Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that affects both balance and hearing.

It can occur when a cold, the flu, or a middle ear infection spreads to the inner ear. Common symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and vertigo, which can also be linked to other neurological and health conditions.

While labyrinthitis often resolves on its own, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions and prevent any long-term complications.

To learn how Chinese medicine can help alleviate symptoms and support faster recovery, then read on and come and visit us at our Clinic or request free personalised health advice.

How can we help?

Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for addressing hearing disorders, Chinese Medicine has a long history of supporting the auditory system, from common hearing issues to more severe concerns. Recent research also points to Chinese Medicine’s potential in aiding recovery from labyrinthitis. Although more studies are needed, early results show promising outcomes.

Studies suggest that CM may help alleviate labyrinthitis symptoms by stimulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation, all of which support the body’s natural healing processes. Additionally, the calming effects of some CM practices can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better emotional well-being.

How quickly will you see results?

While every journey is unique, most people start seeing noticeable improvement within just a few sessions. For significant and consistent results, we recommend giving it at least 4 weeks.

Acupuncture can often provide quick relief, offering immediate symptom improvement for many. Herbal Medicine, on the other hand, typically takes about a week to show noticeable benefits, but the results can be truly transformative.

About Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear, specifically the labyrinth, a sensitive structure responsible for balance and spatial orientation. In some cases, the inflammation can extend to the eighth cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve), disrupting the flow of sensory information from the ear to the brain.

While anyone can develop labyrinthitis, certain factors increase the likelihood, including autoimmune conditions, a history of allergies, smoking, excessive alcohol use, stress, and some medications.

Labyrinthitis often appears suddenly, typically affecting just one ear. It is usually classified as viral or bacterial:

• Viral labyrinthitis is the most common type, often causing sudden vertigo (a spinning sensation while still), nausea, and vomiting. It typically resolves on its own without medical intervention.
• Bacterial labyrinthitis can be classified as either serous (also known as ‘toxic’) or suppurative:
  • Serous labyrinthitis tends to be milder, with symptoms such as mild vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance (especially toward the affected side).
  • Suppurative labyrinthitis is more severe and may cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nystagmus (uncontrolled, repetitive eye movements), and, in some cases, permanent hearing loss.

While labyrinthitis is not life-threatening, identifying its cause and receiving proper care is essential for full recovery, preventing lasting damage, and ruling out more serious underlying conditions.

As labyrinthitis can significantly impact balance and coordination, it’s important to avoid activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery to ensure safety during recovery.

Western Medicine View

In Western medicine, labyrinthitis is primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections that affect the labyrinth. In rare cases, it may be linked to a structural disorder of the inner ear.

The main goal of treatment for labyrinthitis is to manage and relieve symptoms, with the approach depending on the severity of the condition and whether it is viral or bacterial.

• For viral labyrinthitis, treatments may range from over-the-counter antihistamines to stronger prescription medications, such as sedatives and corticosteroids, which help reduce nerve inflammation.
• Bacterial labyrinthitis, on the other hand, is typically treated with antibiotics.

In cases of chronic labyrinthitis, vestibular rehabilitation—a form of physical therapy—may be recommended. This therapy involves tailored exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness by re-training the brain to cope with and adjust to the feeling of imbalance.

Chinese Medicine View

From the perspective of Chinese Medicine (CM), labyrinthitis is seen as an imbalance affecting the body’s core organ systems. The condition is primarily linked to the Kidney ZF organ system, associated with the ears and auditory system. The Liver ZF, which plays a key role in managing inflammation, and the Spleen ZF, the body’s powerhouse, are also often involved and should be considered.

The imbalance causing labyrinthitis may be due to:

• Excess: Resulting in phlegm or blood accumulation and stasis, disrupting the brain and sensory systems.
• Deficiency: Leading to fatigue, weakness, and a lack of nourishment for the brain and body.

Several factors can trigger labyrinthitis in CM, including ageing, serious illness, blood stasis from injury, poor diet and lifestyle, and emotional stress.

The CM approach to managing labyrinthitis involves either invigorating or calming the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen ZF systems, depending on the type of imbalance diagnosed. Treatment usually includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, aimed at strengthening the immune system, enhancing resilience to bacteria and viruses, and supporting both mental and emotional health for better long-term recovery.

Lifestyle Advice

Although labyrinthitis often clears on its own, its symptoms can be disruptive and uncomfortable. To help ease the intensity and frequency of symptoms and support your treatments, here are some practical tips:

• Manage Stress and Fatigue
  Emotional stress can affect the Liver ZF, one of the primary organ systems involved in labyrinthitis. Keeping your emotional health in check is key.
  • Set aside time each day for relaxation and rest.
  • Find what works best for you to keep stress levels low—whether it’s exercise, meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, or simple relaxation techniques.
• Mind Your Diet
  A balanced, whole-food diet is essential to your recovery.
  • Aim to eat regular, nutritious meals.
  • Limit or avoid dairy and greasy foods, as they can weaken the Spleen ZF, leading to “Dampness and Phlegm,” which may contribute to Qi Deficiency.

These simple lifestyle changes can help restore balance in the body and boost overall well-being. For tailored advice, our fully qualified CMIR-registered physicians—who also have extensive Western medical training—are here to help.

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+ *CLINICAL TRIALS

NAUSEA and VOMITING

Vickers AJ. Can acupuncture have specific effects on health? A systematic review of acupuncture antiemesis trials. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 1996, 89(6): 303-311

Dundee JW et al. Traditional Chinese acupuncture: a potentially useful antiemetic? British Medical Journal, 1986, 293:383-384.

Dundee JW et al. Acupuncture to prevent cisplatin-associated vomiting. Lancet, 1987, 1:1083.

Ghaly RG et al. A comparison of manual needling with electrical stimulation and commonly used antiemetics. Anaesthesia, 1987, 45:1108-1110.

Weightman WM et al. Traditional Chinese acupuncture as an antiemetic. British Medical Journal, 1987, 295(6610):1379-1380.

Dundee JW et al. Acupuncture prophylaxis of cancer chemotherapy-induced sickness. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 1989, 82:268-271.

Barsoum G et al. Postoperative nausea is relieved by acupressure. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 1990, 83(2):86-89.

Ho RT et al. Electro-acupuncture and postoperative emesis. Anaesthesia, 1990, 45:327-329.

Ho CM et al. Effect of PC 6 acupressure on prevention of nausea and vomiting after epidural morphine for post-cesarean section pain relief. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 1996, 40(3):372-375.

Andrzejowski J et al. Semi-permanent acupuncture needles in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture-Medicine, 1996, 14(2):68-70.

McConaghy P et al. Acupuncture in the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients receiving morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia system. Acupuncture-Medicine, 1996, 14(1):2-5.

Schwager KL et al. Acupuncture and postoperative vomiting in day-stay paediatric patients. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, 1996, 24(6):674-677.

Liu SX et al. Magnetotherapy of neiguan in preventing vomiting induced by cisplatin. International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 1997, 8(1):39-41.

Al-Sadi M et al. Acupuncture in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anaesthesia, 1997, 52(7):658-661.

Stein DJ et al. Acupressure versus intravenous metoclopramide to prevent nausea and vomiting during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 1997, 84(2):342-345.

Schlager A et al. Laser stimulation of acupuncture point P6 reduces postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 1998, 8(4):529-532.

Chu YC et al. Effect of BL10 (tianzhu), BL11 (dazhu) and GB34 (yanglingquan) acuplaster for prevention of vomiting after strabismus surgery in children. Acta Anaesthesiologica Sinica, 1998, 36(1):11-16.

Alkaissi A et al. Effect and placebo effect of acupressure (P6) on nausea and vomiting after outpatient gynaecological surgery. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 1999, 43(3):270-274.

Shenkman Z et al. Acupressure-acupuncture antiemetic prophylaxis in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Anesthesiology, 1999, 90(5):1311-1316.

 

HEADACHE

Ahonen E et al. Acupuncture and physiotherapy in the treatment of myogenic headache patients: pain relief and EMG activity. Advances in Pain Research and Therapy, 1983, 5:571-576.

Loh L et al. Acupuncture versus medical treatment for migraine and muscle tension headaches. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 1984, 47:333-337.

Dowson DI et al. The effects of acupuncture versus placebo in the treatment of headache. Pain, 1985, 21:35-42.

Doerr-Proske H et al. [A muscle and vascular oriented relaxation program for the treatment of chronic migraine patients. A randomized clinical control groups study on the effectiveness of a biobehavioural treatment program]. Zeitschrift für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychoanalyse, 1985, 31(3):247-266 [in German].

Vincent CA. A controlled trial of the treatment of migraine by acupuncture. Clinical Journal of Pain, 1989, 5:305-312.

Tavola T et al. Traditional Chinese acupuncture in the treatment of tension-type headache: a controlled study. Pain, 1992, 48:325-329.

Kubiena G et al. Akupunktur bei Migräne. [Acupuncture treatment of migraine.] Deutsche Zeitschrift für Akunpunktur, 1992, 35(6):140-148 [in German].

Xu Z et al. [Treatment of migraine by qi-manipulating acupuncture.] Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1993, 12(3):97-100 [in Chinese].

Weinschütz T et al. Zur neuroregulativen Wirkung der Akupunktur bei Kopfschmerzpatienten. [Neuroregulatory action of acupuncture in headache patients.] Deutsche Zeitschrift für Akunpunktur, 1994, 37(5):106-117 [in German].

Chen XS et al. [Observation of penetrating acupuncture treatment of migraine in 45 cases.] Shanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1997, 13(6):32-33 [in Chinese].

Liu AS et al. [“Three Scalp Needles” in the treatment of migraine.] New Tradiitional Chinese Medicine, 1997, 29(4) 25-26 [in Chinese].

 

DEAFNESS

Wang CH et al. [Clinical study on acupuncture treatment of sudden deafness.] Acupuncture Research, 1998, 23(1):5-7 [in Chinese].

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