Where Are The Pressure Points For Vertigo?
Acupressure points for vertigo offer a non-intrusive and scientifically backed method for managing your symptoms. This article delves into various pressure points that can help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Among these, PC-6 stands out as a commonly used point, located between the wrist and inner forearm. Research shows that stimulating this point can be as effective as prescription medications for treating vertigo.
Quick Reference Table for Acupressure Points for Vertigo:
| Acupoint Name | Other Names | Location | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC-6 | Pericardium-6/Nei Guan/Inner Pass | Three fingers above the wrist crease | Relieves vertigo, stress, and emotional tension |
| TE-5 | Triple Energizer-5/Wai Guan/Outer Pass | Three fingers width up from the bend of the wrist | Alleviates pain, earaches, and hearing loss |
| GV-20 | The Governing Vessel-20/Bai Hui/Hundred Convergence | Top of the head | Relieves dizziness, eye pain, and hypertension |
| GB-41 | Gallbladder-41/Zu Lin Qi/Foot Governor of Tears | In front of the intersection of the second to last and pinky metatarsal bones | Alleviates vertigo, red eyes, migraines, and foot pain |
| TE-17 | Triple Energizer-17/Yi Feng/Wind Screen | Two fingers behind the earlobe | Normalizes sense of balance, helps with bruxism and teeth grinding |
| EM-12 | Yiming | Behind the earlobe at the base of the ear | Brings a sense of balance, aids in relieving vertigo |
| TE-18 | Triple Energizer-18/Qi Mai/Spasm Vessel | Center of the mastoid process behind TE-17 | Relieves headaches, tinnitus, and deafness |
| ST-40 | Stomach-40/Feng Long/Abundant Bulge | Halfway between the knee and ankle, in front of the lower leg | Relieves phlegm, asthma, dizziness, and headaches |
| Ren-12 | The Conception Vessel-12/Zhong Wan/Middle Epigastrium | Four fingers above the belly button | Helps with vertigo and nausea. Relieves gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, and heart palpitations |
| Liv-3 | Liver-3/Tai Chong/Supreme Rush | Top of the foot, two fingers away from the intersection of big toe and second toe | Helps with vertigo due to migraine, irregular menstruation, and eye swelling |
| TE-3 | Triple Energizer-3/Zhong Zhu/Central Islet | Joining points between the pinky and ring finger bones | Relieves pain from the back to the brain, helps with headaches and sneezing |
| GV-23 | The Governing Vessel-23/Shang Xing/Upper Star | Near the forehead, 1 cun away from the hairline | Provides instant relief for vertigo, and also helps with sleep apnea |
Acupoint: PC-6 (Other Names: Pericardium-6/Nei Guan/Inner Pass)
PC-6 is the best acupressure point for vertigo relief. It is situated three fingers above the wrist crease. While PC-6 is a common acupressure point for vertigo and dizziness, it can also help relieve feelings of stress, making it one of the best acupressure points for emotional release. To experience the full benefits of this pressure point, massage it 10 times clockwise while applying pressure.
Acupoint: TE-5 (Other Names: Triple Energizer-5/Wai Guan/Outer Pass)
The TE-5 pressure point is located on the dorsal point of the forearm, about three fingers width up from the bend of the wrist. The acupressure point is between the two bones (ulna and radius) that run along your forearm. You should feel a small depression between these bones.
Stimulating this acupoint helps alleviate pain, earaches, and more. Not to mention, this acupoint is one of the best acupressure points for hearing loss. It is also referred to as the Triple Energizer and serves as one of the primary acupoints in the body.
Acupoint: GV-20 (Other Names: The Governing Vessel-20/Bai Hui/Hundred Convergence)
Also known as “one hundred meetings,” the GV-20 acupoint is at the top of the head and serves as one of the main pressure points for tension headaches. It can help relieve dizziness, eye pain, and hypertension.
Acupoint: GB-41 (Other Names: Gallbladder-41/Zu Lin Qi/Foot Governor of Tears)
The Pressure Point GB-41 is located on the gall bladder meridian, in front of the intersection of the second to last and pinky metatarsal bones on top of the foot. Push towards the center of the foot. Not only can it help alleviate vertigo symptoms, but it is one of the acupressure points for ankle pain. Additionally, this pressure point helps relieve red eyes, migraines, and overall foot pain.
Acupoint: TE-17 (Other Names: Triple Energizer-17/Yi Feng/Wind Screen)
Also known as “wind screen,” the TE-17 pressure point is located two fingers behind the earlobe and is ideal for normalizing the sense of balance. Stimulating this acupoint can also help those who suffer from bruxism and is one of the TMJ acupressure points which can help with teeth grinding.
Pressure Point EM-12 (Yiming)
The pressure point EM-12 is known to bring a sense of balance, which aids well with relieving vertigo. This pressure point is located on the neck, just behind the earlobe, in the depression at the base of the ear.
Acupoint: TE-18 (Other Names: Triple Energizer-18/Qi Mai/Spasm Vessel)
Located near the ear, the TE-18 pressure point is at the center of the mastoid process behind pressure point TE-17. It is considered one of the eustachian tube pressure points that can help relieve headaches, tinnitus, and deafness by applying light pressure for 4-5 seconds. It is great for normalizing a sense of balance.
Acupoint: ST-40 (Other Names: Stomach-40/Feng Long/Abundant Bulge)
The ST-40 acupuncture point, also known as the Phlegm Point, is an acupoint directly linked to the digestive system, including the stomach. It is one of the best acupressure points for nausea and vertigo. It is located just halfway between the knee and ankle, on the front of the lower leg. By stimulating this particular pressure point, you can experience relief from excessive phlegm, asthma symptoms, dizziness, and headaches, to name a few. To activate this pressure point, apply pressure approximately two fingers widget from the anterior crest of the tibia, roughly 10 inches, to the lateral malleolus.
Acupoint: Ren-12 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-12/Zhong Wan/Middle Epigastrium)
This is another acupressure point for vertigo and nausea. The Ren-12 acupoint is located in the upper abdomen, approximately four fingers above the belly button. Ren-12 rests on the channel that is on the midline of the front of the human body. Overdrinking and overeating can cause gastrointestinal issues due to the stagnation of water metabolism in the head. Ultimately, this affects lymphatic circulation and causes vertigo and vomiting symptoms.
While this pressure point is tied to weight loss, it can also serve quite well as one of the acupressure points for heart palpitations. By stimulating this pressure point, you will experience a feeling of calmness, relieving anxiety and feelings of worry.
Acupoint: Liv-3 (Other Names: Liver-3/Tai Chong/Supreme Rush)
Together with TE-3 and GV-23, they are the best acupressure points for migraine-associated vertigo. The Liv-3 pressure point is one of the acupressure points for fibromyalgia, amongst several other conditions. It is located at the top of your foot, approximately two fingers away from the intersection of your big toe and the second toe. Liv-3 is an excellent pressure point to explore for vertigo, in addition to irregular menstruation and swelling in the eyes.
Above all, vertigo is considered a hepatobiliary abnormality in oriental medicine. The Liv-3 acupoint is best for improving liver function and is recommended to be stimulated daily. Simply push towards the center of the foot for the best results.
Acupoint: TE-3 (Other Names: Triple Energizer-3/Zhong Zhu/Central Islet)
The TE-3 pressure point is at the joining points between the pinky and ring finger bones. To stimulate this pressure point, apply light pressure using your thumb, press against the ring fingerbone, pull down the hand, and repeat six to eight times. There should be slight discomfort, but that is to be expected.
This pressure point has been a reliable remedy for pain from the backup to the brain. It can be helpful to apply extra pressure for maximum effectiveness. Alternatively, try to stimulate the wrist side a bit more. Additionally, it is one of the hand acupressure points charts for headache and sneezing.
Acupoint: GV-23 (Other Names: The Governing Vessel-23/Shang Xing/Upper Star)
The GV-23 pressure point is located near the forehead. To find this pressure point, locate the midline of the forehead at the hairline. Measure 1 cun away from the hairline. There will be a slight indentation. Apply light pressure for just a few seconds for instant relief. GV-23 is also known to serve as one of the acupressure points for sleep apnea.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo can be triggered for multiple reasons, the most common being an inner ear problem and sometimes migraines. The sensation of vertigo may not be noticeable at first, or it can be quite severe, making everyday tasks and keeping your balance challenging. Some other associated causes include, but are not limited to:
- Labyrinthitis. An inner ear problem is typically related to a viral infection. It causes inflammation in the inner ear around essential nerves that help the human body maintain balance.
- Meniere’s Disease. Another inner ear disorder is caused by fluid buildup and pressure change. This symptom can be spotted with potential ear ringing and hearing loss. Meniere’s disease is considered a chronic disorder and typically develops more often later in life. It can cause vertigo that can last between a few hours and 24 hours.
- BPPV. Also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV is one of the most common causes that trigger vertigo. It causes a sudden spinning sensation that makes the affected feel like they are spinning or the inside of their head is spinning. Sudden changes in the head position usually trigger BPPV.
- Head or neck injury. If you suffer from a head or neck injury, trying not to put too much stress on this part of the body is essential. This type of injury could result in vertigo symptoms and can be ongoing if not treated.
Can Acupressure Cure Vertigo?
To put it simply, yes, it is possible to cure vertigo with the use of acupressure tactics. In a study on the efficacy of specific acupressure points for cervical vertigo, at least twenty-five out of sixty-five cases were cured of vertigo with an overall effective rate of 95.4%.
Above all, applying light pressure to the acupressure points for nausea and vertigo can help relieve any discomfort with the clinical symptoms of cervical vertigo. Using our evidence-based practice in emerging studies, larger sample sizes may prove invaluable in developing defined types of dizziness and vertigo.
Why Should Acupressure Be Considered?
Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that promotes energy within the body. While the science behind acupressure continues to evolve with new findings, the practice has displayed success rates worth revisiting. Referencing the studies highlighted above, acupressure has become a promising alternative to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which can sometimes be more harmful than not if mixed with the wrong ingredients.
Acupressure can also be a productive way to become more familiar with the human body and its capabilities. It is an all-natural remedy that can help manage symptoms of motion sickness, nausea, stress management, insomnia, and cancer-related weariness, among others.
Precautions When Using Acupressure for Vertigo
Acupressure Is Not a Cure
- It’s crucial to understand that while acupressure can alleviate the symptoms of vertigo, it is not a definitive cure. Always consult healthcare professionals for a comprehensive treatment plan.
When to See a Doctor
- If your vertigo symptoms persist or worsen despite trying acupressure, it’s essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience additional symptoms like severe headaches, hearing loss, or difficulty speaking.
When to Avoid Acupressure
- Do not use acupressure if you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have a severe infection unless advised by a healthcare provider.
- Avoid applying pressure to open wounds, bruises, or areas with severe inflammation.
Natural Home Remedies For Vertigo
Aside from practicing acupressure for vertigo, other helpful home remedies can serve well for vertigo symptoms, such as the Epley maneuver, Semont-toupet maneuver, and the Brandt-Daroff exercise, to name a few. These can be done unsupervised at home to help lower blood pressure and relieve severe vertigo. Here are some practical home remedies to consider for the treatment of vertigo:
- Epley Maneuver. A popular technique that can help reduce symptoms of vertigo for at least 24 hours. This maneuver can be performed in a few different steps, including maintaining your position for at least 30 seconds of sitting down and turning the head 45 degrees to the left, to name a few.
- Ginger Tea. Ginger is known as a tasty alternative to manual repositioning. To create this rejuvenating concoction, simply steep ginger root in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. The taste of ginger can be a bit bitter, but a few drops of honey can help soften the taste. Drink this tea at least twice a day to help reduce nausea, headaches, dizziness, and other vertigo symptoms.
- Hydration. Staying hydrated is an essential piece to maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Water is the answer to many things, and vertigo is no different. Dehydration can be a direct source of triggering vertigo. The human body must consume at least 8 cups of water daily.
- Eating almonds. A daily handful of almonds can help alleviate vertigo symptoms due to the consumption of vitamins A, B, and E inside almonds.
Ear Seeds for Vertigo
- What Are Ear Seeds?: Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the Vaccaria plant that are often placed on specific ear acupressure points. They are a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine and are used to stimulate pressure points in the ear.
- How Do They Work?: By applying pressure to specific points on the ear, ear seeds can help balance the body’s energy flow, potentially alleviating symptoms of vertigo.
- How to Use: Simply place the ear seeds on the acupressure points on your ear and gently press them throughout the day. The constant mild pressure works to stimulate the acupressure points.
- Where to Get Them: If you’re interested in trying this natural remedy, you can find specialized kits like the Dragon Acupuncture Ear Seed Kit for Multi-Conditions that are designed to target various conditions, including vertigo.
