Living With Vertigo

Do you suffer from VERTIGO?

Feeling sensations of spinning, when you lie down or roll over in bed or your depth of field is off. Vertigo makes you feel off balance, like the whole world is spinning. It can last for seconds, minutes hours or days. You feel dizzy, nauseous,, experience a loss of balance or have difficulty walking.

I’ve had it three times and most recently twice in the past 6 months. I’m coming to accept the fact that will have to start living with vertigo.

Ironically, I discovered vertigo when I co-presented a webinar with Jen McConvey, a vestibular physiotherapist from Physio Plus about it and how mindfulness can help reduce symptoms. I didn’t realize that I had it years before and then I experienced another episode shortly thereafter.

It Is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) 

BPPV happens when small particles of calcium carbonate crystals start to collect in the part of the inner ear called the semicircular canals. The canals are only supposed to hold fluid so the particles/crystals cause vertigo by floating around or attaching to the inside of one, or more, of the semicircular canals.

There are other possibilities that can cause vertigo from a viral infection, illnesses or lifestyle choices.

Doctors, therapists and chiropractors treat vertigo using the Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers for resolving all types of BPPV, even the most difficult and complex cases. the Epply maneuver,  moving your head and neck from one side to the other and then coming up, is the most common and most situations are resolved after a few maneuvers. You can look up this maneuver on You Tube, but I recommend seeing a vestibular specialist first and if needed a chiropractor for maintenance. There are a range of exercises to do ongoing that can strengthen your vestibular system.

There are many Lifestyle changes you can do on your own that are similar to what I practice with clients and the programs I offer:

• HYDRATE, drink water throughout the day of 10 or more glasses. The mouth gets dry when vertigo is active. Check your tongue which also carries lots of bacteria. Use a tongue scarper or gargle with salt water.
• Vertigo triggers the autonomic nervous system to kick in signaling the body to go into flight or flight, or sympathetic state. This causes heart palpitations, the body heating up with hot flashes or body sweats. Applying DEEP BREATHING and MEDITATION helps to calm the body, the temperature and heart moving into parasympathetic state of rest and digest.
• DRINK GINGER TEA for nausea felt in the stomach, a reaction to the fight or flight response. As well as what happens in the brain also effects the gut through the gut-brain axis. The sensitive balancing system of the ears, brain and whole body since everything is connected!
• REGULATE your blood sugar levels eating more alkaline, less acid foods and low glycemic foods.
• IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE! Somatic movement is a beneficial way to realign the body and release stress and tension points. Unfortunately, it is not recommended when vertigo is active.
• EXERCISE REGULARLY, practice walking regularly during an episode is very helpful to strengthen your vestibular system.
• STOP SMOKING as best you can!

What are other symptoms do you experience in your body during an episode?

If I can assist you in any way with your symptoms or recommend some professionals, please contact me at wellness@raniglick.com. If you would like to view the webinar about vestibular methods, click here.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Somatic Movement Sessions restarts May 18^th at 9:00 am

Somatic movement is a system of neuromuscular movement awareness practice and education. This work teaches us to recognize and release holding patterns and chronic pain resulting from injury, stress, repetitive strain, and habituated postures. This next somatic movement series is different from the ones offered in March and April. Sessions are free and virtual since I am training in this technique. Contact wellness@raniglick.com if you are interested and available.

Practice Together, Every Tuesday at 6:00 pm

We practice movement, breath awareness and meditation in community with others.  Mindful, gentle movement practice is adapted for participants in attendance.

This is a virtual class, please join us with an open mind. You are invited to bring friends, family or colleagues. These sessions are free.

Monthly Mindful Eating Meet-up Begins Monday May 29^th at 7 pm.

Rediscover your relationship with food and learn more about your natural diet system to feel well. Contact me to find out more wellness@raniglick.com.

I love hearing from you, please add a comment in the box below, contact me to book a consultation or send an email; to wellness@raniglick.com

My Best in Health,