Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, where you feel as if you or your surroundings
are moving when they are not. While conventional medicine often addresses vertigo with medications or physical therapy, Kerala’s Ayurvedic tradition offers a holistic approach combining ancient wisdom with modern insights. Ayurvedic treatments for vertigo focus on balancing the body’s doshas and addressing the underlying causes to provide a natural and comprehensive approach to managing symptoms and promoting overall balance.
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel a false sense of spinning or movement. It can be caused by issues within the inner ear, the brain, or both. Common causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, and inner ear infections. Vertigo can impact daily life, causing difficulty with balance, walking, and performing routine tasks.
1. Spinning Sensation: Feeling as though you or your surroundings are spinning.
2. Balance Problems: Difficulty maintaining balance or walking steadily.
3. Nausea or Vomiting: Often accompanies the spinning sensation.
4. Hearing Loss: May occur, particularly in cases like Meniere’s disease.
5. Crusting Around the Eyelid: A crust may form around the eyelid, particularly after sleep, due to the discharge from the stye.
6. Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears can be present.
7. Headaches: Can occur along with the vertigo.
8. Visual Disturbances: Problems with vision due to the spinning sensation.
Several factors contribute to vertigo, including:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by small calcium crystals
in the inner ear becoming dislodged.
2. Meniere’s Disease: A condition involving fluid buildup in the inner ear.
3. Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral
infection.
4. Inner Ear Infections: Infections or inflammations affecting the inner ear structures.
5. Migraines: Some individuals experience vertigo as part of migraine symptoms.
Migraines: Some individuals experience vertigo as part of migraine symptoms.
Understanding these causes helps in managing vertigo through targeted Ayurvedic treatments that address underlying imbalances.
Characteristics: Triggered by changes in head position, caused by dislodged inner ear crystals.
Characteristics: Involves episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, due to fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Characteristics: Sudden onset of severe vertigo and balance issues, often following a viral infection.
Characteristics: Originates from issues in the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
Medical History and Physical Examination: Assessing symptoms, triggers, and
overall health.
Dix-Hallpike Maneuver: A test to diagnose BPPV by assessing changes in eye
movements.
Audiometry: Tests to evaluate hearing function and determine if hearing loss is
present.
Electronystagmography (ENG): Measures eye movements to diagnose vestibular disorders.
Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans if a central cause is suspected.
Balance Issues: Difficulty with coordination and walking, increasing the risk of falls.
Nausea and Vomiting: Can impact daily activities and quality of life.
Hearing Loss: May occur, particularly in cases related to Meniere’s disease.
Emotional Impact: Stress, anxiety, and depression due to persistent dizziness.
Herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi are used to support nervous system health and reduce dizziness.
A therapy involving the pouring of warm, medicated oil on the forehead to calm the mind and improve balance.
Administering herbal oils nasally to clear toxins and balance doshas.
Ayurvedic oil massage to promote relaxation and improve circulation.
Enhances cognitive function and calms the nervous system.
Reduces stress and supports overall wellness.
Known for its calming properties and support for the nervous system.
Include turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Adequate water intake to maintain balance.
Excessive salt, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can exacerbate symptoms.
Practices like yoga and meditation to reduce stress levels.
Supports overall health and improves balance.
Establish a consistent sleep routine to aid in relaxation.
Be cautious with head movements that trigger vertigo.
Ayurvedic treatment for vertigo is effective in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. The holistic approach aims to address the root causes and reduce the severity of vertigo through herbal remedies and lifestyle changes.
Yes, Ayurvedic treatment can naturally improve vertigo symptoms by focusing on overall health and addressing underlying factors. Herbal medicines, specialized therapies, and dietary modifications work together to alleviate symptoms and support balance.
The time to see improvements varies based on the severity of vertigo, consistency of
treatment, and individual response. Some patients may notice relief within a few weeks, while others might take several months. Regular consultations with an Ayurvedic practitioner are crucial for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.
Ayurvedic treatment helps manage vertigo by balancing the body’s doshas and improving overall wellness. Treatments may include herbal remedies like Brahmi and Ashwagandha, therapies such as Shirodhara and Nasya, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress and improve balance.
Yes, lifestyle changes are essential in managing vertigo. Stress management through yoga and meditation, regular exercise, proper sleep, and avoiding rapid head movements can contribute to symptom relief and overall balance.
It is recommended to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner regularly to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and ensure effective management of vertigo. The frequency of consultations will depend on the severity of symptoms and individual treatment needs.