Q I'd like to know how herbal medicine and acupuncture work for Meniere's disease.
A Herbal medicine revives Spleen-Stomach function to resolve phlegm-fluid and restore water metabolism, while acupuncture stimulates points around the ear to improve inner ear circulation. When the two treatments are combined, you can expect an effect of lowering endolymphatic pressure and reducing attacks.
Detailed Answer
The herbal medicines used for Meniere's disease are mainly formulas that resolve phlegm-fluid (fluid-dampness) and strengthen the Spleen-Stomach, with Banha-baekchul-cheonma-tang (Pinellia, Atractylodes and Gastrodia decoction) and Taeksa-tang (Alisma decoction) being representative. Pinellia (banha) and Atractylodes (baekchul) revive the Spleen-Stomach's transforming and transporting function, while Alisma (taeksa) and Poria (bokryeong) reduce inner ear fluid-dampness stagnation through their diuretic and water-draining action. When Kidney deficiency is also present, formulas of the Yukmijihwang-tang and Gwibi-tang families are added. Acupuncture uses points around the ear such as Cheonggung (SI19), Imun (TE21), Yepung (TE17), and Wangol (GB12), together with distal points such as Taegye (KI3) and Joksamni (ST36), to stimulate inner ear circulation and Kidney function simultaneously.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, because the proportions of phlegm-induced dizziness, Kidney deficiency, and Liver qi stagnation differ for each Meniere's patient, we tailor prescriptions individually. While stabilizing the inner ear fluid-dampness environment with herbal medicine, we open the circulation around the ear with acupuncture to enhance the treatment effect. In the early phase of treatment, we typically combine acupuncture 2-3 times a week with herbal medicine, and in the stable phase, we transition to maintenance treatment with herbal medicine alone.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Can Meniere's disease be completely cured, or is it a condition I have to manage for life?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I'm constantly anxious because I never know when an attack will come, and I can't even go out anymore. Is psychological distress also something you treat?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
What happens if Meniere's, which started in one ear, spreads to the other ear as well?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
When a severe vertigo attack suddenly hits, what should I do right away at home?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
What daily habits are important for preventing Meniere's attacks in everyday life?
#Lifestyle Management