CAN AYURVEDA HELP CURE VERTIGO?

Q Can ayurveda help vertigo in an elderly person?

AThe sudden sensation that your head or your entire body is spinning is described as vertigo.

The symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may include intermittent symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, nausea and vomiting. Abnormal rhythmic eye movements usually accompany the symptoms of BPPV, which has also been associated with migraines. The condition is due to a disorder of the equilibrium sensor in the inner ear. This can be caused by a sudden change in body position, such as turning over in bed abruptly or getting in and out of bed suddenly.

BPPV is mainly encountered in the elderly, and the most common cause is degeneration of the vestibular system of the inner ear. Prevalence of BPPV is seven times higher in those above 60 years, compared with those aged 18 to 39 years. Women are more susceptible than men. A head injury or any other disorder of the balance organs of your ear may make you more susceptible.

In Ayurveda, the symptoms are equated with a disorder due to vata and pitta imbalance. According to Ayurveda, all movements in the body are governed and controlled by the energy factor vata.

Vata causes wear and tear and pitta causes inflammation. According to Ayurveda, childhood is a kapha-dominated time; middle age is pitta time; and advanced years is vata time. The chances of getting an imbalance of vata is higher in the elderly.

Ayurveda treatments like Nasya (nasal drops), Shirodhara, Thalam (application of medicine on crown), Karnapooranam (ear drops) and vata balancing internal medications may help. Consulting an ayurvedic practitioner in person would be necessary.

Favour sweets over sour foods; have milk, ghee, meat soups. Apply oil on scalp.

Reduce spicy and salty foods, exposure to cold breezes and sun.

Avoid late nights, overexertion and stress. Rest is essential. Try applying ksheerabala thailam or a few drops of ghee on your scalp before a shower.

Take a teaspoon of ghee at bedtime followed by a glass of warm milk. Eat raisins or dates.

Include green gram (moong dhal) and urud dhal sautéed with ghee in your diet.