Meniere’s Disease – Basics

Meniere’s Disease is a disorder that causes a shift in the volume of fluid in the inner ear. Meniere’s Disease typically affects only one ear and can cause tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, sensation of fullness in the ear, pain and hearing loss. Characterized by episodic attacks, individuals with Meniere’s Disease experience symptoms that range in severity and last several hours.

Meniere’s Disease – Diagnostic Patterns

The Chinese Medicine treatment of Meniere’s disease generally involves arriving at the appropriate TCM diagnosis or pattern. This pattern within the individual is what treatment is based on not the general condition . The following patterns may represent the underlying contributing factors for the development of Meniere’s disease: Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Wind and Spleen Qi Deficiency.

Research

He 2016 (SR of 12 RCTs)(1): Acupoint stimulation significantly effective in controlling vertigo but did not improve hearing loss; very low evidence

Reference

1. He J, Jiang L, Peng T, Xia M, Chen H. Acupuncture Points Stimulation for Meniere’s Disease/Syndrome: A Promising Therapeutic Approach. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:6404197.