When you hear the word vertigo, do you think of the classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller? How
about Green Arrow’s nemesis in the comic books? The truth is, for those who suffer with vertigo, it’s no laughing matter, and definitely not fiction. Thankfully, vertigo can be managed, and one way to deal with the debilitating effects of vertigo is with the natural treatment of acupuncture.
What Is Vertigo?
So it’s not a fictional character, but what is vertigo really? Clinically, it is an imbalance of the inner ear, which is the part of the body that helps humans stay upright and balanced. Symptoms of vertigo range from that light-headed feeling you get when you stand up too quickly (except sufferers can feel this from just turning their heads) to a complete blackout, falling over as if drunk — when not drinking at all. Vertigo can exist on its own, or it can be associated with other issues, such as migraine headaches and nausea.
A diagnosis of vertigo may mean a lifetime of managing it. Vertigo symptoms can have a lot to do with blood pressure and blood sugar, and those who have it must be sure to not get too hungry, keep their heads above their hearts when picking up items, and be careful when exercising heavily. They often cannot swing or ride spinny rides or move too quickly, may feel nauseated when dizzy, and must be hyper-vigilant about their drug and alcohol intake, especially when those drugs affect dizziness and balance.
If you’ve ever felt the room spin and things go dark after a bender, you can begin to understand how people with vertigo feel nearly all the time. Thankfully, there are many ways to manage the issues associated with vertigo.
How Diet Affects Vertigo
It always comes back to, “You are what you eat.” And when people with vertigo eat or drink certain foods, it can set off the symptoms. Although each person’s system is unique, food items to consider as triggers for vertigo may include: sugar, alcohol, caffeine, dairy, and gluten. For some, just cutting out or limiting certain foods can go a long way to curbing the effects of vertigo. Of course, everyone would probably be well served by eating a diet rich in whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, but how many of us do that in daily practice? Allergists and nutritionists can typically perform a quick test to see what food sensitivities you may have that could exacerbate vertigo.
Just Take a Pill
Many traditional medical practitioners will suggest that a pill is the way to go for nearly any ailment, and of course, there is a pill for vertigo. It’s brand name is antivert, and it can be purchased over the counter by its generic name, meclizine. This drug is often sold for motion sickness at your local pharmacy. For really bad bouts of vertigo and quick relief, it’s good to have some of this cure-all on hand, but the side effect is that it induces drowsiness. Not a good choice when you have places to drive or things to do!
Natural Alternatives to Combat Vertigo
While a pill can curb vertigo dizziness in the moment, a longer-lasting solution is definitely needed. Diet is a start, and just being mindful of your body is a huge component of successfully living with vertigo, but there will be times when it just gets out of control. In those cases, acupuncture can be an extremely powerful tool in combatting vertigo. Why? Since vertigo is directly linked to an inner-ear imbalance, acupuncture needles can be inserted along the ear to have immediate and long-lasting effects.
And when an acupuncturist isn’t readily available, acupressure can be a solid stand-in until your next appointment. Another self-treatment is to effectively drain the ear by turning the head to the side that is more affected (symptoms are often triggered more on one side than the other) and allowing the excess fluid to reposition itself within the ear.
The best part about seeking natural remedies for vertigo is that they are immediate and last for a really long time — with no side effects. For instance, after only one acupuncture treatment, the vertigo dizziness may well be gone. Partner acupuncture with diet and the above-mentioned self-help remedies, and vertigo will be a thing of the past!
If you suffer from vertigo or what you suspect may be vertigo, schedule your acupuncture appointment today and experience relief sooner than you could have imagined! Call 602-955-5444 now.
