8 Yoga Asanas That May Help Relieve Tinnitus

The best yogic poses to help relax the head and neck muscles and ease the ringing in your ears.

Reviewed by Anirudh Gupta, Certified Yoga Instructor
Written by Shirin Mehdi, BA
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Fact-checked by Himanshi Mahajan, BSc (Life Sciences), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach  • 

Tinnitus is characterized by a constant ringing sound in your ears that only you can hear. It can be both temporary and chronic. But is it the right idea to use yoga asanas to cure tinnitus? Before we head further, it is important to understand what causes tinnitus in the first place. It is a long list of causes, from stress and ENT infections to allergies. Fortunately, yoga has a solution for all these causes. Hence, this article lists the eight best asanas for keeping tinnitus and related concerns at bay. Try them out and witness the results yourself!

What Is Tinnitus?

It could involve hissing, ringing, roaring, clicking, whooshing, or whining. Tinnitus is often only a perception of one of these sounds when there is no external cause. It is a phantom sound that only the person suffering can hear.

Some people experience tinnitus temporarily. It could be right after they walk out of a blaring concert. But when it is chronic, it is a high-pitched sound that is heard in one or both ears.

A survey conducted on 11,427 adults aged 18 years and above found the total prevalence of tinnitus was 14.7%, with women having a higher prevalence rate (15.2%) than males (14%). It was further noted that the prevalence rate of Ireland was at 8.7%, Bulgaria at 28.3%, and Romania at 4.2%.

If you suffer from tinnitus, your cognitive function could be affected, and your attention span might reduce. While these are its effects in the day, you could be sleepless at night if you suffer from tinnitus.

Some of the major causes of tinnitus are as follows:

1. Stress
2. A stiff neck or stiff jaws
3. Joint disorders in the jaws
4. Low blood circulation in the brain
5. Accumulation of earwax
6. High levels of cholesterol in the blood
7. Cardiac ailments
8. Infection in the ear, nose or throat
9. Stiffening of the middle bone in the ear
10. Allergies

protip_icon Did You Know?
Subjective, objective, pediatric, and pulsatile are the four types of tinnitus.

Common Symptoms of Tinnitus

Some of the common symptoms of tinnitus include:

1. Ringing Or Buzzing: Persistent noises in one or both of the ears, resembling ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds (1).
2. Auditory Disturbance: Sounds may be continuous or intermittent. They may vary in pitch and intensity and worsen in a quiet environment (1).
3. Hearing Loss: Tinnitus may cause temporary loss of hearing, although not always.
4. Impact On Concentration: It can affect concentration and cause difficulty in focusing on tasks (2).
5. Emotional Distress: It may lead to anxiety, stress, insomnia, or depression due to its persistent nature and impact on quality of life (2).
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to address them and seek medical attention. You can also try yoga to decrease its effect. Check out the next section for more information on it.

How Does Yoga Help Decrease The Effects Of Tinnitus?

Yoga has a solution to almost all the causes mentioned above. It helps enhance the circulation of blood throughout the body and reduces stress and strain. Yoga stimulates the organs, removes toxins, and protects the body against infection and allergies as it improves immunity. It also helps to lower cholesterol and keeps you’re being in shape and healthy.

Yoga helps relax the muscles around the head and neck, and this helps to reduce the noise caused by the condition. In addition, through yoga, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace, balance, and overall wellness.

Let us dig a little deeper and figure out the connection between yoga and tinnitus. Do bear in mind that while yoga helps reduce the loud, high-pitched sound, you will have to seek medical assistance to cure tinnitus.

8 Effective Asanas In Yoga For Tinnitus

Yoga asanas can be a powerful tool in the treatment of tinnitus and other hearing problems. By focusing on ear health and using natural remedies, alternative medicine, and holistic healing, yoga offers a sound therapy that helps people with hearing issues. In addition, breathing exercises and mindfulness practices can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be significant contributors to improving hearing problems. Here are the effective asanas in yoga for tinnitus.

  1. Trikonasana
  2. Padangusthasana
  3. Adho Mukha Svanasana
  4. Ustrasana
  5. Gomukhasana
  6. Bhujangasana
  7. Viparita Karani
  8. Matsyasana

1. Trikonasana

Trikonasana for tinnitus
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Image: IStock

Also Known As – Triangle Pose

Benefits – Trikonasana instantly sends a gush of fresh blood to your head and neck as your head hangs on one side. The muscles in that area are relaxed, and it is possible that you will instantly feel your ears pop and open up. This reduces the ringing sounds.

How To Do It – Place your feet apart. Raise your arms such that they are parallel to the floor, with your palms facing downwards. Turn your left foot at a 45-degree angle, and the right one at a 90-degree angle. Your heels should form a straight line. Twist your body to the right, extend the upper body and bend towards the floor. Touch the right foot with the right hand, and extend your left arm in the air. Look at your left hand. Hold and release. Repeat on the other side.

2. Padangusthasana

Padangusthasana for tinnitus
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Image: Shutterstock

Also Known As – Hand To Big Toe Pose

Benefits – This is another asana that allows an anti-gravity flow of blood to your head. It reorients the fluids in the ear canals and gives symptomatic relief. You feel refreshed and energized almost instantly. The additional flow of blood to your head clears out all the blocks in your ears, nose, and throat brings in greater nutrients to fight the viruses and helps in alleviating the discomfort.

How To Do It – Stand straight and place your hands on your hips. Inhale. Then, allow the spine to move forward and bend your hip as you exhale. Your fingers should reach for your big toes. Use your middle finger, index finger, and the thumb of each hand to hold the respective big toes on each side. The feet must be parallel to each other. Push your torso forward as you extend the stretch and lift the tailbone. Hold for a few seconds and then release.

3. Adho Mukha Svanasana

Adho Mukha Svanasana for tinnitus
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Also Known As – Downward Facing Dog

Benefits – This asana lengthens the spine as it strengthens the whole body. The circulation of blood and spinal fluid is enhanced throughout the body. Cholesterol is reduced, and toxins are cleared out. Your head (ears, nose, and throat) is worked upon and oxygenated through this asana.

How To Do It – Come on to all fours. Lift your knees off the ground and straighten them. Your feet should be flat on the ground. You could take two steps back. As you do that, move your arms a few steps forward, so as to create an inverted ‘V’ with your body. Your hips should be higher than your heart, and your head lower. Let your head hang as you hold the pose for a few minutes . Release.

To know more about this asana, click here: Adho Mukha Svanasana

4. Ustrasana

Ustrasana for tinnitus
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Also Known As – Camel Pose

Benefits – This asana is extremely beneficial for the throat and the heart chakras. All the blocks in these chakras are worked upon and removed with regular practice. Since tinnitus is an ENT problem, when the blocks in the throat chakra are cleared, the ears also benefit. This asana also increases the flow of blood in the head and neck.

How To Do It – Sit in the Vajrasana. Lift your hips and raise your body such that the hip muscles and calf muscles are perpendicular. Open up your chest and lean back. Reach your arms for your feet, making sure your arms are stretched out. Gently hang your head as you gaze at the back. Hold the pose as you take long, deep breaths. Release.

5. Gomukhasana

Gomukhasana for tinnitus
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Also Known As – Cow Face Pose

Benefits – This asana relaxes the body and enhances the circulation of blood. It helps in overall well-being. When you sit erect in this position, your throat chakra is worked upon. With regular practice, the pain and sounds in the ear reduce. This asana also helps you focus out of the discomfort area as well.

How To Do It – Sit in the Dandasana. Fold your left knee and bring your left knee next to your right hip. Stack your right knee over your left knee as you bend the right knee and bring the right foot near the left hip. Straighten your back. Then, lift your left arm and bend it at the elbow, and reach for your left fingers behind your back. Bend your left arm at the elbow and reach for your right fingers at that back from below. Set your gaze forward. Hold the pose. Release, change sides, and repeat.

To know more about this asana, click here: Gomukhasana

protip_icon Quick Tip
Since the Gomukhasana pose requires you to stress your neck, back, and knees, avoid practicing it if you have spondylitis, neck, knee, or shoulder injury.

6. Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana for tinnitus
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Also Known As – Cobra Pose

Benefits – Bhujangasana works towards opening your chest and throat. It helps to remove toxins or energy blocks in these areas and increases the flow of fresh blood. Your ears benefit, the sounds reduce, and you can focus and concentrate better.

How To Do It – Lie flat on your stomach, with your legs stretched out and feet facing down. Place your elbows by your side, and lift your chest, placing the partial body weight on the hands while creating the lift from the tricep area of the upper arms. Inhale deeply, and exhale strongly.

7. Viparita Karani

Viparita Karani for tinnitus
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Also Known As – Legs Up The Wall

Benefit – At the outset, this asana is extremely relaxing for you. It promotes circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body. It is a great stress reliever that also works on your throat chakra.

How To Do It – Sit across a wall and gently raise your legs up the wall. Lie down gently and stretch out your arms to the sides, making sure your palms are facing upwards. Once you are comfortable, close your eyes and breathe. Release after a few minutes.

To know more about this asana, click here: Viparita Karani

8. Matsyasana

Matsyasana for tinnitus
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Also Known As – Fish Pose

Benefits – The Matsyasana is a highly beneficial pose. It works on many systems collectively. It works on the throat chakra and sends blood to your brain, ears, and throat. It is also a stress reliever.

How To Do It – Lie on your back and cross your legs in the Padmasana. You can also keep your legs stretched out while practicing this pose. Gently curve your back such that your head rests on your crown. Feel the curve in the upper back and neck. Hold for a few seconds and release.

Infographic: 4 Best Asanas For Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the constant ringing in your ears that can cause anxiety and sleeping issues. However, simple yoga exercises can help reduce ear ringing along with providing other health benefits. Check out the infographic below for 4 simple asanas you can practice to reduce tinnitus.

4 best asanas for tinnitus (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Tinnitus is a condition in which you hear a continuous ringing sound in your ears that only you can hear. It can be both short-term and long-term. Yoga asanas can help cure tinnitus hearing problems. Yoga helps to relax the muscles in the head and neck, which helps to lessen the noise that the ailment causes. It also has other advantages, such as improving blood circulation, lowering bad cholesterol, and providing stress relief. The asanas mentioned above can surely help you get rid of tinnitus. While the rest of the world struggles to comprehend those loud, disturbing sounds, yoga can help you fight them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vitamin deficiency causes tinnitus?

Studies found that vitamin B12 deficiency could be related to tinnitus and taking supplements may help (1). However, multiple factors may cause tinnitus and it is best to consult a doctor to determine the cause.

Where do you massage for tinnitus?

You may massage the area around your ear, jaw, and neck to relieve tinnitus. However, this may not help cure the issue and you must visit a doctor for treatment.

Is there any cure for tinnitus in Ayurveda?

Although anecdotal evidence suggest that Ayurvedic treatments can help manage tinnitus, further research is needed to establish the claims.

Is running good for tinnitus?

No. You must avoid jarring movements and activities that require running and jumping as this may worsen your condition.

Key Takeaways

  • Sarvangasana, Setu Bandhasana, and Ujjayi Pranayama are some yoga poses that can help with blood circulation and stress reduction, which can both help with tinnitus treatment.
  • Yoga can also aid in lowering tension and anxiety, which are frequent tinnitus triggers.
  • The advantages of yoga for tinnitus sufferers will increase if you include relaxation methods like pranayama and meditation.
  • Get advice from a certified yoga instructor and adjust poses as necessary based on your personal health circumstances.
yoga asanas to cure tinnitus hearing problems

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Do you suffer from tinnitus but nothing seems to relieve the pain? Find relief from tinnitus and other ear problems through yoga. Watch the video and learn about the dos and don’ts of yoga practices that can effectively alleviate symptoms and promote ear health.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Tinnitus
    https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus

  2. Tinnitus: characteristics, causes, mechanisms, and treatments
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686891/

  3. Therapeutic role of Vitamin B12 in patients of chronic tinnitus: A pilot study
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4918681/#ref3
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