Acupressure for vertigo and dizziness

Acupressure offers useful self-help for non-specific dizziness, lightheadedness and the residual unsteadiness that follows an episode of inner-ear vertigo. The points work by improving cervical-cranial blood flow (the GB 20 mechanism), calming the autonomic nervous system (Yintang, PC 6) and grounding excessive Yang (KD 1). Acupressure does not replace medical assessment for new sudden vertigo — that requires examination to identify cause — but for the recurrent, mild or post-episode patterns it is genuinely effective. See also the full vertigo condition page.

The four core points

GB 20 (Fengchi) — “Wind Pool”

Location. At the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the spine where the neck muscles meet the bone.

Technique. With the head supported, press both points firmly with the thumbs, directing pressure forward and slightly upward toward the eyes. Hold for 1–2 minutes.

Why. GB 20 is the single most important point for dizziness in classical Chinese medicine. It clears the head, releases neck tension that compromises vertebral artery flow, and addresses both internal Liver Wind (Yang rising producing rotation) and external Wind invading the upper body. Most patients with cervicogenic dizziness feel measurable improvement within minutes.

ST 8 (Touwei) — “Head’s Corner”

Location. At the corner of the forehead, half a finger-width into the hairline above the outer end of each eyebrow, at the apex of the bend where the hairline turns.

Technique. Press with the fingertip or knuckle, with light to moderate pressure. Hold for 1 minute per side.

Why. ST 8 is the classical point for dizziness with heavy head, foggy thinking and the sensation of fullness across the forehead. It addresses Phlegm-Damp obstructing the head — the TCM pattern that maps onto many cases of post-viral dizziness, sinus-related lightheadedness and the heavy-head pattern of perimenopausal hormonal change.

Yintang — “Hall of Impression”

Location. Midway between the eyebrows.

Technique. Firm thumb pressure for 1–2 minutes with eyes closed.

Why. Calms the central nervous system and reduces the anxiety component that amplifies dizziness. Many dizziness episodes have a learned anxiety overlay that exacerbates the underlying sensation; Yintang interrupts that feedback loop.

PC 6 (Neiguan) — “Inner Pass”

Location. On the inside of the forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease.

Technique. Firm thumb pressure for 1–2 minutes per wrist. Sea-Bands maintain continuous pressure for travel and prolonged episodes.

Why. PC 6 is the most-researched point for motion sickness, the dizziness-with-nausea combination, and the autonomic instability that often accompanies vestibular disorders. Particularly useful when dizziness comes with that “car sick” feeling.

Supplementary points

KD 3 (Taixi)

In the depression behind the inner ankle bone. Tonifies Kidney Essence — the deep constitutional resource depletion that often underlies age-related vertigo and tinnitus. Daily use over weeks supports the chronic constitutional pattern. See the tinnitus page for the closely related Kidney pattern.

LV 3 (Taichong)

Between the big toe and second toe. Addresses Liver Yang rising — the pattern where dizziness comes with throbbing headache, irritability and high blood pressure tendency. Combine with GB 20 for this pattern.

KD 1 (Yongquan)

In the depression on the sole of the foot. Grounding point for dizziness with feelings of floating, ungrounded, or “up in the head”. Particularly useful with KD 3 in older patients.

A practical routine

For an episode of dizziness or lightheadedness:

1. Sit or lie down somewhere safe; do not stand or drive
2. Slow nasal breathing for 1–2 minutes (4 in, 6 out)
3. Press GB 20 at the base of the skull for 1–2 minutes
4. Press Yintang for 1 minute
5. Press PC 6 on both wrists for 1 minute each
6. If still elevated, add KD 1 on both soles for 2 minutes

For chronic recurrent dizziness, run the routine daily and add KD 3 for constitutional support.

BPPV needs a specific manoeuvre, not acupressure

BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) — the classical brief spinning vertigo triggered by head movements, particularly rolling over in bed — is caused by displaced otoliths in the semicircular canals. The definitive treatment is the Epley canalith-repositioning manoeuvre, performed by a GP, physiotherapist or ENT. Acupressure relieves residual dizziness after Epley but does not replace it.

When to see a doctor — not acupressure

1. Sudden severe vertigo with hearing loss, ear fullness or tinnitus — possible labyrinthitis, Ménière’s or vestibular neuritis
2. Vertigo with neurological signs (weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, double vision, facial droop) — emergency, possible stroke
3. Vertigo after head injury
4. Vertigo with severe headache
5. Persistent vertigo beyond a few days

Browse the full acupressure hub, the acupressure for headaches guide for combined patterns, or the vertigo page for the clinical approach.