Benign positional vertigo according to Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, benign positional vertigo is sometimes associated with Wind-Phlegm, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.

To understand whether someone's benign positional vertigo might be caused by the pattern Wind-Phlegm, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from benign positional vertigo alone. Indeed if benign positional vertigo is caused by Wind-Phlegm, patients also experience symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo, headaches, stifling sensation in the chest and nausea or vomiting. Similarly, patients with Wind-Phlegm typically exhibit slippery (Hua) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a tongue with thick white coating.

We've listed below a more detailed description of Wind-Phlegm so that you can have a better understanding of where benign positional vertigo might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.

Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a formula that can help treat Wind-Phlegm.

Wind-Phlegm, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with benign positional vertigo

Wind-Phlegm

Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)

Tongue coating: Thick white coating

Recommended herbal formula: Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang

Symptoms: Headaches Copious sputum Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or vertigo Stifling sensation in the chest

Benign positional vertigo might be due to Wind-Phlegm if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo, headaches, stifling sensation in the chest and nausea or vomiting. Similarly, patients with Wind-Phlegm typically exhibit slippery (Hua) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a tongue with thick white coating.

Read more about Wind-Phlegm here

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula that might help with benign positional vertigo

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang

Source date: 1732 AD

Number of ingredients: 8 herbs

Key actions: Dries and dissolves Phlegm. Strengthens the Spleen. Smoothes the Liver and calms Liver Wind (antispasmodic).

Why might Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang help with benign positional vertigo?

Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Wind-Phlegm, a pattern sometimes associated with benign positional vertigo. If it looks like you might suffer from Wind-Phlegm, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).

Read more about Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang here

Most common herbs used to treat benign positional vertigo in Chinese Medicine