What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a medical condition characterized by a false sensation of movement or spinning. Individuals with vertigo often feel as if they or their surroundings are in motion when there is no actual movement, leading to a significant imbalance.

This disconcerting feeling is not merely dizziness; it's a distinct sensation of rotation, often accompanied by nausea and difficulty standing or walking. Sub-symptoms like Alcohol-Induced Vertigo and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo are specific instances under the vertigo umbrella, each with triggers and characteristics that differentiate them from general dizziness.

How does TCM view Vertigo?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives vertigo not as a single symptom but as a sign of imbalance within the body's systems. TCM identifies the root patterns causing vertigo, which may stem from internal disharmonies such as Yin Deficiency or Phlegm obstruction.

The focus is on restoring balance by addressing these underlying patterns, which is why recognizing the specific disharmony is crucial before any treatment begins.

Root Causes of Vertigo in TCM

In TCM, the causes of vertigo are often linked to internal imbalances. Patterns such as Phlegm obstructing the Middle Burner or a Deficiency in Qi and Blood can manifest as vertigo. For instance, Phlegm accumulation leads to a muddled head and dizziness, while a lack of nourishment to the head from Qi and Blood Deficiency results in a light-headed sensation.

These patterns are meticulously evaluated in TCM, guiding practitioners to select the most appropriate herbs and formulas to treat the individual manifestations of vertigo.

Explore below more details about what might cause Vertigo according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Phlegm
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Vertigo

Common Symptoms: Pericardial Effusion Shortness Of Breath Stifling Sensation In The Chest Dizziness Edema Viral Conjunctivitis Ascites Due To Liver Cirrhosis Depression

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Vertigo, Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Xiao Ban Xia Tang
Wind-Phlegm Dizziness or vertigo, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness... see more Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Dizziness or vertigo, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium Dizziness or vertigo, Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac distention... see more Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium Vertigo, Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Headaches, Pericardial effusion, Pneumonia, Ascites due to liver cirrhosis, Nephritis... see more Shi Zao Tang
Phlegm in the Lower Burner Vertigo, Throbbing below the belly button, Vomiting frothy saliva, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Edema, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele... see more Wu Ling San
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Dizziness or vertigo, Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Wen Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Vertigo

In the treatment of vertigo, TCM recommends various formulas based on the identified patterns. For Phlegm-related dizziness, formulas like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with Poria-Cocos Mushrooms, can be used to warm and transform water and Dampness, addressing the root of the problem.

When vertigo is due to Blood Deficiency, herbs that tonify Qi and Blood, such as those found in Ba Zhen Tang with Ginseng, are selected to replenish the body's vital substances and alleviate symptoms.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address vertigo, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Phlegm
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Vertigo Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Phlegm, Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
Xiao Ban Xia Tang Phlegm
Shi Zao Tang Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
Wu Ling San Phlegm in the Lower Burner
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang Wind-Phlegm
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Wen Dan Tang Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat

Acupoints for Vertigo

Acupuncture points are carefully chosen to target the specific TCM patterns contributing to vertigo. Points like Fengfu DU-16 and Renzhong DU-26 are utilized to expel internal wind and restore consciousness, which can be beneficial for vertigo arising from internal movement disturbances.

The Gall Bladder Channel point Fengchi GB-20 is another crucial spot for subduing Liver Yang and expelling wind, which are common TCM factors in the experience of vertigo. Each point is selected for its unique ability to harmonize and correct the imbalances that lead to the spinning sensation.

Explore below some acupoints used to address vertigo, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Governing Vessel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
Fengfu DU-16

Fengfu DU-16

Directly below the external occipital protuberance, in the depression between the origins of the trapezius muscle.

Naohu DU-17

Naohu DU-17

1.5 cun above Fengfu DU-16 or 2.5 cun above the posterior hairline, in a depression superior to the external occipital protuberance.

Shenting DU-24

Shenting DU-24

On the head midline, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline.

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