Vertigo and Dizziness: TCM Diagnosis and Natural Treatment

Vertigo in TCM

Vertigo and dizziness are called 'Xuan Yun' (dizziness and blurred vision) in TCM. The brain is the 'Sea of Marrow,' nourished by Kidney Jing. When the brain lacks nourishment, or when Phlegm blocks the clear Yang from rising, or when Liver Wind shakes the body — dizziness results. Identifying the correct pattern is essential.

Pattern 1: Liver Yang Rising

Symptoms: Dizziness with headache, irritability, red face, blurred vision, tinnitus, insomnia. Worse with stress and anger. Pulse: wiry. This is the most common pattern in modern, high-stress individuals. Treatment: Subdue Liver Yang, calm Liver Wind. Points: GB20, LV3, LI11. Herbs: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin.

Pattern 2: Phlegm-Damp Obstructing

Symptoms: Dizziness with heaviness, nausea, chest oppression, foggy head, worse in humid weather, overweight. Thick tongue coating. Treatment: Transform Phlegm, drain Damp. Points: ST40, SP9, CV22. Herbs: Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang. Diet: Avoid dairy, sugar, fried foods.

Pattern 3: Kidney Jing Deficiency

Symptoms: Chronic dizziness, emptiness in head, tinnitus, low back/knee weakness, poor memory, fatigue. Treatment: Tonify Kidney Jing. Points: KD3, BL23, CV4. Herbs: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Yin) or You Gui Wan (Yang).

Pattern 4: Qi and Blood Deficiency

Symptoms: Dizziness worse on standing, pale face, fatigue, palpitations, poor appetite. Treatment: Tonify Qi and Blood. Points: ST36, SP6, BL17, BL20. Herbs: Gui Pi Tang or Ba Zhen Tang.

Acupressure for All Types

GB20 (Fengchi): 'Wind Pool' — base of skull. The #1 point for dizziness. Press firmly 3-5 minutes. GB21 (Jianjing): Shoulder — releases neck tension. KD1 (Yongquan): Sole of foot — draws energy down for vertigo. LV3 (Taichong): Calms Liver Wind. ST36 (Zusanli): Strengthens overall body. Yintang: Between eyebrows — calms dizziness. Emergency technique: Press GB20 firmly on both sides while sitting down with eyes closed. Breathe deeply. Wait 5 minutes before standing.

Ready to Explore TCM?

SEASONS identifies your dizziness pattern and provides targeted protocols.

Start Your Free Trial

What's your body's natural rhythm? Take the 60-sec quiz →