For Wind-related vertigo, begin with LI11 and LR3
By Cho, Byung Sik L.Ac
Headache, dizziness, and tinnitus are common in acupuncture practice. Although many cases respond well, persistent symptoms can be difficult to manage. This article introduces useful Master Tung and Saam acupuncture approaches for these conditions.
Occipital Headache
- Chongxiao (DT.17), bloodletting: Palpate between the first and fifth sacral vertebrae and perform bloodletting at the most tender point.
- BL40, bloodletting: Useful for chronic occipital headaches. Bloodletting a channel’s He-Sea point may regulate the entire channel.
- Zhengjin (77.01), Zhengzong (77.02), and BL65
Frontal and Supraorbital Headache
- SP9 and Shenguan (77.18): SP9, Shenguan (77.18), and Huoju (66.11) treat Yangming-channel headaches through the interior–exterior relationship of the Spleen and Stomach.
- Huoju (66.11): Located posterior to Gongsun, where the needle reaches the bone. The name refers to the chrysanthemum, which traditionally clears the head and eyes and reduces Heat.
;Huoju is effective for frontal, supraorbital, and occipital headaches, as well as neck pain. It can also help with hypertension, vertigo, and eye aching.
- Wuhu (11.27), points 1 and 3; TE3; and Biyi (1010.22)
Vertex Headache
- Linggu (22.05), Dabai (22.04), Minghuang (88.12), and KI1
- Zhisanzhong (11.14): Useful for occipital, posterior neck, frontal, vertex, and migraine headaches.
Forehead Pain
Supraorbital pain and migraine may arise from Phlegm, Phlegm-Reversal headache, or Qi deficiency.
- Zhongbai (22.06) with KI3, and Erjiaoming (11.12)
- Huoju (66.11) ; A particularly effective point for frontal and supraorbital headaches.
- GB41, SP9, Shenguan (77.18), Erjiaoming (11.12), GB31, and Biyi (1010.22)
Vertigo, Anemia, and Cerebral Anemia–Related Dizziness
Vertigo may result from Spleen and Stomach deficiency impairing the production of Qi and Blood, insufficient Kidney Water allowing Liver Yang to disturb the clear orifices, or Phlegm-Dampness clouding them.
- Linggu (22.05), LI11, Shenguan (77.18), and PC6: Applicable to dizziness with vomiting or Ménière’s disease.
Ménière’s disease is an inner-ear disorder characterized by hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, and ear fullness. Linggu (22.05) strongly tonifies Qi and promotes circulation to the brain, making it useful for dizziness, cerebral disorders, and hemiplegia.
- Zongshu (1010.07) with PC6 and LI11: LI11 with Shenguan (77.18) is useful for Ménière’s disease, particularly when severe vertigo causes nausea and vomiting.
Vertigo resembles Wind and is therefore associated with the Liver. LI11 is used because the Liver and Large Intestine have paired and communicating relationships. As the Earth point of the Yang Metal Large Intestine channel, LI11 may also influence Yangming Stomach disorders.
PC6 treats the Stomach through the communicating relationship between the Pericardium and Stomach channels.
- Shenguan (77.18), Zhongbai (22.06), Tongguan (88.01), Tongshan (88.02), and Tongtian (88.03)
Used for dizziness caused by cerebral anemia.
For severe anemia, use Minghuang (88.12), Tianhuang (88.13), and Qihuang (88.14), with GV20.
- Wuling (DT.04), bloodletting, with Huoying (66.03): Used for vertigo associated with hypertension and may rapidly relieve dizziness.
- Sihuazhong (77.09), Sihuawai (77.14), bloodletting at Yizhong (77.05), Erzhong (77.06), and Sanzhong (77.07), with Shenguan (77.18), Dihuang (77.19), and Renhuang (77.21): Shenguan, Dihuang, and Renhuang tonify the Kidneys, which are considered to govern the brain.
