada) according to Ayurveda:

The Karnanada is a Vataja Pradhana Dosa Vyadhi. So our aim is to reduce Vata in the treatment of Karnanada using Ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurvedic management of tinnitus

Ayurvedic treatment involves the use of herbs and natural medicines that are not harmful tohealth. With the help of the natural treatment in tinnitus, it pacifies the  vata humor andreserves the damage of the ear. 

Panchakarma in Tinnitus (Karnanada) treatment

·       Nasya: Nasya, an Ayurvedic treatment, involves infusing medicinal substances through the nostrils, like oil or herbal mixtures. It’s part of Panchakarma, a five-fold purification therapy.

Nasya helps tinnitus by:

·       Reduce ear and nose inflammation.

·       Improves ear circulation.

·       Calms the nervous system.

·       It is effective, especially in Panchakarma, for various conditions, including tinnitus treatment.Vacha (Acorus calamus) oil nasya, has a powerful effect in calming and balancing the Prana vayu

·       Abhyanga  (Massage) Shiroabhyanga(head massage) and padabhyanga(Foot massage), wherein the soles of the feet are massaged with warm sesame oil, has a specific effect in calming the prana vayu.

·       Snehapana

Snehapana, a traditional Ayurvedic treatment, involves taking ghee or medicated oil orally to detoxify the body. Though not a direct tinnitus remedy, it can potentially alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and balancing mind-body energies. It’s a powerful detox therapy for overall health.

·       Karnapooran:(Ear drops)

To calm the vata in the ears, ten drops of warm sesame oil is applied daily to each ear. The oil is allowed to remain in the first ear for five or ten minutes, then that ear is cleaned

·       Kawala & Gandush:

Gargling of medicated oils or certain liquids/Kwath is Kawala. It strengthens the nerves of the eyes and ears and also pacifies aggravated vata. Gandush is Withholding medicated oils or certain liquids in the mouth for a certain period.

·       Sirovasthy – 

A cap is fitted on the head and medicated oil is poured into it. This treatment is effective for insomnia, headaches, facial paralysis, numbness in the head, dryness of nostrils and throat

·       Virechana

Virechan, an Ayurvedic therapy, flushes toxins from the body through oral purging. It is effective for various conditions, including tinnitus. By removing excess Vata dosha, it helps reduce tinnitus, while also improving circulation and reducing inflammation through channel cleansing.

·       Shirodhara

Shirodhara is a therapeutic head massage involving gently pouring warm oil over the forehead in a continuous stream. This therapy promotes deep relaxation, calms the mind, and reduces anxiety.

Some of the herbs that help in treating Tinnitus (Karnanada), like:

Giloy ( Tinospora Cordifilia)Vacha (Acorus Calamus)Pitpapda (Fumaria Officinalis) is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for various treatments.Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)Sariva (Hemidesmus Indicus)

Paribhadra – Erythrina indica

Bala – Sida cordifolia

Amalaki (Amla) – Emblica officinalis

Gokshura – Tribulus terrestris helps in alleviating the disease

Ayurvedic formulation used in Tinnitus:

·         Sarivadi Vati

·         Sapthamritha loha

·         Bilva taila – Abyanga and karna Poorana

·         Mashabaladi Kashava

·         Dhanadanayanadi kashaya

·         Dashamoola kashaya

·         Dhanvantara Gulika

·         Dhanvantara Gritham

·         Guggulu thiktaka Gritham

·         AshwagandadiGritham

Lifestyle changes in Tinnitus (Karnanada) Treatment:

·         Keeping yourself active, mentally and physically is the foremost thing. You can takepart in games and do regular exercise to keep yourself physically and mentally active.

·         One should get proper sleep.

·         Ghee is beneficial for Tinnitus, so one can increase the intake of ghee.

·         Several foods like tea, coffee, chocolates, and cold drinks may worsen the condition oftinnitus.

·         Alcohol is also harmful to tinnitus.

·         Smoking directly or indirectly affects your body parts. Avoid smoking to reduce its effecton the brain, organs, and blood vessels.

·         Breakfast is usually desirable. Use hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat or any other breakfast that is warm, milky, and sweet to eliminate cold from the body. 

·         Take warm food, moderately heavy in texture, and add butter and fat. sweet and sour tastes are desirable. 

·         Reduce dry foods and bitter tastes.

·         Use warm or hot water and drinks.

·         Avoid hearing loud music, loud noises, and headphones. For example, while traveling in a vehicle, keep the windows closed.

·         When you are surrounded by loud noise, as in a sports event, club, etc, wear hearing protection or some cloth band covering your ears, to protect your ears from the noises.

·         Stress worsens tinnitus. Hence, follow relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, drinking a cup of water, talking to your friend, etc, while under stress.

·         Avoid aspirin or aspirin products in large quantities.

·         Stress management in patients often results in a decrease or cure of tinnitus.

Q: What is the Ayurvedic perspective on tinnitus?

A: According to Ayurveda, tinnitus is known as Karnanada and is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha in the ear.

Q: How does Ayurvedic therapy treat tinnitus?

A: Ayurvedic therapy for tinnitus, known as Taila treatment, involves the application of warm medicated oil in and around the ear to reduce symptoms and balance the doshas.

Q: What are the common causes of tinnitus according to Ayurveda?

A: Ayurveda cites various causes of tinnitus, including hearing loss, excessive noise exposure, ear infections, and underlying imbalances in the body.

Q: How can Ayurvedic remedies help in managing tinnitus symptoms?

A: Ayurvedic remedies such as herbs, oils, and therapies aim to calm the Vata dosha, improve circulation in the ear, and reduce the perception of sound associated with tinnitus.

Q: Does Ayurvedic treatment for tinnitus involve consultation with a practitioner?

A: Yes, it is recommended to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual's specific needs.

Q: Can Ayurvedic therapy worsen tinnitus symptoms?

A: When administered correctly by a licensed practitioner, Ayurvedic therapy is unlikely to worsen tinnitus symptoms and is aimed at providing relief and balance to the affected individual.

Q: How does Taila treatment differ from other conventional treatments for tinnitus?

A: Taila treatment in Ayurveda focuses on addressing the underlying imbalances in the body that contribute to tinnitus, offering a holistic approach to managing the condition.