Vertigo in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different vertigo patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Vertigo is a medical condition characterized by a false sensation of movement or spinning. Individuals with vertigo often feel as if they or their surroundings are in motion when there is no actual movement, leading to a significant imbalance.
This disconcerting feeling is not merely dizziness; it's a distinct sensation of rotation, often accompanied by nausea and difficulty standing or walking. Sub-symptoms like Alcohol-Induced Vertigo and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo are specific instances under the vertigo umbrella, each with triggers and characteristics that differentiate them from general dizziness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives vertigo not as a single symptom but as a sign of imbalance within the body's systems. TCM identifies the root patterns causing vertigo, which may stem from internal disharmonies such as Yin Deficiency or Phlegm obstruction.
The focus is on restoring balance by addressing these underlying patterns, which is why recognizing the specific disharmony is crucial before any treatment begins.
TCM Patterns for Vertigo
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Vertigo, Dizziness or vertigo
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Phlegm
Vertigo
Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Wind-Phlegm
Dizziness or vertigo
Along with: Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Dizziness or vertigo
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
Dizziness or vertigo
Along with: Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac distention
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
Vertigo
Along with: Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Headaches, Pericardial effusion, Pneumonia, Ascites due to liver cirrhosis, Nephritis
Phlegm in the Lower Burner
Vertigo
Along with: Throbbing below the belly button, Vomiting frothy saliva, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Edema, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
Dizziness or vertigo
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum
Blood Deficiency
Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system
Causes: Vertigo
Blood Deficiency represents a fundamental lack of blood volume or quality in the body, resulting in organs, tissues, and the mind being undernourished. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood not only refers to the red fluid in our vessels but encompasses the body's entire nourishing and moistening functions.
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Vertigo
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Vertigo
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Loss of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Vertigo
Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Vertigo
Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Vertigo
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility, Melasma
Wind
Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens
Causes: Vertigo, Dizziness or vertigo
Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Vertigo
Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats
Wind-Phlegm
Dizziness or vertigo
Along with: Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness
Qi Deficiency
Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems
Causes: Vertigo
Qi Deficiency is a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's vital energy is insufficient to maintain normal physiological functions, leading to weakness, fatigue, and various organ dysfunctions.
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Vertigo
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Yang Excess
Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems
Causes: Vertigo
Yang Excess represents pathological hyperactivity of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as excessive heat, inflammation, and overstimulation that disrupts the normal balance between yin and yang, causing various acute and intense symptoms.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Vertigo
Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Dizziness or vertigo
Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
Dizziness or vertigo
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Dizziness or vertigo
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Dizziness or vertigo
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Dizziness or vertigo
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
Dizziness or vertigo
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum
Herbal Formulas for Vertigo
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address vertigo
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms Yang and Transforms Fluid Retention
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Subdues Rushing Qi (Ben Tun)
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
How it manifests:
Dizziness or vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac distention
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- Supplements Liver and Spleen Yin
- Benefits Essence and Fills the Marrow
- Clears Deficiency Heat
- Drains Dampness and Resolves Turbidity
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Ba Zhen Tang
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Nourishes Blood
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Tonifies Heart Qi
- Tonifies the Liver
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Heart Blood
- Tonifies Heart Qi
- Nourishes Yin
- Calms the Spirit
- Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Transforms Wind-Phlegm and Stops Spasms
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Calms the Liver and stops dizziness
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Regulates Qi and Transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Wind-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Dizziness or vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- Nourishes Liver Blood
- Brightens the Eyes
- Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang
- Clears Deficiency Heat from the Liver
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Supplements the Liver and Kidneys
- Nourishes Essence and Blood
- Blackens the Hair and Beard
- Strengthens the Sinews and Bones
- Secures Essence and Stops Seminal Emission
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Shi Zao Tang
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Drastically Purges and Expels Water Accumulation
- Drains Water and Expels Phlegm-Fluids
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Headaches, Pericardial effusion...
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver and Extinguishes Wind
- Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Supplements the Liver and Kidneys
- Calms the Spirit and Relieves Restlessness
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder and Stomach Heat
- Dries Dampness
- Stops vomiting and eliminates irritability
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it manifests:
Dizziness or vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger...
Wu Ling San
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Releases the Exterior
- Supplements Earth to Control Water
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Phlegm in the Lower Burner
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Throbbing below the belly button, Vomiting frothy saliva, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Edema, Glomerulonephritis...
Xiang Sha Liu Junzi Tang
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Warms the Middle Burner
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Dizziness or vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Xiao Banxia Tang
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Stops Vomiting
- Dries Dampness
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Nourishes Blood and Softens the Liver
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Middle
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Regulates menstruation
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth...
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Nourishes and invigorates Blood
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Promotes Menstruation
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Dizziness or vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Clears Deficiency Heat
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- Supplements the Liver and Kidneys
- Drains Ministerial Fire
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these vertigo patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- Benefits Essence and Fills the Marrow
- Nourishes Blood
- Tonifies the Liver
- Strengthens the Lower Back and Knees
- Astringes and Secures Essence
Addresses These Vertigo Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Vertigo
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan
Traditional formula for vertigo
Main Actions
- Drains Liver and Gallbladder Fire
- Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels
- Clears Heat from the Internal Organs
- Resolves Heat Toxins
Wu Ren Wan
Traditional formula for vertigo
Main Actions
- Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels
- Promotes Bowel Movement
- Descends Qi
Ci Zhu Wan
Traditional formula for vertigo
Main Actions
- Subdues Floating Yang
- Calms the Spirit
- Anchors and Calms the Spirit
- Brightens the Eyes
- Opens the Ear Orifices and Brightens the Eyes
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Traditional formula for vertigo
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Gallbladder Heat
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Resolves Phlegm
- Moves Qi