Symptom family: Balance Disorders
Parent symptom: 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.
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.
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.
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
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 |
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
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 |
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
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 |
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.
Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause severe dizziness, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause severe dizziness, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
These formulas are suitable for some severe dizziness-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some severe dizziness-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang, with donkey-hide gelatin as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some severe dizziness-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address severe dizziness, organized by herb category.
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.
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 |
Severe dizziness can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Dragon Bones (Long Gu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe dizziness, like Feng Yin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Feng Yin Tang |
Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) | Feng Yin Tang |
Severe dizziness can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe dizziness, like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Severe dizziness can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Chicken Egg Yolks (Ji Zi Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe dizziness, like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang.
Severe dizziness can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe dizziness, like Feng Yin Tang.
Severe dizziness can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe dizziness, like Feng Yin Tang.