How to Stop Vertigo

The spinning, out-of-control feelings associated with vertigo can range from a minor inconvenience to a debilitating condition. Vertigo is often connected to an inner ear problem, but it can also be associated with psychological or other conditions. If you have vertigo, your doctor may try a prescription drug, but if that doesn't work, consider vertigo exercises and holistic treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Ginko biloba
• Feverfew
• Ginger
• Vinpocetine

Instructions

Exercises

1. Lie down on your side on a bed. Angle your head up so you would be looking at the face of someone standing in front of you. Hold this position for 30 seconds. If you begin to get vertigo, hold the position until it goes away.

2. Sit up for 30 seconds, then lie on your other side and repeat the exercise. Do this exercise about three times a day for the next two weeks.

3. Walk in a circle about four meters wide for about three minutes at a time. Do this three times a day for the next few weeks.

4. Walk backwards in a straight line. Once you start to feel comfortable doing this exercise, start doing it with your head tilted to one side and then repeat with your head tilted to the other side. Again, try to do this three times a day for two weeks.

Homeopathic Treatments

1. Take 120 milligrams of ginko bilboa twice a day. Studies show that this herbal remedy helps increase blood flow to the brain and can help repair damage to the inner ear. A study by the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, England, found that ginko bilboa was exceptionally effective in helping to cure symptoms of vertigo while giving patients minimal side effects.

2. Try other herbal remedies like feverfew, ginger and vinpocetine. These have not been studied as thoroughly as ginko bilboa, but each has effects that may treat vertigo. Feverfew can aid blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the inner ear. Ginger can help reduce nausea and dizziness. Vinpocetine, an extract of the periwinkle plant, increases oxygen to the brain and, studies show, helps protect it against toxic damage.

3. Check your diet. Nutritionists and practitioners of Eastern medicine recommend cutting out sugary and fatty foods if you suffer from vertigo. Both high cholesterol and diabetes can increase your chances of suffering from vertigo, so these small sacrifices can make big differences in your health.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables. These foods can increase the blood flow in your body and brain and help reduce your symptoms.

References

• Vertigo: How to Put a Stop to Distressing Symptoms
• University of Michigan: Positional Vertigo