Reflexology or acupressure is a technique where pressure is applied to strategic points on the body. The theory is that such pressure releases nerves and blood flow leading into certain organs. The organ then begins to heal itself. Reflexology goes back all the way to 1,000 B.C. But, can reflexology or acupressure actually give you Tinnitus relief? Let’s find out.
Will Reflexology or Acupressure Give Me Tinnitus Relief?
There are unfortunately NO scientific studies that can conclusively prove that reflexology can provide Tinnitus relief. However, there is some evidence that acupuncture for Tinnitus works. Acupuncture relies on pretty much the same theory as reflexology and acupressure, that is to clear energy, nerve and blood pathways that allow a organ to heal or repair itself. Going by that theory, reflexology should be able to give you relief from the ringing in your ears as well.
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Also, the internet has thousands of anecdotal references of people reporting relief or even a resolving of their Tinnitus. And, there are no side effects caused by reflexology. So, there’s definitely no harm in trying. Even if it doesn’t help you with Tinnitus relief, it can make you feel relaxed and reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
But, people must understand that reflexology provides results rather slowly and with repetition. It will take many sessions to start experiencing some significant relief. Below, you will find a list of reflexology points for Tinnitus on your hands, feet, head and neck. These points might feel very sore the first time you knead them. But, over a few sessions, the soreness will slowly but surely fade away. This is of course believed to be a sign that reflexology is working.
Tinnitus Reflexology Points for the Hand
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Point number 1 – Use your free hand thumb to press down on this point, as hard as you can, without causing you to wince. As you press down, relax the palm and let it curl naturally. Do this several times, until the soreness begins to subside a little.
Points number 2 – Starting with the point under your little finger, slowly knead your way to the bottom of the index finger. The points under your little finger and your ring finger are direct reflex points for your ears. Points under the middle and index finger are for your eyes. But, massaging all four points are recommended to seek Tinnitus relief.
Points number 3 – Here, you have to use the thumb and index fingers of your free hand to grab the sides of your other thumb. Then, rotate your thumb as if you were trying to open a bottle cap with your thumb and index finger. Start at the top or bottom and work your way up or down the entire thumb
Remember to repeat all of the reflexology exercises for both your hands.
Tinnitus Reflexology Points for the Head and Ears
Point Number 1 – Use your index finger to press down on the crown of your head. Feel around a bit to find the most tender spot as the crown of the head usually is the most tender point on your head. When tolerable, you can use two fingers at a time, to increase pressure. But, never cause pain to yourself and do not use hard objects to apply pressure.
Points number 2 – These are not your temples. These are rather the points at which your hairline starts to curve down from your forehead line. Use the index fingers to gently rub and massage the spots.
Point number 3 – Gently grab this point with your index and thumb fingers. Slowly pull down on it. Then, also pull up and away from your ear a few times. This motion has to be done quickly.
Point number 4 – This is a very sensitive point that will feel like a depression in front of your ears. It can be very tender to the touch. Give it a circular massage to gently stimulate it.
Also read: This post about Tinnitus exercises has exercises you can do for your ears, neck, head and even your breathing. They might all be useful for you, in addition to the reflexology techniques discussed here.
Tinnitus Reflexology Points for the Feet
Point number 1 – This is the reflex point on your feet that is dedicated to your ears. There is a chance that this can be really tender to the touch. If it is, kneading this point can definitely help reduce the intrusiveness of Tinnitus.
Point number 2 – This point is primarily responsible for the neck. Since the neck is the gateway for blood from the heart to organs in your head, including your ears, kneading this point can also potentially provide relief from Tinnitus, as your ears receive more nutrients.
Point number 3 – It is speculated that kidneys can affect hearing health. There are many peculiar structural similarities between the kidneys and ear structures. It is also believed that toxic buildup in the kidneys can directly affect the nerves to the ears. Point number 3 is for the adrenal gland. Almost everyone will have tenderness and soreness here, regardless of whether or not they have Tinnitus. Inadequate consumption of water is often the reason why. Either way, kneading this point can also give you Tinnitus relief.
Besides reflexology or acupressure, you can also clean up your diet to get relief from Tinnitus or at least prevent spikes or flare ups. Here are foods that make Tinnitus worse.
Try to keep stress and anxiety levels low as well. High levels of stress will make your Tinnitus worse. Tinnitus habituation is a great way to not let Tinnitus bother you, even if you can’t minimize or get rid of it.
