Acupuncture for Meniere’s: How it Works and What to Expect

Acupuncture for Meniere’s

Most patients who seek a cervical chiropractor explore other complementary remedies for Meniere’s. One example of this is acupuncture. You may have heard about acupuncture therapy from fellow natural remedy enthusiasts. Alternatively, you might have come across this traditional form of medicine through some friends or loved ones who attest to the benefits they enjoyed after completing a few sessions with their acupuncture therapist. But how does it work? Moreover, how can it help relieve vertigo episodes that stem from Meniere’s disease?

Acupuncture: One Of The Most Popular Natural Remedies In The World

You likely encountered acupuncture if you have dabbled with traditional Chinese alternative medicine for pain relief. This specific technique uses thin needles to activate the central nervous system. Studies note several benefits of acupuncture, including: 

Improved blood flow 

Ensuring proper blood flow is crucial to maintaining good health. That’s because blood carries essential nutrients needed by various organs to function correctly. Sadly, sometimes blood flow gets interrupted by injuries like cervical subluxation and whiplash. 

This prevents organs like the brain and brainstem from receiving enough oxygen and other nutrients and increases risks for health mishaps like vertigo attacks. Thankfully, acupuncture can help boost blood flow by activating vasodilation or expansion of the blood vessels. 

Activation of the body’s self-regulating mechanisms

Some studies claim that acupuncture stimulates the body’s self-healing mechanisms by activating the nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, and sensory neurons. 

Stimulation of the release of our natural pain relievers 

Inserting acupuncture needles in certain parts of the body activates the release of pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and norepinephrine.

Reduced stress and anxiety levels

Some studies have found that acupuncture helps patients cope with pain and disorienting symptoms like vertigo by reducing stress and anxiety. The technique boosts the production and release of oxytocin, a hormone, and neurotransmitter that helps regulate the body’s flight or fight response.

 

Acupuncture for Meniere’s Relief: What Studies Say

Because of the promising benefits that acupuncture offers to people with disorienting conditions like Meniere’s, more and more studies have tried to investigate the technique. One notable study was published in 2021 by Chinese researchers looking into natural ways to relieve Meniere’s disease symptoms. Here are the details of the study:

  • The researchers used the warm-promotion needling method to help 30 patients diagnosed with Meniere’s.
  • They also used three scoring factors, namely, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, to quantify the effects of acupuncture therapy on the patients.
  • The therapy program lasted for four sessions or approximately 28 days.
  • After completing the program, the patients noticed significant improvements in their vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and hearing problems. 

It would be quite exciting to see additional studies on acupuncture and Meniere’s disease relief, especially those that would expand their research respondents to more patients. When in doubt about how it works, be sure to speak with your therapist so you can address your concerns and queries about the process and your expectations. You can also try it to see if it’s a good fit for your current needs. 

Alternatively, you can also check out other potential sources of vertigo relief. There are several options, depending on your preference and current condition.

acupuncture, cervical chiropractor

Alternative Options for Meniere’s Disease Relief

The healthcare and wellness industry has paved the way for many promising sources of vertigo relief. Some examples of the techniques or remedies that patients turn to when they need help include the following:  

Taking diuretics to manage fluid build-up

Because abnormal fluid build-up in the inner ears accounts for most cases of Meniere’s disease, some doctors and ear specialists recommend managing the condition with diuretics. Medications such as Lasix or Dyazide can help expel excess water in the body to lessen the pressure inside the inner ears. We suggest working closely with your physician or ENT to know the dose of diuretics you need to cope with your debilitating symptoms. 

Considering inner ear surgery

The worst cases of Meniere’s disease sometimes require surgical intervention. Labyrinthectomy or removing the labyrinth bone inside the ears can help prevent sudden bouts of vertigo. However, it’s crucial to look into the potential risks, such as deafness or permanent hearing loss, to avoid creating a new problem. Be sure to speak with your physician or ear doctor to know if you need to undergo surgery or if you can opt for less invasive vertigo remedies. 

Working with a cervical chiropractor

Several patients with Meniere’s disease visit a cervical chiropractor to manage their symptoms. Upper cervical chiropractic has shown immense potential in helping the body boost overall health and resolving recurring problems like vertigo attacks. Essentially, upper cervical care works by addressing misalignments along the neck – which studies widely associate with the onset of nasty health concerns like Meniere’s disease. 

Changes in your neck’s natural curvature can compromise several tissues like the brainstem. They can also impede fluid drainage in the head, increasing the pressure in the vestibular system. 

We strongly recommend working hand in hand with a cervical chiropractor to check if your neck bones follow proper alignment or if you should consider seeking atlas and axis bone adjustments.

 

Your One Step Away from Improving Your Overall Health

Upper Cervical Chiropractic has shown immense potential in alleviating several health problems. That’s because of its holistic approach to healing the body. Hence, if you think you have misaligned neckbones because of visible signs like uneven gait, neck stiffness, and unlevelled shoulders and hips, we suggest getting in touch with a cervical chiropractor

This way, you can undergo diagnostic procedures to analyze your neck structure and receive ample adjustments to correct the issue. Find a nearby upper cervical practice today!

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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.

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