Experiencing Frequent Dizziness? Let's Learn its Symptoms | Causes | TCM Treatment
Experiencing Frequent Dizziness? Let's Learn its Symptoms | Causes | TCM Treatment
Symptoms of Dizziness
- Sensation of spinning
The most typical symptom of dizziness is a feeling of rotation. Patients may feel like they are spinning or that the objects around them are rotating. This sensation can range from mild to severe, and in severe cases, can cause extreme discomfort. - Unsteady on feet
Many individuals with dizziness experience a feeling of unsteadiness. They may feel as if they are swaying and have difficulty maintaining balance. This can make walking challenging and lead to a sense of anxiety and unease during daily activities. - Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness is often accompanied by nausea, and in some cases, may even lead to vomiting. Patients may experience stomach discomfort along with the sensation of dizziness, which can further contribute to their distress. - Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another common symptom. Patients may hear buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in their ears. This tinnitus can sometimes worsen with dizziness, adding to the overall discomfort. - Sweating
Individuals with dizziness may experience increased sweating, particularly cold sweats. This sweating is often caused by the body's stress and discomfort and can sometimes intensify the sensation of dizziness. - Headache
Some patients may experience headaches or head discomfort along with dizziness. Headaches can be dull, sharp, or pressing and are often closely associated with the onset of dizziness. - Blurred vision
Dizziness can also cause blurred vision. Patients may experience a loss of clarity in their vision or even double vision. This visual disturbance can increase anxiety and interfere with daily activities.
Why Does Dizziness Occur
- Inner Ear Problems
The inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Any disease or injury affecting the inner ear can lead to dizziness. - Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is a common cause of dizziness. It occurs when small crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and enter the balance system, disrupting the balance. Dizziness is often triggered by rapid head movements, such as getting up or lying down. - Nervous System Disorders
Certain neurological disorders, such as migraines, can cause dizziness. - Qi and Blood Deficiency
In TCM, a deficiency of Qi and blood can lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, causing dizziness. Lack of nutrition and rest can contribute to Qi and blood deficiencies, affecting balance. - Liver Yang Rising
TCM also suggests that excessive liver fire and excessive emotional stress can lead to liver Yang rising, disrupting the brain and causing dizziness. - Phlegm and Dampness Obstructing the Middle Burner
Accumulation of dampness or phlegm in the body can obstruct the upward movement of clear Qi, leading to a sensation of heaviness in the head and dizziness. - Side Effects of Medications
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, and sedatives, can cause dizziness as a side effect. - Hypoglycemia and Anemia
Low blood sugar and anaemia, as recognized in modern medicine, correspond to Qi and blood deficiencies in TCM and can lead to dizziness.
The Connection Between BPPV and Dizziness
From a TCM perspective, dizziness caused by BPPV is related to the circulation of Qi and blood, imbalances in Yin and Yang, and the accumulation of dampness in the inner ear. TCM believes that the dislodgement of otoconia may be related to factors such as excessive dampness in the body, Qi and blood deficiency, or liver Yang rising. These factors can lead to dysfunction of the inner ear and affect the body's sense of balance.
When dampness and phlegm accumulate in the body, it can obstruct the upward movement of clear Qi, further aggravating dizziness. Therefore, in TCM treatment for BPPV, methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments are often used to clear away dampness, transform phlegm, and regulate Qi and blood, thereby restoring balance to the body. This comprehensive approach not only helps alleviate the symptoms of dizziness but also improves overall health.
Treatment Methods for Dizziness
Treatment methods for dizziness vary depending on the underlying cause. Modern medicine often employs physical therapy and medication. For BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), doctors may use specific head movements (such as the Epley manoeuvre) to reposition the ear stones and alleviate symptoms.
In addition to modern medicine, TCM also offers various methods to treat dizziness. TCM views dizziness as being related to the body's Qi (vital energy), blood, liver fire, and dampness. Here are some common TCM treatment methods:
- Acupuncture
By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can regulate the body's Qi and blood, helping to alleviate dizziness. - Herbal Medicine
Herbal formulas are prescribed based on individual constitution and underlying causes. For example, Tianma Gouteng Yin can be used to alleviate dizziness caused by excessive liver fire. - Dietary Therapy
TCM advocates for dietary adjustments. Eating foods that strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, such as coix seed (薏米 - barley) and red dates, can help alleviate dizziness.
Additionally, adjusting some daily habits can also help reduce dizziness:
- Avoid rapid changes in posture: Get up or lie down slowly, avoiding sudden head movements.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Ensure adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and avoid excessive work or stress.
- Moderate exercise: Light exercises such as walking or yoga can help improve balance and reduce the occurrence of dizziness.
Kontea Recommendation Products
Moisture-Eliminating Paste
Effects:Largehead atractylodes rhizomes are dry in nature, which helps the body to remove excessive dampness. Similarly, stewing fried atractylodes with raw barley and lotus seeds helps to dry the body, reduce swelling, and increase metabolism, helping the body to burn excess fat.
Suitable for:People with oily skin and scalp; people who gain weight easily; heavy body odour; people with excessive discharge; people with yellow skin; white tongue; frequent diarrhea; and sticky stool.
Chrysanthemum Ginseng Root Herbal Tea
Effects:Chrysanthemum is used in many herbal flower teas due to its affordability and wide range of uses. Ginseng root, on the other hand, is good for nourishment and the invigoration of Qi. A combination of the two is able to eliminate body heat and fatigue.
Suitable For: Headaches, irritation, dry stool, low sleep quality.
Summer Heat Tea
Effects:The climate in Malaysia is typically very hot. The Summer Heat Tea is capable of eliminating excessive heat from the climate, improves constipation and hot tempers. Forsythia, which is a type of flower with high ornamental value and herbal value, is also added into the drink to further facilitate the elimination of heat.
Suitable for:Headaches, irritation, dry stool, low sleep quality.
Dissolve Phlegm (For 2)
Effects:Treats dryness and dissolves phlegm, and soothes hot tempers.
Suitable for:Producing lots of phlegm without coughing and yellowish phlegm.
Kang Won Herbalist
Kang Won TCM Practitioner also recommends seeking medical attention as soon as rheumatic symptoms begin to appear. Early consultation allows us to provide you with suitable treatment and prevention plans based on your symptoms and underlying causes.
Our TCM Practitioner specializes in diagnosing and treating various internal health issues in the internal medicine field. We are dedicated to balancing the body's energy flow to alleviate internal problems and improve overall health. Therefore, if you have any concerns about rheumatic diseases, we welcome you to consult with us in person to learn more.
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