Vertigo in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different vertigo patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Balance Disorders
9
TCM Patterns
21
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 9 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each vertigo pattern
Classical remedies 21 herbal formulas documented
Related conditions

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

7 variations documented
Onset Gradual
Location Local or systemic
Features Nodules/lumps • Heavy sensation • Mucus/expectoration • Mental confusion (if affecting mind)

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
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness

Wind-Phlegm
How it presents with vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo

Along with: Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
How it presents with vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo

Along with: Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac distention

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Headaches, Pericardial effusion,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm in the Lower Burner
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: Throbbing below the belly button, Vomiting frothy saliva, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Edema, Glomerulonephritis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it presents with vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system

Causes: Vertigo

2 variations documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Pale face/lips/nails • Blurred vision • Dizziness • Scanty menses • Numbness

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
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body

Causes: Vertigo

2 variations documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Night sweats • Dry mouth/throat • Heat in afternoon/evening • Malar flush

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
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation,

Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache,

Wind

Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens

Causes: Vertigo, Dizziness or vertigo

2 variations documented
Onset Sudden
Location Often upper body/exterior
Features Rapid onset • Moving/migrating symptoms • Itching • Symptoms change location

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
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Phlegm
How it presents with vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo

Along with: Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems

Causes: Vertigo

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Fatigue • Weak voice • Shortness of breath • Spontaneous sweating • Poor appetite

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
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Excess

Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems

Causes: Vertigo

1 variation documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Systemic
Features True excess heat • Strong constitution • Full/forceful presentation • Red complexion

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
How it presents with vertigo

Vertigo

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress

Causes: Dizziness or vertigo

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual (can be sudden)
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Distending/moving pain • Emotional stress worsens • Sighing • Pain relieved by movement/burping

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
How it presents with vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness

Causes: Dizziness or vertigo

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic, especially digestive
Features Heavy/foggy feeling • Sticky/turbid discharges • Poor appetite • Bloating

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
How it presents with vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Heat

Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes

Causes: Dizziness or vertigo

1 variation documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Red face/eyes • Thirst for cold drinks • Restlessness • Yellow/dark secretions

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
How it presents with vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Vertigo

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address vertigo

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Phlegm

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Yin Deficiency

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Phlegm Wind

Ming Mu Di Huang Wan

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Yin Deficiency

Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Yin Deficiency

Shi Zao Tang

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Phlegm

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Phlegm Qi Stagnation Heat

Wu Ling San

Addresses these vertigo patterns:

Phlegm