According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, the twelve meridians have corresponding areas on the body surface, known as the Twelve Cutaneous Regions. These surficial body regions are where the qi (vital energy) of the collateral channels is distributed, located on the outermost layer of the body. The acupoints on these regions are crucial for connecting the upper and lower, as well as the internal and external parts of the body. When applying external herbal remedies, such as dressing, patching, smearing, steaming, or washing, the medicinal properties are absorbed through the skin, circulate, and can reach the internal organs to exert a systemic therapeutic effect.

Grind the medicinal herbs into a paste, pills, ointment, or lotion, and apply them to specific areas of the body, such as the navel, palms, or soles of the feet. This method treats internal diseases through external application, serving as a form of topical therapy. The active ingredients of the herbs stimulate the corresponding acupoints, and through the meridians, the medicinal effects are transmitted to regulate the functions of the internal organs and achieve healing.

The remedies are usually carefully prepared by TCM practitioners and provided to patients for home use, making it simple and convenient. This method is especially suitable for the elderly, children, and postoperative patients.

When applying external herbal treatments, TCM physicians will decide on the form of the medication and the application site based on the patient's condition. The selected herbal ingredients are raw, with potent and aromatic properties, along with warming methods to enhance absorption. Note that individuals with skin allergies or local skin damage should avoid using external herbal treatments.

For ear ringing, here are some suitable herbal paste formulations and application sites:

 

Prescriptions: 

• Magnetite (30g), cinnabar (2-3g), medicinal evodia immature fruit (15-20g).

• Chinese gentian root, bupleurum root, gardenia fruit, oriental water-plantain rhizome, and turmeric root-tuber, equal amount for each. (Indicated for ear ringing with liver fire)

Preparation: grind the herbs in powder and mix with vinegar to form a paste, spread the paste onto two pieces of gauze for later use.

Method: at night before going to bed, wash the feet with warm water and wipe dry, massage yong quan (Ki1) on both feet for 5 to 10 minutes or until they have a warm feeling, then apply the prepared herbal paste to the warmed acupoints, use bandage or adhesive tape to fix them in place, stay overnight and take off next morning. Apply daily for 7 days.

 

Prescription: bugbane rhizome, kudzu root, amur corktree bark, white peony root, vitex fruit, pilose asiabell root, astragalus root and liquorice root, equal amount for each. (indicated for ear ringing with spleen deficiency)

Preparation: grind in powder and add fresh ginger juice to mix into a paste for later use.

Method: at night before going to bed, clean the belly button first, fill in the herbal paste and use bandage or adhesive tape to cover and fix it in place, stay overnight and take off next morning. Apply daily for 7 days.

 

Prescription: prickly acanthopanax root (15g), schisandra (10g), angelica root (15g) and liquorice root (processed with honey, 10g)

Preparation: grind in powder and add vinegar to mix in a paste, spread the paste onto four pieces of gauze for later use.

Method: at night before going to bed, clean the areas, apply the herbal pastes on the points, use bandage or adhesive tape to fit them in place, stay overnight and take off next morning. Apply daily for 7 days.