Vertigo / dizziness
Vertigo is a condition that can significantly impact those who are suffering from it, leaving them feeling unsteady and overwhelmed. While often mistaken as dizziness, vertigo is more than just a fleeting sensation of lightheadedness. It is a specific type of imbalance that make the person feel that they or all their surroundings are spinning even if they are standing still
What is vertigo:
Vertigo is actually a symptom rather than a condition itself. It often stems from problems in the inner ear, brain or sensory nerve pathways - who’s job it is to help maintain balance. People with vertigo may experience:
Spinning sensation
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty standing, walking or maintaining balance
Sweating and headaches
What causes vertigo:
There are several conditions that can be associated with vertigo.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when calcium particles (canaliths) in the inner ear move to ears where they shouldn’t be, distrusting the balance signals to the brain.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: inner ear infections that cause inflammation that can affect the nerves responsible from balance.
Meniere’s Disease: This is a chronic condition caused by fluid build up in the inner ear, leading to episodes of vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss.
Migraines: Migraines such as vestibular migraines can cause vertigo without any typical headache signs.
Other factors: other factors can cause or contribute to vertigo such as
Head injuries
Side effects from medications
Neurological conditions such as stroke or MS (multiple sclerosis)
Acupuncture for vertigo:
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to address conditions like vertigo. It aims to restore balance, reduce the symptoms and address the underlying root cause of the issue. It can assist in the management of vertigo by;
Improving blood flow and oxygenation: Acupuncture stimulates circulation, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the inner ear and brain – the areas responsible for maintaining balance.
Reduce stress and anxiety: The experience of vertigo can be extremely stressful for those who suffer from it, and increased stress and anxiety can worsen the symptoms of vertigo – exacerbating the condition. Acupuncute can help to calm the nervous system alleviating stress and the impacts on the body.
Balancing the flow of Qi: In Chinese Medicine understanding vertigo can often be associated with the upward rushing of Qi (life force). As is rushes upwards towards the head it creates the symptoms vertigo. Like wind blowing the top branches of a tree. Acupuncute can help to restore the correct dynamic of Qi and helps to draw down the excessive energy from the head.
Benefits associated symptoms: Acupuncture can assist with reducing the other symptoms associated with vertigo such as headaches, nausea or vomiting
Other tips to manage vertigo:
In addition to acupuncture other practices can be implemented to help manage vertigo
Chinese herbal medicine – Can help to address the vertigo as well the the underlying root cause
Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
Perform balance exercises such as the Epley maneuver, under professional guidance
Avoid sudden head movements and minimise screen time to reduce symptoms
Understand your triggers – alcohol, caffeine, not enough sleep etc so you can avoid them.
For more information or assistance with the management of vertigo or any other dizziness feel free to GET IN TOUCH or come visit the Red Door Clinic in Caulfield.
*Disclaimer: Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary depending on their specific presentation. No results can be promised or guaranteed from receiving treatment.
