Understanding Vertigo: How Eastern Medicine Approaches a Spinning World

Introduction

Feeling like the world is spinning, even when you're standing still, can be both disorienting and frightening. Vertigo is a common symptom, particularly in middle-aged and older adults, but conventional tests often come back normal. For those still struggling without clear answers, Eastern Medicine offers a holistic and time-tested approach that may help restore stability and clarity.

Western Medical Understanding of Vertigo

In Western medicine, vertigo is typically categorized into two types:

• Peripheral vertigo: Caused by issues in the inner ear (e.g., BPPV, Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis)

• Central vertigo: Linked to the brainstem or cerebellum (e.g., migraine-related vertigo, stroke, multiple sclerosis)

Common causes include:

• Dislodged inner ear crystals (otoliths)

• Vestibular nerve inflammation

• Reduced blood flow to the brain

• Medication side effects

• Anxiety and panic disorders

Diagnosis often involves MRI scans, hearing tests, balance assessments, and positional tests such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver.

Western Treatments for Vertigo

Western treatment focuses on symptom management and includes:

• Vestibular suppressants: Meclizine, benzodiazepines

• Antiemetics: For nausea relief

• Steroids or antivirals: For inflammation-based causes

• Canalith repositioning techniques: Such as the Epley maneuver

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: To retrain the balance system

While many patients benefit, recurrence is not uncommon, particularly when the root cause remains unresolved.

Eastern Medicine Perspective on Vertigo

Eastern Medicine sees vertigo—called “현훈 (Xuan Yun)”—as a result of imbalances in internal organ systems and disrupted circulation of Qi and Blood to the brain and sensory orifices. It’s not merely an issue of the ear, but a systemic signal.

Common pattern diagnoses include:

• Liver Yang Rising: Dizziness with irritability, high blood pressure, red eyes

• Phlegm-Damp Accumulation: Heaviness, foggy thinking, digestive sluggishness

• Qi and Blood Deficiency: Fatigue, light-headedness, pale complexion

• Kidney Essence Deficiency: Chronic vertigo, tinnitus, low back weakness

• Blood Stasis: Lingering dizziness after trauma or stroke

Eastern Medicine Treatments for Vertigo

Treatment is tailored to the individual's pattern and may include:

1. Herbal Medicine
   Formulas such as:

   • Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang: Clears dampness and phlegm

   • Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin: Calms rising Liver Yang

   • Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan: Nourishes Kidney Yin and clears heat

2. Acupuncture
   Points like GB20 (Fengchi), GV20 (Baihui), and PC6 (Neiguan) are often used to regulate blood flow, calm the mind, and open the orifices.

3. Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations

   • Avoid cold, greasy foods that contribute to dampness

   • Encourage gentle movement like walking or Tai Chi

   • Promote rest, emotional regulation, and breathing practices

Advantages of Eastern Medicine & How It Complements Western Care

Eastern Medicine focuses on addressing underlying causes, rather than suppressing symptoms.

Key advantages include:

• Effective even when medical tests are inconclusive

• Addresses coexisting symptoms (e.g., insomnia, fatigue, indigestion)

• Reduces frequency and intensity of recurring episodes

• Enhances long-term resilience and circulation to the brain

In combination with Western diagnostics, Eastern Medicine can provide an ideal complementary approach. For example:

• Use imaging and ENT evaluation to rule out dangerous conditions

• Use herbs and acupuncture to address long-term imbalance

• Especially effective in chronic or “idiopathic” vertigo

Who Should Consider Eastern Medicine for Vertigo?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You've had normal MRIs or ENT exams but still feel dizzy

• You feel unsteady or foggy, even without full spinning

• Your vertigo comes with fatigue, digestive issues, or anxiety

• You prefer natural, drug-free treatment options

• You’re dealing with age-related decline or chronic symptoms

Conclusion

Vertigo can deeply affect one’s quality of life—and many patients are left frustrated when conventional tests don’t reveal a clear cause. Eastern Medicine views the body as an integrated whole and treats vertigo by restoring harmony, vitality, and flow.

For those seeking a personalized and holistic path toward long-term relief, Eastern Medicine may offer the support and clarity that has been missing.