And have you ever experienced some sort of ringing noise in your inner ear? The never-ending chirp can be maddening — even tiresome. You are not alone if you are living this. Many millions live with this constant sound known as Tinnitus. The real question is: how do we deal with it? Funny enough, massage could provide a bit of relief.
Massage – When I first began searching for more natural solutions for relieving ear ringing, I knew massage might be an option. At first, I was skeptical. How could the act of rubbing certain points within the body help with something like ear ringing? However, after doing a bit of research and trying it out for myself, I quickly learned just how powerful and healing massage is for reducing tinnitus. This guide will cover all I have learned about improving that persistent ear ache noise with massage.
What Causes Ringing in the Ears?
Now, before diving into the particulars of massage, it will be better to get a better sense of what tinnitus is. Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. It is commonly associated with more serious issues such as stress, anxiety, tension in the neck and jaw, or even ear infections. Tinnitus is basically like a sound that never goes to sleep and one that you cannot physically shut off, so you can only imagine what that frustration and fatigue and depression can lead to in the rest of your life.
If you have tinnitus, you probably feel sick of it. I get it. You have probably experienced a few types of remedies that offered brief relief and others that did not help you at all. Trust me, I know how much it prevents you from living your life fully and completely, prevents you from having healthy and balanced relationships, prevents you from sleeping and receiving good rest. The good news? And massage therapy is one gentle and noninvasive option that may help.
How Massage Can Help Ears Ringing
When it comes to ringing in the ears, ear ringing massage should target the body regions that exert an influence over your ear. Gentle localized massage, for example, will increase blood flow and help relax your muscles and nervous system, as well. Consider this an opportunity to release any tension in your body that may be making your tinnitus worse.
- Neck and Shoulder Massage
The neck and shoulders are also a really stressed part of the body. If you have ever been stuck on a long commute, in an office, or at home on the computer, you’ll know the feeling of stiff neck muscles all too well. But, unfortunately, it can also aggravate tinnitus depending on the tension of the structure in the neck. Why? Due to tight musculature being able to affect blood flow and nerve pathways to the ears.
So, what can you do? Go for a light rub on your neck and shoulders. First, take a moment to get comfortable and drop your shoulders away from your ears. Gently rub the muscles at the back of your neck, down through to your shoulders. Use a gentle circular motion with your fingers. Taking just a couple of minutes releases pressure and tension that could be making the ringing worse.
This sounds really simple, but don’t underestimate the power of this. I’ve seen it actually work on lowering that constant roar in my own ears.
- Jaw Muscles as Noise Reducers
You may not think about it, but jaw muscles greatly affect health in the ear region. Has your jaw ever felt tight after a tough day of stress? I’ve had that too. Ear ringing can also come from tense jaw muscles due to sound processing in the same area.
If that level of massage feels helpful, place your fingertips just below your ears and gradually rub down toward your jawline (the muscle you are massaging). Press lightly and do not overdo it. Do this several times, focusing on areas where you feel tightness. With consistent jaw massages, ear ringing may start to fade or become less bothersome. I couldn’t believe how much of a difference doing this small thing made.
- Ear Massage: Right on the Spot to the Ears
Now we come up closer to the ears themselves. Massaging near the ear can relieve tension and maintain circulation. This may feel a bit strange initially but becomes really comfortable once you get used to it.
For an ear massage: Lightly massage the area just behind your ear as you go down to your earlobe. Using your thumbs, apply gentle pressure and small circular motions around your outer ear. To keep it comfortable, keep your touch soft—the region is sensitive, after all. This approach can directly release tension around your ears, which might make the ringing sound less intense.
Why Massage Works: Blood Flow, Nerve Relaxation, and the Mind-Body Connection
Massage is not only for relaxing muscle tension. It is about taking your entire body and bringing it down. When you are experiencing something often permanent like tinnitus, a little bit of relief goes a long way.
Stress also makes our bodies tense up, and this tension can affect blood flow and nerve health. Healing and relaxation are only possible by optimum circulation, and massage ensures optimal circulation. Good blood flow provides nourishment to the muscles and nerves so they can work together in concert. That ring may not be so loud when your nerves aren’t on edge.
Moreover, massage helps relax the mind, lowering overall stress. Stress is another factor that can worsen the ringing so lowering stress levels is vital to trying to reduce the ringing. When I am relaxed, there is less effort driving the train, my whole body is lighter, and that ringing sound — in my head — becomes less chaotic.
How Often Should You Try Massage?
You may ask yourself how often you should attempt massage with the hopes of binaural beats tinnitus relief. In my experience, consistency is everything! Even a few minutes each day counts! However, if you can fit in a longer session once per week, that is also tremendously helpful.
Keep in mind that the point here is establishing a routine that feels doable. There is no pressure to massage every day either. Then feel free to just add it to your routine in a more natural way. Pay attention to your body, and if you feel changes are coming, keep going.
Massage helps but other tips make it better
Massage can work, but in my experience, there are other minor adjustments you can do to help alleviate your ear ringing. To that end, here are a few possible tips that may be helpful:
- Cut Down on Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can worsen tinnitus symptoms (especially at night).
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water is important for all your body systems to work properly, including the ones in your ears.
- Stress Management: Massage may be accompanied with meditation or soft stretching.
Although these changes may seem minor, they create an environment in your body which can aid your body’s ability to decrease your tinnitus.
Final Thoughts
Now, if you have been experiencing tinnitus, don’t feel hopeless. Ears ringing massage is a softer, natural approach, which can give some relief. And home is not a magic cure, but it is a way to take back control over your body. For me, the tranquillity afterwards makes fluctuation of tinnitus much more sustainable.
Keep in mind, this is not about perfection — this is about progress. One foot step at a time, and you might come to realise soon that the discord far in the back is a little more mute, a little less deafening.
If you’d like to learn more about how massage can benefit your health, visit us at Step Above Massage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Until what point you can go to help with end tinnitus with a massage?
Since tinnitus is most frequently caused by complex issues, massage cannot heal tinnitus completely. But, it can ease reduce the severity of by loosening up muscle groups and increasing circulation. This makes it easier to handle the ringing, but massage should be coupled with other treatments to see the best results.
- How often do I need to get a massage for ear ringing?
Daily use — even just a few minutes of self-massage — will bring the best results! If you can, you should get a professional massage about one or two times a month. Consistency is key. Most likely, over time you will begin to notice less ringing in the ears as your body is gradually trained to the relaxation process.
- Which massages are most effective for tinnitus?
The most beneficial massages available were those on the neck, shoulder, jaw and around the ear. This part is relatively related to the function of an ear, thus practicing in this area can release tension and enhance blood supply which may treat tinnitus.
- Am I able to do these massages myself?
A lot of effective techniques are quite straightforward and can be easily done at home. Now, just make a sweeping motion with a bit of soft pressure. Alternatively, pay a visit to a specialist because doing so will ensure you are doing it right.
- Is the claim true and does stress worsen tinnitus?
Absolutely. Stress can attenuate your tinnitus sensation because it increases muscle tension and nerve dynamics. Stress-relief though massage, meditation or deep breathing can help calm the symptoms down, making them more manageable day-to-day.
