Head & Necktóuyūn xuànyūn

Dizziness & Vertigo

Also called:Light-headednessVertigoSpinning sensation

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'xuan yun' (vertigo); located in the head orifices, related to liver, spleen and kidney.

Overview

Dizziness and vertigo mean light-headedness, head fullness, spinning of vision or unsteadiness. The Suwen states that all wind and dizziness belong to the liver. TCM links vertigo to ascendant liver yang, phlegm-damp blocking the middle, deficient qi and blood, or depleted kidney essence — summarized as 'no deficiency, no dizziness' and 'no phlegm, no dizziness'.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Ascendant liver yang

Key distinguishing signs: Vertigo with tinnitus, distending headache, red face, irritability, bitter taste, possibly sore weak knees, red tongue, forceful wiry pulse.
Treatment principle: Pacify liver, subdue yang and extinguish wind

Phlegm-damp blocking the middle

Key distinguishing signs: Heavy wrapped-feeling head with spinning, chest oppression, nausea, vomiting phlegm, poor appetite and sleepiness, greasy white coat, soggy slippery pulse.
Treatment principle: Dry dampness, resolve phlegm and strengthen spleen-stomach

Dual deficiency of qi and blood

Key distinguishing signs: Dizziness worse with fatigue or standing, pale bright-white face, fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, pale tongue, fine weak pulse.
Treatment principle: Tonify qi and blood, strengthen spleen-stomach

Insufficient kidney essence

Key distinguishing signs: Chronic vertigo with poor memory, sore weak knees, tinnitus, loose teeth, or heat in the chest/soles or cold body and limbs, pale or red tongue, deep fine pulse.
Treatment principle: Nourish liver-kidney and fill essence

Daily self-care

Stand and turn the head slowly; avoid heights and driving during episodes; remove trip hazards at home.
Eat lightly — with phlegm-damp reduce sweets, grease and alcohol; with ascendant yang limit spicy food and stay emotionally calm.
Sleep well and avoid overexertion; monitor blood pressure and note triggers.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Sudden severe dizziness with thunderclap headache, slurred speech, limb weakness/numbness or facial droop: emergency (stroke alert).
Vertigo with chest pain, fainting, or severe vomiting with inability to keep fluids down: urgent care.
Dizziness after head injury, or persistent non-resolving vertigo: immediate assessment.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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