Vertigo is a condition characterized by dizziness, spinning sensation, and a feeling of loss of balance. According to acupuncture theory, vertigo is caused by the imbalance of energy or “Qi” in the body, which affects the flow of blood and other bodily fluids.
Acupuncture is based on the concept of meridians, which are channels that run throughout the body and connect different organs and systems. These meridians are said to carry Qi, and when there is a blockage or imbalance in the flow of Qi, it can cause various health problems, including vertigo.
From an acupuncture perspective, vertigo may be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Deficiency of Qi: When the body lacks Qi, there may not be enough energy to maintain proper balance and coordination, leading to vertigo.
- Stagnation of Qi: When Qi is blocked or stagnant, it can cause dizziness and other symptoms of vertigo.
- Internal Heat: Excessive internal heat can also cause vertigo by disrupting the flow of Qi and blood in the body.
- External factors: In addition to internal imbalances, external factors such as stress, anxiety, and environmental toxins can also contribute to vertigo.
Acupuncture treatment for vertigo typically involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points along the meridians to restore the balance of Qi in the body. These points may be located on the head, neck, ears, or other parts of the body, depending on the underlying cause of the vertigo.
In addition to acupuncture, other traditional Chinese medicine techniques such as cupping, moxibustion, and herbal remedies may also be used to help relieve vertigo symptoms and restore overall balance and harmony in the body.
Here are 20 acupoints that may be used in acupuncture treatment for vertigo:
GV20 (Baihui) – Located on the top of the head, midway between the apexes of the ears.
GV16 (Fengfu) – Located on the back of the head, below the occipital bone and midway between the two ear apices.
GV14 (Dazhui) – Located on the upper back, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra.
GB20 (Fengchi) – Located on the back of the neck, in the depression between the upper portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius muscle.
GB12 (Wangu) – Located on the back of the neck, about one inch below GB20.
BL10 (Tianzhu) – Located on the back of the neck, about 1.5 inches away from the midline of the body.
BL11 (Dazhu) – Located on the back, below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra.
BL23 (Shenshu) – Located on the back, below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.
BL18 (Ganshu) – Located on the back, below the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra.
BL40 (Weizhong) – Located in the crease behind the knee, midway between the two bones of the lower leg.
ST36 (Zusanli) – Located on the front of the leg, about four finger widths below the kneecap and one finger width away from the shinbone.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Located on the inner ankle, four finger widths above the inner ankle bone.
KI3 (Taixi) – Located on the inner ankle, midway between the Achilles tendon and the inner ankle bone.
LR3 (Taichong) – Located on the top of the foot, in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones.
PC6 (Neiguan) – Located on the inside of the wrist, two finger widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons.
HT7 (Shenmen) – Located on the inside of the wrist, at the crease of the wrist, in line with the little finger.
LU7 (Lieque) – Located on the inside of the wrist, one and a half finger widths above the wrist crease, in line with the thumb.
SI19 (Tinggong) – Located in front of the ear, in the depression between the mandibular condyle and the earlobe.
GB2 (Tinghui) – Located in front of the ear, in the depression between the upper part of the ear and the temple.
LI4 (Hegu) – Located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and the index finger, in the webbing.
Acupuncturists may use a combination of these acupoints based on the individual needs and symptoms of the patient. It’s important to consult with a licensed acupuncturist before starting any acupuncture treatment for vertigo. Acupuncture Kaushik Acupuncture.