Do you constantly find yourself feeling dizzy or like the room is spinning? You might be suffering from vertigo. Vertigo can be a frustrating condition, especially if you have frequent episodes. It can make it difficult to walk normally, let alone go about your everyday routine. Usually, this dizziness is caused by an issue with the inner ear or with the nervous system. Acupuncture for vertigo can help restore balance to your body and halt those lightheaded spells.
Acupuncture for Vertigo: How Does it Work?
Vertigo refers to a condition where you feel as though you’re spinning. Many patients feel as though they’re leaning in one direction or that they’re about to fall over. You might have an ill feeling in your stomach or experience migraines after your episodes. For some, migraines are a direct cause of their vertigo.
There are many different physical causes of vertigo. However, some patients might experience vertigo during an anxiety attack—their anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness they feel.
These are some of the physical conditions that can lead to this debilitating condition:
Migraine Headaches
Vestibular migraines are a type of intense headache that causes vertigo. It’s named after the vestibular system within your ear, which affects the way your brain controls balance.
BPPV
BPPV stands for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This condition occurs when tiny calcium particles collect in your inner ear, impacting your sense of balance.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease occurs when fluids build within your inner ear and increase pressure, which can lead to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes inflammation. The inflammation surrounds the nerves that play a critical role in helping your body achieve balance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cites an imbalance in the body as the cause behind most diseases. One imbalance can impact all of your organ systems. With vertigo, you may have a deficiency or an excess.
If you have a deficiency, it is usually these factors:
- Not enough qi (energy flow) or blood reaches your head.
- Your kidney yin is deficient.
- Blood circulation is stagnant.
If you suffer from an excess, you might be experiencing:
- A build-up of phlegm, heat, or wind in your spleen that prevents clear yang from reaching your head.
For many of these deficiencies and excesses, emotional disturbances (such as chronic stress, anger, anxiety, or depression) are a common risk factor. Acupuncture works to help alleviate these emotional disturbances and the physical symptoms of dizziness.
Depending on what organ is causing your vertigo, your acupuncturist will insert needles into the appropriate trigger points to:
- Improve your blood circulation.
- Treat qi deficiencies.
- Calm heat and wind.
- Clear phlegm.
If you’re tired of relying on medication and suffering through the side effects, acupuncture for vertigo could be a great treatment path for you. Combined with a healthy diet and possible physical therapy, you can find sustainable relief. For a consultation with our acupuncturist, schedule an appointment online.