Metaphorically, you may have reached dizzying heights of success or pleasure in your life so far. In such cases you end up feeling on the top of the world. However, when it comes being literally dizzy, it is not such a great feeling.
In certain cases, like pregnancy and inebriated states, dizziness is temporary. However, there are also some serious physical conditions which make one feel dizzy such as vertigo.
The main cause of dizziness is usually vertigo – a condition associated with a disturbance in the sense of balance and equilibrium in the brain. Those suffering from vertigo have a sensation of imbalance and spinning because it usually affects the inner ear – the area that is responsible for the direction of motion. The function of inner ear is to send signals to the brain about movements related to gravity and thereby regulate the balance of your body.
There are many causes of balance disorders but the most common one is any disorder of the inner ear. The vestibular system in our inner ears is responsible for body balance. The fluid in the vestibular system in coordination with different organs and sensory systems, detect the mechanical movement and thus maintain our body balance. Due to a malfunctioning in the signals of our sensory system, the balance of the body goes off-balance. These signals may be distorted as a result of infection or inflammation in the inner ears. The culprits can even be viral infections in the upper respiratory system or bacterial infections.
Causes of Dizziness:
It happens when the inner ear does not receive enough blood flow.
Certain viruses, like those who cause common cold or influenza affect the inner ear and its nerve connections to the brain. This condition is called vestibule neuritis – an inflammation of the inner ear generally due to viral infections.
An accident or injury to the skull may cause vertigo along with nausea and hearing loss.
Any allergies triggered by food or airborne particles such as dust, molds, and pollen can cause vertigo.
Some diseases that affect the nerves, such as syphilis, tumours or multiple sclerosis can also cause dizziness.
BPPV- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is usually due to tiny calcium deposits that clump the inner ear canal.
Meniere’s disorder causes vertigo along with ringing sound or tinnitus due to fluid built up resulting in pressure change in the inner ear.
Ear Balance Disorder is a condition mostly found in people above 65 years in which people constantly feel dizzy and unsteady – while standing, sitting or even sleeping. This could cause unavoidable injuries which can disturb the overall health of a person.
In the elderly, vertigo is also caused due to cervical spondylitis and sinusitis.
Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, nausea, weakness, lack of concentration, and may even lead to fainting.
Postural defects and jerky bodily movements are also a common cause of vertigo.
Symptoms
The following common symptoms come or go intermittently and can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
Loss of balance
Unsteady walk
Spiralling
Fear of falling down
Tipping
Foggy vision
Swaying
Feeling like being pulled to one direction
Feeling of floating
Feeling of fainting
Headache
Ringing sound in ears
Disoriented mind
Lack of concentration and focus
Yogic Management of Dizziness
The muscular-skeletal system works hand in hand with the nervous system to maintain body balance – and this is called neuro-muscular coordination. Yogic techniques play a significant role here because they focus on this harmony to create a sense of balance.
Experiments and case studies of patients monitored in 2014 have proven that some yoga postures promote coordination between the nervous system and the vestibular system to improve balance. Some other postures work on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and increases the circulation in the head and the rest of the body.
With regular practice, yoga improves immunity of the body. This reduces the effect of viral and bacterial infections which cause ear imbalance. Our ears are exposed to a lot of damage over the years with loud music, water retention, and so on. Yoga decelerates the ageing process and protects the inner ear. At times, the pressure of the blood vessels around ear canals increases but with regular practice of yoga this pressure can be reduced.
During a vertigo attack, however, it is advisable to rest and to start the practice only when the symptoms have subsided.
In case of BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), it is best to go in the postures very slowly and to avoid any jerky actions, especially of the neck and head.
Yogic techniques for dizziness are listed below. However, people with heart ailments, high blood pressure, glaucoma, recent surgeries, spine problems, weak bones, pregnant ladies should not attempt some of these techniques. Medical advice and expert guidance are essential before practicing.
This restorative asana calms the mind and eases the pressure on the nervous system. During a vertigo attack, a relaxing pose such as this will help you steady yourself. With regular practice this asana strengthens your nervous system.
Steps:
Kneel down on the mat and place your hips on the feet.
Keep your back straight and bend forward so that your chest can touch your knees.
Try to bring your forehead towards the floor.
Rest your hands on your sides, palms facing up.
Hold the pose for a few moments, and slowly come back to the starting position.
Adhomukha Svanasana – The Downward Dog Posture
This asana eases the pressure created on the inner ears and increases blood flow to the head region.
Steps:
Kneel on the mat and keep hip-width distance between your knees.
Place your palms in line with the shoulders on the mat.
Press the floor with palms, straighten your elbows, and raise your hips up keeping your knees straight.
Hold this posture for a few moments and then slowly come back to the starting position.
This asana increases the blood flow in the head, strengthens the nervous system and relieves stress.
Steps:
Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you and your hands by your sides.
Bend your hands at the elbows with palms facing downwards.
Lean backwards and while exhaling, gradually bend forward.
Try to touch your toes or hold your feet.
Gently lower your head as much as you possibly can.
Hold the pose for a few moments and keep breathing.
While inhaling, return to the initial position.
Viparita Karani – The Inverted Posture
This inversion benefits those who have vertigo because it calms the mind and relieves headaches. It also facilita tes blood flow to the head area and induces relaxation.
Steps:
Lie supine with your hands by your sides.
Slowly reaise your legs up with the help of your hands.
Maintain steadiness by holding your body with your hands at the back for support.
Breathe normally and hold this pose for a few moments depending on your comfort level.
Gently lower your hips using your hands.
This asana can also be practiced using the support of the wall for resting your legs.
Supta Bhadrasana – The Auspicious Posture (supine)
This restorative asana improves the blood circulation and reduces dizziness by calming your mind.
Steps:
Lie supine and bring your feet together in Namaste position.
Rest your hands on your thighs.
Breathe normally and hold the position for a few seconds.
This relaxing asana relieves muscular and nervous tension and improves concentration and focus.
Steps:
Lie down on your belly making a pillow of your hands.
Keep your legs outstretched with toes inwards, touching each other and heels apart.
Remain motionless in this position and place the weight of your body on the ground completely.
Close your eyes and breathe normally.
Relax in this posture for a few minutes.
Slowly open your eyes, turn to your right side for a few moments and then gently lift yourself up into a sitting position.
Shavasana – The Corpse Posture
This asana provides complete relaxation and helps one to overcome dizziness immediately.
Steps:
Lie supine keeping your hands a little away from your body with palms facing up.
Breathe naturally and slowly.
Without moving any part of your body, consciously pay attention to the 16 vital zones (Marmasthana) of the body – toes, ankles, knees, thighs along with hands and arms, groin, pelvis, navel, abdomen, chest, neck, lips, tip of the nose, eyes, space between the eyebrows, forehead, top of the head.
Relax in this position for 10 -15 minutes.
Breathe normally and gently open your eyes.
Gently turn to your right side for a few minutes and then slowly come into a sitting position with the help of your hands.
If you have episodes of dizziness, and would like to do yoga asanas, follow th ese guidelines:
Take an opinion from a medical practitioner before you start yoga and always practice under the guidance of a trained teacher.
Practice slowly and gently without rushing from one pose to another and taking enough rest between poses.
Always practice yoga asanas near a wall so you stay safe in case you lose balance.
Do forward bends, if at all you choose to do them, very gently and slowly.
Do not looking up at your arms in any pose.
Back bending poses that involve hanging your head might cause dizziness.
Avoid holding your breath.
Do Balasana if you feel dizzy at any point during your practice.
Try to avoid forward bends and downward facing poses.
Just rest and relax if you have a vertigo attack.
The most wonderful aspect of Yogic techniques is that they are non-invasive. They treat dizziness effectively by improving circulation in the head, strengthening the nervous system, and activating the balance centers. A regular practice will calm your mind, ease your nervous system, relieve stress, eliminate headaches, strengthen your neck muscles, and improve your balance and focus.