Chinese Medicine For Vertigo And Dizziness
Vertigo and dizziness can be caused by a number of different things – often it is an inner ear problem, for instance labrynthitis. The diagnosis ‘benign paroxysmal positional vertigo’ (or ‘BPPV’) is often used, and is believed to be caused by debris in the inner ear. Vertigo and dizziness also occur as a symptoms in various conditions such as meniere’s disease, hypertension and migraine.
Unfortunately the standard treatments for dizziness and vertigo are often ineffective, but Chinese medicine can effectively treat these symptoms.
Chinese Medicine For Vertigo And Dizziness
Vertigo and dizziness are often down to an imbalance that Chinese medicine brilliantly calls ‘rushing piglet‘. This is due to an interior deficiency which means that the qi is not anchored in the lower body, and instead rushes upwards to the head. For this reason it is also sometimes called ‘upsurging qi’.
As well as vertigo, the symptoms of Rushing Piglet can include palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and sometimes panic attacks.
The condition known as Dampness, Phlegm or Rheum also plays its part here. Dampness, Phlegm and Rheum are all ways of saying that the fluid metabolism of the body is not working effectively. In this case there will be pathological fluid, causing feelings of heaviness and tiredness, possibly with oedema or other fluid related symptoms.
When rushing piglet causes the Qi to surge upwards, it can take the Dampness or Phlegm up with it to the head, causing symptoms such as muzzy head or ‘brain fog’, difficulty concentrating or poor memory.
Essentially Rushing Piglet is caused by an internal weakness or deficiency, which fails to ‘anchor’ the qi, causing it to rush upwards to the head. This can be treated very effectively by Chinese herbs, which help to strengthen the system and better anchor the qi in the lower body.
The approach taken when using Chinese medicine for vertigo and dizziness is always person-centered – it is a holistic approach in which a herbal formula is written for each individual based on their unique signs and symptoms, and overall level of health and well-being.
The formula will include herbs to strengthen the system, lower the qi, and clear Rheum from the head if necessary.
Once the Qi stops rising up to the head and the Rheum is cleared, the vertigo or dizziness should stop. So if you’re suffering from vertigo or dizziness and haven’t been able to get any help, I recommend giving Chinese herbal medicine a try!
>> For information about my Bristol Herbal Medicine practice, click here <<
