Severe Dizzinessaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Balance Disorders
Parent symptom: Dizziness
What is Severe Dizziness?
Severe dizziness is a disconcerting sensation that can encompass feelings of spinning (vertigo), unsteadiness, or lightheadedness to the point where balance and stability are compromised. It can be an acute or chronic condition and is often symptomatic of underlying issues.
These may include inner ear disturbances, neurological disorders, or abrupt changes in blood pressure. While dizziness can be a fleeting discomfort for many, severe dizziness demands attention for its potential to disrupt everyday function and for the risks it poses with falls or accidents.
How does TCM view Severe Dizziness?
In the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), severe dizziness is not just a symptom but a signal of deeper imbalances within the body's energetic systems. TCM theory suggests that dizziness, particularly when severe, can indicate disturbances in the Liver's ability to ensure the smooth flow of Qi or life force.
TCM stresses the importance of identifying the specific pattern of imbalance, such as Liver Yang Rising or Internal Wind, as this dictates the treatment approach, aiming not just to alleviate symptoms but to restore systemic harmony.
Root Causes of Severe Dizziness in TCM
Liver Wind agitating internally, often due to a rise in Liver Yang, can manifest as symptoms including pronounced dizziness, tremors, and headaches. This internal agitation can be exacerbated by emotional stress or physiological deficiencies. Treatment focuses on subduing the Wind and nourishing the Liver to restore equilibrium, thereby addressing the root cause of the dizziness.
Explore below more details about what might cause Severe dizziness according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Excess
- Wind
Yang Excess
Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more
Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Severe Dizziness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Severe dizziness, Tremors, Facial tic, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Severe Dizziness
To counteract severe dizziness, TCM utilizes a range of formulas that target the underlying patterns. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, both centered around Prepared rehmannia, are commonly prescribed to nourish Yin and tonify the Blood, addressing the Yin Deficiency that can lead to Liver Yang Rising. By reinforcing the Yin, these formulas aim to balance the Yang, helping to stabilize the internal conditions that contribute to severe dizziness.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address severe dizziness, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Excess
- Wind
Top Formula for Yang Excess:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause severe dizziness, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Severe Dizziness Caused by Yang Excess
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
TCM Herbs for Severe Dizziness
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address severe dizziness, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Severe dizziness can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe dizziness, like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for severe dizziness
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang |
| Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi) | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang |