Dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness or faintness
that comes from an impaired sense of balance and equilibrium. A
person suffering from dizziness may feel sinking or falling sensation
or that the room and objects in it are spinning. Some people may
feel themselves spinning. This condition may result from a variety
of causes, which include brain tumors, brain damage, heart attack,
stroke, concussion, high or low blood pressure, allergies, head
injuries, inadequate or interrupted supply of oxygen to the brain,
anemia, viral infection, fever, the use of certain drugs, nutritional
deficiencies, neurological disease, psychological stress, changes
in atmospheric pressure, blockage of the ear canal or Eustachian
tube, middle ear infections, excess ear wax, poor cerebral circulation,
or disorders such as diabetes and jaundice.
The main symptom of vertigo is also dizziness. But vertigo occurs
when the central nervous system receives conflicting messages from
the inner ear, muscles, and skin pressure receptors. Meniere’s
disease also involves dizziness as well as ringing in the ears,
hearing loss, nausea and vomiting due to the inner ear disturbance.
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that dizziness is caused by
three main reasons. 1. Hyperactivity of the liver yang 3. Deficiency
of Chi (vital energy) and blood 3. Interior retention of phlegm
dampness, a disorder which may occur in the endocrine or digestive
system. The hyperactivity of the liver yang means there is imbalance
of energy existing in the liver system. Patients may feel irritable,
experience nightmares, restless sleep, or wake up between 1am to
3am. Their tongue is red with a yellow coating, and their pulse
is string-taut and rapid. The main acupoints are Taixi (KI 3) and
Xingjian (LR 2). The deficiency of Chi and blood may result from
over work, serious disease or loss of blood in severe cases. Patients
may have insomnia, palpitations, constipation and lassitude. Their
tongue is pale red and their pulse is thready and weak. The main
acupoints are Baihui (GV 20) and Zusanli (ST 36). Patients with
interior retention of phlegm dampness (disorder in the endocrine
or digestive system) may feel nauseated, have a poor appetite,
feel sleepy but restlessness. Their tongue is red with a sticky
white coating. Their pulse is rolling and soft.
The main acupoints are Touwei (ST 8) and Zhongwan (CV 12). |
Some
of these patients may be treated by the combination with traditional
Chinese herbs depending upon the individual conditions.
Traditional Chinese medicine also teaches the natural excess wind, cold, summer
heat and wetness (comes from humid weather) may lead to dizziness.
In the southeast parts of the country where there
is more warm and hot and humid weather, there is a higher incidence
of this condition. In this area, people frequently set the temperature
of their air conditioner very low, or ingest cold foods and cold
drinks, which can remove the summer heat. At the same time, the
cold attacks the meridians and enters the body and disturbs the
normal order of the organs and meridians, which may cause the interior
retention of phlegm dampness.
Elderly patients complain more about dizziness than younger patients.
Since they are often taking medications that influence their liver
energy balance and result in hyperactive liver yang. Acupuncture
is a very useful treatment to balance the body and reduce dizziness.
To prevent dizziness, clear stress as soon as possible. It is fine
to over work temperately, but remember to have break to refresh
the body so that you may continue to work in the future. Getting
sick, it will only delay the job. It is important to eat healthy
food and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keeping a positive mindset
and attitude is a good way to avoid dizziness. Proper exercise
is highly recommended to assist acupuncture treatment. It is smart
to maintain the body balance with acupuncture. This is a natural
energy healing without any medicines. Dizziness is not a big health
problem. But it makes people feel horrible. Acupuncture is the
best natural solution for treatment and prevention.
Contact Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903
or e-mail lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com |
