The Role of Alternative Medicine in Meniere's Disease

There are no studies to prove the efficacy or safety of most complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Reports of success are mostly anecdotal and not based on the results of controlled clinical trials. It is important to notify your health care provider if you are using any alternative therapies, no matter how insignificant or benign they may seem.

There are several alternative or complementary therapies for the treatment of vertigo including:

• Acupuncture, acupressure, and moxibustion (applicated of heated "moxa" herb to accupuncture points to stimulate blood flow)
• Osteopathic adjustments or chiropractic manipulation
• Massage therapy
• Meditation and relaxation therapy

Nutrients that may be beneficial for vertigo (and accompanying nausea) include:

• Magnesium (grains, nuts, beans, green vegetables, and bananas)
• Calcium (yogurt, milk and cheese)
• Potassium (fresh fruits and vegetables)
• Bioflavonoids
• Lipoflavonoids
• B vitamins
• Multivitamin supplements
• Ginger root

Herbs that may be beneficial for vertigo include:

• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng (panax ginseng)
• Blessed thistle (cnicus benedictus)
• Hawthorn (crataegus oxycanthus)
• Gotu kola (centella asiatica)
• Cocculus compositum (vertigoheel)- This substance has been approved by the FDA as a prescription drug and is listed in the Physician Desk Reference guide.
• Di-vertigo - a combination of 7 highly concentrated oils that is rubbed behind each ear. Anecdotally there are claims that 80% of people using this product have resolution of their vertigo.