Acupuncture for Vertigo Relief: Does It Really Work?

Picture this—you’re standing at the checkout line when suddenly the world starts spinning. If you deal with vertigo, you know this feeling all too well. Between the dizziness, nausea, and constant fear of falling, vertigo can severely disrupt your life. It can make even simple tasks like walking and reading feel daunting.

This leads many vertigo sufferers to search for holistic ways to find relief, like acupuncture. But does acupuncture for vertigo really work? Read on to learn what the research says. But first, let’s cover some basics.

What is Vertigo?

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Vertigo is a sensation of moving or spinning when you’re not. It can cause dizziness and make you feel unsteady—even when standing still.

Vertigo isn’t a standalone illness, it’s a symptom of several health conditions. It often occurs with other symptoms, depending on the root cause.

Symptoms that may come with vertigo include:

Dizziness
Trouble focusing the eyes
Nausea or vomiting
Hearing loss (in one or both ears)
Ringing in your ears (aka tinnitus)
Balance problems

Vertigo comes in two forms:

Peripheral vertigo is the most common form. It’s caused by problems with the inner ear or vestibular nerve—which both play a role in your sense of balance. Peripheral vertigo can be due to ear inflammation, Meniere’s disease, or other inner ear disorders.^1,2 Some medications may lead to peripheral vertigo too.³
Central vertigo, on the other hand, stems from problems with the brain. This could be due to a stroke, infection, brain injury, or tumors.^1,2 While this form is less common, it tends to have more severe symptoms.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that’s been around for over 3,000 years.⁴ It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. This is meant to balance the flow of energy, or qi, along the energy meridians to stimulate healing.

While acupuncture is an ancient practice, it’s become more mainstream in recent years. It’s shown to be an effective treatment for pain, headaches, digestive symptoms, insomnia, and much more.

Can Acupuncture Help Vertigo?

Evidence suggests it can.

In one 2015 study, participants had immediate relief from dizziness and vertigo after a 30-minute treatment.⁵

Other research echoes this. A 2017 review took a look at 10 studies of over 900 vertigo patients.⁶ They found acupuncture may be more effective at relieving vertigo than conventional medications.

While promising, the authors noted that more research is needed to assess the long-term safety of acupuncture for vertigo.

How Does Acupuncture for Vertigo Work?

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Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation and health history. Based on that, you’ll receive a customized treatment plan.

At your first session, your acupuncturist will place thin, hairlike needles at specific points along your body. Needle placement will vary depending on your symptoms.

Acupuncture points for vertigo may include:⁷

Baihui (GV-20): This point is located at the top of the head. Stimulating this acupoint is said to improve blood flow to the brain.
Fengchi (GB-20): This point sits at the base of the skull, in the hollow on either side of the neck. It’s often used to relieve headaches, neck pain, and dizziness.
Neiguan (P-6 or PC-6): Located at the inner forearm, about three finger widths below your wrist, this point is often used to ease nausea and anxiety.
Zusanli (ST-36): This point is located about 2-3 inches below your kneecap, outside your shinbone. It’s often used to alleviate nausea or dizziness.
Fenglong (ST-40): This point sits halfway between the knee and ankle, about two finger widths outside the shinbone. It’s said to clear phlegm, move qi, and improve blood flow.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Vertigo

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Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive way to manage vertigo, and perfect for those who prefer a natural approach. One huge perk of acupuncture is that it complements other treatments, both conventional and holistic. It can be paired with medications, massage, or chiropractic care for a well-rounded route to relief.

On top of that, acupuncture can help relieve symptoms outside of vertigo. It can ease anxiety, improve sleep, boost circulation, and reduce inflammation. After all, it’s not just about calming the spinning—but about helping you feel better overall.

Risks of Acupuncture for Vertigo

Acupuncture is considered safe, as long as it’s performed by a licensed practitioner. That said, some mild side effects are possible. Some people may experience soreness or bruising at needle insertion sites. However, any discomfort is typically short-lived.

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Are Needed for Vertigo?

It’s hard to say. It depends on the person, the severity of symptoms, and the underlying cause. Some people may find relief after a single acupuncture session. Others may need 4-6 treatments to find relief.

Get Relief From Vertigo With Acupuncture in Orland Park, IL

Living with vertigo can be exhausting—but you don’t have to face it alone. At Anchored in Health, we proudly offer acupuncture to relieve vertigo and restore balance to your body.

Our certified acupuncturist has over 20 years of experience treating a wide range of health issues—from vertigo to insomnia, to chronic pain.

So if you live in the Chicago area and are tired of feeling off-balance, follow these steps:

Contact us with questions.
Schedule your first acupuncture treatment here.
Discover how acupuncture can relieve vertigo and help you regain control of your life!

Other Alternative Health Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL

At Anchored in Health, acupuncture isn’t all we do. We offer many complementary therapies in addition to acupuncture to support your health and well-being. This includes chiropractic care, massage therapy, functional medicine, and the Shape ReClaimed program. We also provide genetic testing and thermography to get to the root of your symptoms.

Ready to take the first step towards a happier, healthier you? Contact us to schedule your consultation, and let’s get you feeling better!