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Severe Dizzinessaccording to TCM

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Causes Icon 2 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 5 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 8 herbs

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
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

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
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

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

Wind 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
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

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

Liver 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
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external 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 more

All 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

Top Formula for Wind:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause severe dizziness, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Severe Dizziness Caused by Wind

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

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

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.

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for severe dizziness

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

Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind

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.

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for severe dizziness

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

Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind

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.

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
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
View More Categories

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

Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit

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.

"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for severe dizziness

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Dragon Bones (Long Gu) Feng Yin Tang
Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) Feng Yin Tang

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

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.

Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency

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.

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

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.

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

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.