What is Tinnitus & how to overcome it: Tinnitus is a ringing in your ears that is now linked to the brain not being at rest. Tinnitus can be brought on by many different causes including dental trauma, loud music, TMJ (jaw problems), long-term work stress, trauma or anxiety. It can appear after a period of stress and challenges which causes your nervous system to go into an highly aroused sympathetic adrenal state or fight or flight. This makes the nervous system hypersensitive and for tinnitus people this has lead to a shift in auditory perception and giving rise to tinnitus. In most cases, tinnitus people hear the noises of their own nervous system which we normally tend to ignore. Their hearing has become too switched on and detects nervous impulses inside the head. Read our blog - Tinnitus the brain is not at rest for in-depth explanation and overview of scientific research. My personal 5 step approach in treating Tinnitus:
Working on structures that are surrounded and connected to the auditory tubes and brain- i.e. temporal bones, intra-oral work particular with dental work, cranial membranes, jaw (TMJ) and neck, releasing any tissue and bone restrictions
Resettling the Nervous System, so stored tensions can be released and let go off, decreasing “the fight and flight” hyper vigilant sympathetic nervous system and increase the "rest and digest" parasympathetic system, lowering the tone of the Vagus Cranial Nerve.
Relaxing and releasing Neck and shoulder muscles.
Incorporating a body-based practice – in order for clients to get out of their heads and into their body by facilitating oa embodiment exercises or guided imagery.
Unpacking any issues that may have contributed to the onset off their Tinnitus, why their brain is ringing. The auditory pathways are hard wired to the limbic system which is where the emotional centre lies in the brain. Craniosacral therapy sees symptoms as a signal of the body. The body tends to hold tension and emotional conflict deep inside until it is ready to process it.
Tinnitus treatments are about regular treatments rather than a one quick fix. It is a gradual process, as it is about working mechanically and regulating and rewiring the nervous system and brain. Our patterns and layered down grooves in our system, are often hardwired and they take time to change, to integrate and to build a new road. This program should be received regularly to start with to give the brain and nervous system the best chance to let go, to settle, rewire and maximise the benefits of craniosacral work. This program is not meant to substitute any medical examination and people should always consult a Doctor first to exclude any significant underlying pathology. Below I have listed two people that cured their Tinnitus with Craniosacral Therapy and have since become Craniosacral Therapist themselves.
Simon Baker worked in music as a Producer, Audio Engineer and DJ, and was surrounded by loud music for years and as a result developed severe tinnitus, which he assumed was from the continual noise. After having his ears checked, a friend recommended Craniosacral Therapy, explaining that it can help with calming the central nervous system which is directly related to the cranial nerves of the ears. That turned out to be a life-changing experience for him. For more information: https://www.simonbakerholistichealth.com/aboutme/ & Julian Cowan-Hill healed his own tinnitus through craniosacral therapy and has since become a practitioner himself. He has written books about Tinnitus and has a youtube video that will give a good understanding of how tinnitus can stay in your system and also how Craniosacral Therapy can help you let go of this.