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A dive into ayurvedic perspective of vertigo
According to Ayurveda, vertigo, known as Bhrama, is linked to an imbalance in two of the body's vital energies, Vata and Pitta. Our body is primarily formed by three energies known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, each in a unique proportion. When these energies are in harmony, our bodies function normally  and diseases are less likely to occur.
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In the case of Bhrama, it's the Pitta dosha that's predominantly  involved. Excessive consumption of fatty, fried, spicy, and sour foods, along with heightened stress and anxiety, can disturb the Pitta dosha. When this imbalance combines with Vata dosha, it can lead to vertigo, causing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and more.
Vertigo is a sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated particularly with looking down from a great height, or caused by disease affecting the inner ear or the vestibular nerve.The condition remains quite unnoticeable, but for some people, it won't be the same. Some people find it quite difficult to do everyday chores.
Conventional medicine primarily treats the symptoms, but Ayurveda seeks to address the underlying imbalances in the body.
Ayurvedic treatment for vertigo – beyond symptomatic relief
Ayurveda practitioners will diagnose the root cause of vertigo by assessing an individual’s doshic imbalance. An Ayurvedic diagnosis helps tailor a treatment plan to the specific needs of the patient.
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By addressing the root causes, Ayurveda aims to provide lasting relief . Ayurveda treatments focuses on restoring the balance of these doshas through proper nutrition, herbal remedies, oils, detoxification processes and  yoga
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Overview of panchakarma therapy for managing vertigo
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While some factors contributing to vertigo may be beyond our control, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of its occurrence.
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Ayurvedic therapies, such as Panchakarma, Shirodhara, and Nasya, can aid in restoring balance and harmony within the body.
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Karnapoornam:
Filling medicinal oil into the ears is termed as Karnapoornam, a purification and detoxification treatment in Ayurveda.In this therapy, warm herbal oils and fumes are applied to the ears for 5 to 10 minutes followed by a massage around the ears .This cleansing process is quite effective for deafness, humming of the ear, etc. It is directed for tinnitus, excess earwax, jaw pain, earache, impurities in ear canal, neck pain, ear infections and vertigo.
 Role of nasya in vertigo
In Ayurvedic terms Brimhana effect of the Nasya done may be responsible for reducing vertigo. Brimhana is Vata-Pitta Shamaka. Vitiation of Vata-Pitta with Rajas cause Bhrama. The nourishing and strengthening effect of Nasya is evident from the improvement
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Diet Recommendations
Ayurvedic treatment starts with dietary and lifestyle modifications, which are crucial in balancing the doshas.
·        Keep yourself hydrated
·        Increase the intake of fresh , seasonal fruits and vegetable
·        the patients must avoid the excessive salt intake and they should eat slowly.
·        Consume wholesome food such as wholegrain bread, veggies, legumes, brown rice
·        Avoid caffeinated beverages,intake of oily and junk foods, refrigerated items and junks
Lifestyle Changes
Establish a Routine
Stress Management
Adequate sleep Â
Regular Exercise
Meditation, yoga practice and selected asanas
Quit smoking and tobacco, alcohol
Avoid sudden jerky movements
Practice eye exercises by looking from near to far, up and down or side to side
Types of Vertigo
·  Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): is often triggered by specific head movements.
·   Meniere's Disease: Meniere's disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo, along with ringing in the ear (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
·    Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis: involve inflammation of the inner ear
·    Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the vestibular nerve
Causes of Vertigo in Ayurveda
1. Vata ImbalanceÂ
2.  Stress and Anxiety
3. Improper Diet
4.  Lack of Physical Activity
5. Environmental Factors
6.  Dehydration
7. Ear Infections / labyrinthitis
8. Postural hypotension
9. Low blood sugar level
Symptoms of Vertigo
·        Spinning sensation
·        Tilting
·        Swaying
·        unsteadiness
·        Feeling nauseated
·        jerking eye movements (nystagmus)
·        Headache
·        Sweating
·        Ringing in the ears
Incorporating ayurveda in daily life
Ayurvedic herbs and herbal formulations play a significant role in managing vertigo. They can help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and calm the nervous system.Â
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) : It improves the oxygen flow in the body.half teaspoon of aswagandha powder mixed with one cup of milk for a duration of one month.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) : Powder of Shatavari mixed with one cup of milk.
Vacha (Acoruscalamus): Roots of vacha also acts as a cure for ringing in the ears.
Kapikachu  Beeja/(Mucuna pruriens) Drinking a mixture of 1 tsp kaunch beej powder with 1 small glass of warm milk resolves vertigo.
Shankapushpi(Convolvulus pluricaulis):It reduces anxiety and depression that support vertigo.
Amalaki Amla juice with some honey might help you deal with vertigo due to it antioxidant property
Jatiphala:Preparing a mixture of 1 tbsp nutmeg powder with 1 tsp cumin powder and honey and ingesting this along with meals twice a day provides relief from vertigo
Guduchi:A concoction made of Guduchi Kasaya effectively cures vertigo problems
Triphala powder: one teaspoon of Triphala powder is mixed with one-fourth teaspoon of Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) and taken along with honey or warm water or ghee or sugar for two times a dayhelps in vertigo
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Some recommended yoga poses include the Trikonasana,Adho Mukha Svanasana, and Balasana. Deep breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom and Bhramari Pranayama are particularly effective.
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Kitchen  remedies for vertigo
soak five grams each of dry amla and coriander seeds in water overnight. Strain in the morning and drink by adding little sugar.
One teaspoon each of Ginger juice and honey are mixed and taken after food twice a day for a period of one month.
A small piece of smashed ginger and three pieces of smashed garlic are boiled together in water and taken internallyÂ
Half lemon is squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water and then to this two pinches of pepper powder, one pinch of salt is added; mixed well and taken as a drink.
Coriander seeds: One teaspoon of coriander seeds is added with one teaspoon of gooseberry powder and soaked in water overnight. The next morning it is strained and consumed by adding half a teaspoon of sugar.
Raisins: 8-10 crushed raisins soaked in water overnight and the next morning smashed in the same water and consumed on an empty stomach.
Saraswataarishta or Asvagandhaarishta are useful if the patient has nervous breakdown and vertigo.
External application:
Half a teaspoon of fine powder of cardamom and cinnamon in two tablespoons of warm sesame oil and applied over the head relieves dizziness in vertigo.
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