Dizziness according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, dizziness is sometimes associated with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's dizziness might be caused by the pattern Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from dizziness alone. Indeed if dizziness is caused by Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, patients also experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus. Similarly, patients with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tongue.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising so that you can have a better understanding of where dizziness might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, a formula that can help treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with dizziness
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Symptoms: Vertigo Tinnitus Insomnia Headaches Dizziness Blurred vision Dream disturbed sleep Spasms in the extremities Numbness in the extremities Twitching in the extremities Feeling of heat rushing to the head
Dizziness might be due to Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus. Similarly, patients with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tongue.
Read more about Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising here
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, a herbal formula that might help with dizziness
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Source date: 1958 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Calms the Liver. Extinguishes wind. Invigorates the blood. Clears heat. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys.
Why might Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin help with dizziness?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, a pattern sometimes associated with dizziness. If it looks like you might suffer from Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
