Column September 6, 2025
Ménière's Disease — When Vertigo, Tinnitus, and Hearing Loss Occur Together
Hyo-seop Kim
Chief Director
Table of Contents
The world is spinning and the ear feels blocked
Ménière's disease is a condition in which endolymphatic hydrops in the inner ear leads to recurrent episodes of rotational vertigo lasting hours, tinnitus, ear fullness, and fluctuating hearing loss.
Korean medicine diagnosis: rebellious water rheum (水飮上逆)
In Korean medicine, Ménière's disease is understood as insufficient yang qi of the spleen and kidney, allowing water rheum to ascend and disturb the head and face.
- Taeksa-tang (澤瀉湯): A formula that draws water rheum down from the head — a first-line Korean medicine choice for Ménière's
- Oryeong-san (五苓散): A diuretic formula that regulates whole-body fluid metabolism
- Banhabaekchulcheonma-tang: For cases with both severe phlegm-rheum and dizziness
Acupuncture treatment
Ermen (TE21), Tinggong (SI19), and Tinghui (GB2) improve inner ear circulation, while Fengchi (GB20) and Wangu (GB12) promote blood flow to the head and face. During acute vertigo attacks, Neiguan (PC6) is effective for relieving nausea.
Managing attacks and prevention
- During an attack: lie down in a safe place, close your eyes, and keep the head still
- A low-salt diet (under 2 g sodium per day) helps reduce endolymph retention
- Limit caffeine and alcohol — both negatively affect inner ear circulation
- Stress management — directly linked to attack frequency