Dizziness and Vertigo are classed as Wind diseases in traditional Medicine. Humoralists would classify some as Phlegm, some Bile and some Melancholy. Phlegm refers to what TCM calls Wind-Phlegm, Bile equates with Wind-Heat and Melancholy with Yin and Essence deficiency.

• Wind-Phlegm–pale face and tongue, white coating, sound of phlegm in the throat or expectoration of phlegm, feels heavy, mind is dull or foggy, pulse is low
• Wind-Heat–red face, red tongue, big or bounding pulse, headache, maybe constipation and high colored urine

Modern TCM differential diagnosis has added Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis and Deficiency as other causitive factors.

The Stomach and digestion were frequently regarded as a primary cause in the Western Tradition. In such cases, vomiting and purging, in addition to diet regulation are required. In such cases, Stomach Pills are very effective. We can also see many formulas based on the seeds of Apiaceae (Cumin, Caraway, Anise, Fennel etc) combined with spices. These formulas settle Wind, move Qi, clear Phlegm and Damp and regulate digestion.

Other Treatment

If there is excess Heat or Blood, bleed the Cephalic vein, or the Shoulders and Forehead Vein. Cupping with scarification can be applied to the forehead or rear iof the Head, also the tips of the Shoulders and base of the Neck (C7).

When the Stomach is involved (dirty tongue coating), Vomiting is very beneficial. Gargles, Masticating medicines, oils and various scents all have some benefit in the right cases.

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See also

The Treatment of Vertigo (Adam)
Treatment of Vertigo from Praxis Medicinae Theorica et Empirica

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Special Formulas:

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Research:

1. The Role of Phlebotomy (Fasd) and Wet Cupping (Hijamat) to Manage Dizziness and Vertigo From the Viewpoint of Persian Medicine

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Case History

A male in his late 70’s came for treatment for back pain. He was a farmer and still very active, had a strong pulse, a red tongue with a yellowish coating, and was of a robust constitution. While questioning him he said that he had suffered from Vertigo for decades and that he’d had various treatments over the years and nothing had worked. I had recently made my first ever batch of Stomach Pills (Aloe, Rose and Mastic) and knew that they had been used for diseases of the Head, including Dizziness and Vertigo, when associated with the Stomach. Due to his strong constitution and yellow tongue coat I decided 5 days of these pills, taken once per day before bed, would help cleanse the system in preparation for a more targeted formula. The next week he came back and, to both of our amazement, his Vertigo had been completely relieved after 3 doses. He said ‘you’ve cured it. No more Vertigo. Now can you fix my back?’
  I told him that a week would probably not be long enough treatment to cure it, but it was great that it was relieved so quickly. Treatment focused on his Back and he was given Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with Pearl added for a month. Follow up months later showed no return of his Vertigo.
  This illustrates the usefulness in judicious purging. His presentation suited a formula such as Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin which I expect would’ve needed weeks, perhaps months of treatment, to achieve similar relief.