Vertigo & Ménière's

Spinning world with tinnitus? It may be Ménière’s

Sudden spinning, tinnitus and nausea — often called “imbalanced ear fluid” — point to Ménière’s disease, which troubles a growing number of people.

What is Ménière’s disease?

In simple terms, the inner ear holds too much fluid (endolymph) and pressure rises. The inner ear governs both hearing and balance; if the fluid cannot drain and pressure builds, the result is vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss.

During an attack

1. Vertigo: sudden spinning, lasting 20 minutes to several hours.
2. Tinnitus: buzzing or ringing in the ear.
3. Hearing loss: muffled hearing, especially low tones.
4. Fullness: a blocked, stuffy sensation.
5. Between attacks: may feel normal, but hearing can gradually decline.

Treatment

1. Acupuncture: stimulating points to relieve vertigo quickly — e.g. Baihui, Fengchi, Tinggong, Taichong, Zusanli (3–5 points per session, 20–30 min). Daily during attacks; 2–3 times weekly afterwards to consolidate.
2. Herbal medicine: tailored by pattern — e.g. liver-yang rising (Tianma Gouteng decoction), phlegm-damp (Banxia Baizhu Tianma decoction), kidney-essence deficiency (Zuogui or Erlong Zuoci pill), qi-and-blood deficiency (Guipi decoction). Requires a practitioner’s prescription.
3. Craniosacral therapy: a gentle option for “imbalanced ear fluid.”

Otolith displacement (BPPV)

Tiny calcium crystals (otoliths) dislodge into a semicircular canal and, when the head position changes, roll with the fluid and stimulate the balance nerve, causing brief vertigo. One treatment uses specific head-position manoeuvres to let gravity return them to place.

Everyday care

• Low-salt diet to reduce fluid build-up
• Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol
• Avoid late nights and excess anxiety
• Avoid loud noise and sudden head turns
• Gentle exercise (walking, yoga)

Less salt, less stress, fewer late nights. Results vary between individuals.