Dizziness is a very common reason for consultation in primary care, but a high percentage is left without a precise diagnosis. In most cases these are trivial problems, although on some occasions it may be the symptom of a serious illness.
Dizziness is different from vertigo, but the two are often associated.
Dizziness consists of a sensation as if one were going to pass out when standing up or walking, it also includes the feeling of confusion or disorientation, a feeling of heaviness, as if the head were full of cotton causing an inability to think correctly and concentrate.
Vertigo is a sensation of instability and rotation of the body or of the objects present.
According to Chinese Medicine, the different types of dizziness are distributed in 6 different syndromes. These syndromes are classified as deficiency or excess, the deficiency consists of the lack of nutrition of the head, the excess, on the contrary, consists of an excess of Energy, Blood, Heat in the upper part of the body or the penetration of a pathogenic factor. in the head.
What are the causes according to Chinese Medicine?
Syndromes do not appear without a cause. There is ALWAYS a cause:
- Emotional distress: Anger, frustration, resentment, also sadness or worry are emotions that block circulation. The Liver is an organ that is very susceptible to emotional blockage that alters it and generates energetic friction that manifests itself in the form of wind, fire or elevation of Yang. Also when there is emotional tension or stress, there may be excessive muscle tension that hinders blood circulation to the head, causing dizziness.
- Overwork or excessive sexual activity: The Kidney houses the Jing (our vital essence) and controls the lower back and knees, the brain and the spinal cord. These excessively sustained activities affect the energy of the Kidney, we will see knee and lower back pain appear as well as a feeling of emptiness in the brain if fundamental substance wear is generated, in addition to other manifestations.
- Irregular or inadequate diet: Many foods can be responsible for the appearance of internal dampness: dairy products, fatty foods, fried foods. However an unbalanced eating rhythm can also affect the digestive system and especially the Spleen, this organ is, according to traditional medicine China, fundamental in the generation of Qi and Blood, in addition to participating in the transformation or metabolization of this dampness. When the organ is overloaded (e,g bloating after a large meal or highly dense food), the functions of the Spleen are hindered, the generation of Qi and blood is altered and dampness accumulates.
If dizziness is experienced when standing up:
- Avoid sudden changes in posture.
- Get up slowly from lying down and stay seated for a few moments before standing up.
- When dizziness is experienced after a period of stress or accompanied by strong emotions, relaxation exercises, stretching, massage and self-massage are recommended.
- Regulate the diet.
- Eat every day at the same time.
- Avoid the consumption of foods that generate moisture such as dairy products, excess bread and pasta, fried and fatty foods, also very cold foods (which can block the digestive system).
- Avoid drinking cold water during the meal.
- Eat slowly (about 20 minutes are necessary), chew well.
- Leave a little space in the stomach at the end of the meal to facilitate the digestive process.
When there is vertigo, a worsening can be avoided:
- Staying still and resting when symptoms occur.
- Avoid sudden changes in movement or position.
- Slowly increase activity.
- You may need a cane or other walking aids when you lose your balance during a vertigo attack.
- Avoid bright lights, television, and reading during a vertigo attack, as this can worsen symptoms.
- Avoid activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing for up to a week after your symptoms resolve, as a sudden episode of dizziness during these activities can be dangerous.
Photo by Adrian Swancar
