Ménière's Disease — Korean Medicine Treatment for Vertigo and Tinnitus
Table of Contents
A spinning world: Ménière's disease
The world suddenly starts spinning, nausea sets in, one ear feels blocked, and a high-pitched ringing (tinnitus) appears. Episodes last from a few minutes to several hours and resolve on their own, but the fear of the next attack can severely limit daily life. Ménière's disease is caused by an excessive accumulation of endolymph in the inner ear, and even modern medicine considers it difficult to cure completely.
The Korean medicine perspective: phlegm-fluid and water-damp
In Korean medicine, Ménière's disease is understood as phlegm-fluid (痰飮) and water-damp (水濕) obstructing the meridians of the ear. When the spleen and stomach (digestive system) lose their ability to metabolize fluids, unnecessary water and phlegm stagnate in the body and rise to the head and ears, producing vertigo and tinnitus.
Treatment strategies by symptom
- Acute attacks: Taeksa-tang and Oryeong-san are used to drain water-damp quickly and calm the vertigo.
- When tinnitus is the main symptom: Iryeongjwaja-hwan and Jasintongi-tang improve blood flow around the ear.
- With hearing loss: Modified Ikgichongmyeong-tang or Bojungikgi-tang lifts qi and strengthens auditory function.
- Acupuncture: Stimulating acupoints around the ear such as Ermen (TE21), Tinghui (GB2), Yifeng (TE17), and Hegu (LI4) improves inner-ear circulation.
Preventing recurrence through daily care
Because Ménière's disease tends to recur, ongoing self-care is essential.
- Reduce salty foods to prevent fluid retention
- Get enough sleep and manage stress
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Begin preventive treatment ahead of seasonal transitions
Korean medicine treatment can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks and slow the progression of tinnitus and hearing loss.