Vertigo, a condition characterised by a sudden feeling of being out of balance and dizzy, can be both frustrating and anxiety-inducing. In the clinic, acupuncture has proven to be an effective remedy for this common complaint.

UNDERSTANDING VERTIGO

Vertigo manifests as dizziness, loss of balance, and disturbance of equilibrium, often accompanied by sensations of lightheadedness, giddiness, and sometimes nausea. Mild episodes may subside with rest, while severe cases can lead to a sensation of everything rotating, making standing or walking without assistance challenging. Symptoms may even include seasickness or airsickness, coupled with nausea, vomiting, sweating, and fainting.

CAUSES OF VERTIGO

Various factors contribute to vertigo, such as malfunctions of the ear, the eighth cranial nerve, and the brain stem. Traumas, sunstroke, toxemia from food poisoning, hypertension, toxic conditions from alcohol or drugs, and middle ear disease can also play a role. Overmedication, malnutrition, and dehydration, as well as a breakdown in the body's thirst signals due to medication, may contribute. Proper nutrition, including the absorption of nutrients through enzymes, is vital for healing.

CHINESE MEDICINE'S PERSPECTIVE ON VERTIGO

Chinese medicine views vertigo through the lens of different symptoms associated with various organs:

Liver: Severe dizziness, splitting headaches, blurred vision, nausea, soreness, and weakness in the legs, mental fatigue (linked to emotional upset and anger), flushed face, constipation, and tinnitus.

Qi and Blood: Rotary vertigo, blurred vision, listlessness, reluctance to speak, palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, and weight loss.

Being Overweight: Chest pain, distress, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, heaviness in the head and body.

TREATING VERTIGO

Treatment for vertigo involves a combination of acupuncture and breathwork exercises. Typically, two to three treatments in the initial two weeks aim to instigate changes within the body and disperse the symptoms. Lifestyle and dietary modifications are recommended, with herbal prescriptions if necessary.

Melinda, a Chinese medicine doctor specializing in Chinese and Japanese acupuncture, employs a gentle approach for those averse to needles.

As a Buteyko Breathwork teacher, she integrates these skills into her treatment protocols. Melinda is available in the clinic on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, offering treatments and breathwork sessions on Wednesday evenings.

For more information about Melinda, click below.

Book an appointment with Melinda to discuss your goals to make the change you want to see.