Yoga for vertigo
Vertigo is 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.
If you’d like to try yoga for your vertigo please get in touch. Click below have a look at the timetable. All classes are suitable for beginners.