On an ordinary weekend, while watching TV at home, Uncle Lee found that even with the volume turned up to the maximum, he still had difficulty hearing the conversation clearly. This left him very confused and worried. At first, he thought it was just a temporary ear discomfort or a problem with the TV, but a subsequent medical examination revealed the real cause – a decline in kidney function. The discovery came as a surprise to him, as he had never thought there might be a link between kidney health and hearing.
The Association between Hearing Loss and Kidney Function: Unraveling the Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the kidneys are considered to be the "innate essence", and the essence of the kidneys directly affects the health of our ears. There is a saying in ancient Chinese medicine books: "The kidney opens to the ear", which means that the health of the kidney is directly related to the function of the ear. This theory has been indirectly supported by modern medical research, showing that patients with kidney disease often have problems with hearing loss.
Physiological mechanism analysis
The kidneys play a role in our body to filter blood, remove waste and excess water, and also affect electrolyte balance and blood pressure in the body. The proper functioning of these functions is essential for maintaining a stable environment in the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for the transmission of sound signals and the maintenance of a sense of balance, and any slight changes in the environment can affect its function. Renal insufficiency leads to toxin accumulation and electrolyte imbalances in the body, and these changes eventually affect the ears and manifest as hearing loss and tinnitus.
Research support
Several studies have shown that a significant proportion of patients with kidney failure have hearing loss. For example, a study of patients with chronic kidney disease found that as kidney function declined, so did the patient's hearing. These studies highlight the importance of monitoring the relationship between kidney function and hearing, especially for middle-aged and older people.
Practical observations
Clinically, tinnitus and hearing loss are often overlooked by patients and are considered a normal part of aging. However, with a detailed assessment of kidney function, doctors can detect underlying kidney problems early and then take appropriate interventions to alleviate or stop further hearing loss.
By combining the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with the research of modern medicine, we can more comprehensively understand and deal with the association between hearing loss and kidney function decline. For middle-aged and older adults who have experienced sudden or gradual hearing loss, assessing kidney function can be an important step. Not only does this help improve their quality of life, but it may also stop potential health problems from progressing further.
Unlock the health code: the key role of meridian acupoints in strengthening the waist and kidneys
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, kidney health is considered to be the key to maintaining overall body functions, especially hearing and bone health. The kidneys are the "innate foundation", and the essence and qi of the kidneys are directly related to the function of the ears, so conditioning through specific meridian and extranephic acupoints can effectively strengthen the kidney function and waist strength, thereby helping to improve hearing and reduce tinnitus.
The basic concept of meridian acupoints and kidney health
Extrameridian acupoints, different from the conventional acupuncture points of the 12 meridians, they are acupuncture points located outside the meridians and have special curative effects. In the practice of strengthening the waist and kidneys, the key acupuncture points include "Kidney Yu" and "Life Gate". Kidney Yu is located under the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, 1.5 inches on the left and right, which is the key point for regulating kidney function, and the life gate is located at the back of the spine, parallel to the second lumbar vertebra, which is an important acupuncture point to enhance vitality and waist strength.
How to stimulate the meridian acupoints to strengthen kidney function
Stimulation of these acupuncture points can be done in a variety of ways, including but not limited to acupuncture, massage, and warm compresses. Here are a few practical ways to improve kidney function and lower back strength to help with hearing health:
Massage: Use your thumb or index finger to gently and deeply press on the acupoints of Kidney Yu and Mingmen, each massage lasts 3-5 minutes, twice a day. This massage can promote local blood circulation and enhance kidney function.
Acupuncture treatment: Acupuncture is administered by a professional acupuncturist at the acupuncture points of Kidney Yu and Mingmen, each treatment lasts 20-30 minutes, 2-3 times a week. Acupuncture can deeply stimulate acupuncture points and nourish the kidneys by adjusting the qi and blood in the body.
Warm compress therapy: Warm compresses are applied to these points using medicated dressings or heated lime packets for 20 minutes at a time, once a day. Warm compresses can relax muscles and reduce lower back pain while helping to improve kidney function.
Specific operation: Practical application of meridian and extraneous acupoints
To effectively use the extrameridian acupoints to improve hearing and tinnitus, you can follow the detailed steps below:
Preparation Phase:
Choose a quiet and comfortable environment to ensure that the room temperature is right.
Wear loose-fitting clothing and lie on a flat bed or yoga mat.
How to operate:
Find the Kidney Yu point, which is located in the lower back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.
Use your thumb to press on the Kidney Yu acupoint with moderate pressure, continue to press for 3 minutes, and then gently rub the acupoint for 5 minutes.
Find the Mingmen point, which is located on the midline of the spine, parallel to the second lumbar vertebra.
To use a hot compress to warm the Ming Men acupoint, you can choose a hot compress or a heated lime pack, so that the heat can penetrate deep into the acupuncture points and continue to warm the acupuncture points for 20 minutes.
Keep your breathing steady, relax your body, and focus on feeling the sensation of being stimulated by the acupuncture points.
Doing these things on a daily basis can gradually improve kidney function and strengthen your lower back, which in turn can help protect your hearing and reduce tinnitus symptoms.