Health

The Rollercoaster of Vertigo: Exercises from Yoga for Feeling Balanced and Stable

Posted: Sep 19, 2018

With vertigo, your life can feel like a rollercoaster ride in a matter of seconds.

Vertigo is characterized by a sensation of spinning and dizziness, even without actual movement.

Medical treatments for vertigo often include a range of prescription drugs, and in extreme cases, surgery. Home remedies for vertigo may require abstinence from substances such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.

While no single cure has been identified to treat vertigo, yoga’s effect on the central nervous system makes regular yoga practice an excellent complement to western medicine. Certain yoga postures improve balance and soothe the nervous system, thus reducing symptoms of vertigo and supporting the healing process.

Causes and symptoms

Vertigo occurs when the inner ear fails to receive enough blood flow. Causes can include disturbances in the balance organs of either the inner ear or parts of the brain, known as sensory nerve pathways.

Viruses, such as those causing the common "cold" or "flu," can attack the inner ear and its nerve connections to the brain, which can result in severe vertigo as well. Any harm or damage to the skull may cause devastating vertigo with nausea and hearing loss. Certain foods or airborne particles (such as dust, molds, pollens, danders, etc.), to which one is allergic, can also trigger the symptom.

Diseases of the nerves, such as multiple sclerosis, syphilis, tumours, etc., can also affect balance, as can simple dehydration.

Yoga for vertigo

Postures that activate the nervous system and balance centers of the inner ear, as well as build focus and concentration, are excellent for the treatment of vertigo. Yoga in general has a direct effect on the sympathetic nervous system and helps to improve blood circulation to the head and other parts of the body.

Ease your symptoms with the following comforting vertigo exercises:.

Bhramari pranayama (bee breath)

Bhramari Pranayama (bee breath) instantly calms the brain and nervous system and can be helpful in the prevention and reduction of anxiety, irritation and anger. Bee breath can also relieve migraine tension, a common side effect of vertigo.

Nadi shodhan pranayama

Nadi shodhan pranayama, also known as alternate nostril breathing, purifies the blood and respiratory system. The deeper breathing enriches the blood with oxygen, strengthens the respiratory system and balances the nervous system.

Child’s pose

Child’s pose is a deeply restorative posture that calms the nervous system and relieves stress and fatigue. Child’s pose is especially beneficial for dizziness and can be practised to relieve dizzy spells while they occur.

Halasana (plow pose)

Halasana strengthens and opens up the neck, shoulders, abs and back muscles. Halasana simultaneously strengthens the body while balancing the inner ear and nervous system.

Paschimottanasana (sitting forward bend)

Paschimottanasana acts as a stress reliever and removes anxiety, anger and irritability. This posture provides a deep stretch in the body, especially the back and legs, while restoring balance in the body.

Shavasana (corpse pose)

Shavasana is one of the best postures to practice for vertigo. It brings a deep, meditative state of rest, which may help repair tissues and cells and release stress. Corpse pose also helps reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia.

Poses to Avoid

In general, vertigo sufferers are cautioned against sudden forward bends. Downward facing poses should also be avoided. Most importantly, vertigo sufferers should practice yoga slowly to avoid feelings of dizziness.

Restorative postures can have a deeply beneficial effect for those suffering from vertigo and are an ideal complement to western medical treatment. Next time symptoms such as dizziness arise, reach into your toolbox of breathing techniques and asanas and enjoy your power to consciously end your rollercoaster ride.

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