Dizziness may range from a very slight dizziness, sometimes on changing posture, to very severe vertigo with loss of balance when everything around seems to be spinning. The term 'dizziness' in Chinese medicine also includes the very common sensation of 'muzziness' or fuzziness' and a heavy feeling as if the head was full of cotton wool with inability to think properly and concentrate. In western medicine a diagnosis of vertigo or meniere's disease may be given which can be treated just as successfully.
The Chinese have observed that emotions such as anger, frustration, resentment, bottled-up hatred can all cause dizziness. This type of dizziness is know as 'Liver Yang Rising'. It is the Liver organ which is affected and an imbalance will cause energy to suddenly rise to the head and cause dizziness. This type of dizziness can be quite severe, depending on just how much the Liver is affected.
Dizziness can also appear after many years of overworking and/or excessive sexual activity. Gradually the body becomes depleted of energy and dizziness occurs.
Diet has an important part to play in this condition as well. If the digestive system (Spleen in Chinese medicine) is weakened for whatever reason and the patient has a diet rich in food which is difficult for the body to digest, then the digestive system becomes 'clogged up'. This results in the production of 'Damp' or 'Phlegm' which can be seen on the tongue as a thick white/ yellow coating. This Phlegm lodges in the head and gives rise to a type of dizziness which is often very severe and can come on suddenly. There may also be blurred vision and a sensation of muzziness and heaviness of the head. Consumption of greasy foods and dairy products can be main sources for this dizziness.
These are the main causes of dizziness in Chinese Medicine. Each requires a different treatment approach and appropriate lifestyle/ dietary changes.
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Testimonial
My name is Christine G., I am 58 years old and enjoy an active lifestyle.
I experienced pain in my left elbow for about four months prior to seeking medical advice at Stedman-Hawkins Clinic. I was diagnosed with acute tennis elbow and prescribed high doses of ibuprofen and physical therapy.
After four sessions of physical therapy with minimal improvements in the degree of pain, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Lin and her colleague Michael Harman at East-West.
My initial visit was with Dr. Lin and Michael. Michael placed several acupuncture needles at points he detected to relieve the pain in the elbow. The pain was diminished by about 70%. Dr. Lin continued the placement of several more needles.
I have had a total of five treatments with Dr. Lin and Michael. I have combined these treatments with a physical therapy regimen. I am now without pain 95% of the time.
I want to thank Dr. Lin and Michael for their special care. I truly believe that without these treatments I would not have gained this degree of pain relief in the short time span.
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Sincerely,
Christine G.