Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigoaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Balance Disorders
Parent symptom: Vertigo
What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder leading to intense, short-lived episodes of dizziness related to changes in head position. It's typically triggered by specific alterations in the position of the head relative to gravity and is characterized by the sensation that one's surroundings are spinning.
BPPV is associated with minute crystals called otoconia dislodging and moving into the sensitive part of the inner ear, stimulating nerves inappropriately and leading to vertigo. The condition, while unsettling, is not indicative of a serious health issue and is often self-limiting.
How does TCM view Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets benign paroxysmal positional vertigo through the lens of imbalance in the body's harmonious state. It often correlates BPPV with disruptions in the flow of Qi and Blood to the head, or with the presence of Phlegm or Wind in the channels.
Recognizing the underlying TCM pattern that corresponds with the vertigo is essential, as this guides the treatment strategy aimed at rectifying the internal imbalance and alleviating the vertigo.
Causes of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo According to TCM
TCM attributes the occurrence of BPPV to internal blockages and disturbances. Patterns like Phlegm obstructing the head's orifices or Wind disturbing the inner ear can manifest as positional vertigo. Such TCM patterns are not direct one-to-one translations of biomedical causes but reflect broader physiological imbalances.
For instance, a disharmony in the Kidney essence, which in TCM theory has a role in nourishing the bones, could also be implicated in BPPV, suggesting a deeper imbalance within the body's vital substances.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
The TCM approach to treating BPPV involves herbs and formulas that address the specific patterns identified. When BPPV is thought to arise from Phlegm and Wind-Phlegm, herbal formulas like Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang are employed.
This particular formula, with Crow-Dipper Rhizomes as a key component, is crafted to transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind, targeting the root of the vertigo and promoting a return to equilibrium.
See more details below about Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula used to address benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be treated by these formulas when it is due to phlegm causing internal wind symptoms, such as tremors or dizziness.
One such formula is Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, like Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang.
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), a key herb in some formulas recommended for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, like Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang.