Emotional Strain
Anger, frustration, resentment, bottled-up hatred and any other emotion which affects the Liver
may cause Liver-Yang to rise. This is a common cause of dizziness of the Full type.
On the other hand, prolonged stagnation of Qi from emotional strain often gives rise to Fire, in
this case Liver-Fire which may also cause dizziness. Moreover, Liver-Fire may generate Wind
which causes even more intense dizziness, to the point of loss of balance.
Overwork or Excessive Sexual Activity
Overwork and/or excessive sexual activity over many years without adequate rest weakens the
Kidneys. These fail to generate enough Marrow to nourish the brain and dizziness results. This is
dizziness of the Empty type.
Diet
Excessive consumption of greasy foods or dairy products or simply irregular eating may weaken
the Spleen and lead to Dampness and Phlegm. When this is associated with a deficiency of Qi in
the Upper Burner, the clear Qi cannot rise to the head and turbid Phlegm stagnates there giving
rise to dizziness, blurred vision and a sensation of muzziness and heaviness of the head.
As for pathology, the most important distinction to be made in dizziness is that between
Deficiency and Excess. The sensation of dizziness quite simply arises either because not enough
Qi reaches the head (Deficiency type) or because there is a pathogenic factor in the head which
prevents the clear Yang from reaching the head (Excess type).
The main deficiencies which give rise to dizziness are those of Qi and Blood or Kidney-Essence.
The main pathogenic factors causing dizziness are Liver-Yang, Liver-Fire, Liver-Wind and
Phlegm.
Dizziness deriving from a deficiency is slight and is associated with blurred vision. It may occur
only on change of posture. When caused by a Full condition, dizziness is more severe, in serious
cases causing loss of balance. When Phlegm is the cause of dizziness it is associated with blurred
vision and a sensation of heaviness and muzziness of the head together with an inability to
concentrate.