Vertigo: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
10 natural approaches to Vertigo, graded by evidence — including Acupuncture, Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin D. Dosage, time to results and cautions for each.
10 options1 graded A2 graded B7 traditional or ungraded
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Movement-triggered vertigo can have a cervical component, and a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials suggested acupuncture may help cervical vertigo, though many of the underlying trials were small.
Moderate clinical evidence suggests acupuncture may reduce the frequency and intensity of cervically driven spinning spells.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study Systematic review (2026, PMID 42180241): Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and Tuina for cervical vertigo: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–6 weeks of regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed practitioner; inform them of any blood-thinning medications.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Neck-base point traditionally used for dizziness
Why it may be relevant
Spinning set off by head or neck movement often carries neck tension, and this point at the base of the skull is a classic spot pressed to ease that tension and settle dizziness.
Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as 'Wind Pool,' GB20 is traditionally used to relax the neck and to calm dizziness and headache.
Dose or use Find the two hollows at the base of the skull on either side of the spine; press firmly with your thumbs for 1–2 minutes, 1–2x daily.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay ease neck tension within minutes; consistent use over days to weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Press gently and stop if you feel faint; avoid strong pressure if you have a neck injury or unexplained severe headache.
–
Pressure point
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally pressed to calm nausea and spinning
Why it may be relevant
This point is traditionally used to settle the sensation of movement and motion-related nausea that accompanies spinning vertigo.
Traditionally used to calm the stomach and vestibular system during episodes of dizziness or motion sickness.
Dose or use Press firmly on the inner wrist, two finger-widths below the wrist crease, for 2–3 minutes on both sides, 1–2x daily.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay offer relief within minutes during an episodeTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
What does your vertigo usually feel like?
Sudden spinning spells when I move my head or change position — often with a wave of nausea
Movement-triggered vertigo can have a cervical component, and a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials suggested acupuncture may help cervical vertigo, though many of the underlying trials were small.
Moderate clinical evidence suggests acupuncture may reduce the frequency and intensity of cervically driven spinning spells.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study Systematic review (2026, PMID 42180241): Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and Tuina for cervical vertigo: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–6 weeks of regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed practitioner; inform them of any blood-thinning medications.
Low levels linked to inner-ear crystal instability
Why it may be relevant
Checking for a deficiency makes sense when you want to uncover a hidden root cause, as low Vitamin D may affect the calcium crystals in the inner ear.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, older adults with low vitamin D and positional vertigo (BPPV) who took vitamin D3 had far fewer repeat vertigo episodes over a year than those on placebo — so testing and correcting a low level is a root-cause step with real trial support.
Dose or use Get your vitamin D level tested first; if you're low, correct it under a clinician's guidance (the trial used 2000 IU daily for about 3 months, then 1000 IU daily).
Key study Randomized controlled trial (2025, PMID 39194424): Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Vitamin D's Role in Reducing BPPV Recurrence in Older Adults.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsRecurrence benefit emerged over months of correction; the trial followed people for 12 months
Caution: High doses can be toxic; get levels tested before supplementing.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Well-known settler for motion-related nausea
Why it may be relevant
Spinning spells triggered by movement often come with a wave of nausea, and ginger is a long-trusted remedy for exactly that queasy, motion-sick feeling.
Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) are traditionally used to calm nausea and vomiting, including the motion-related kind that travels with dizziness.
Dose or use Try fresh ginger tea or a standardized capsule around the times spells tend to hit; follow product labeling.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay ease nausea within an hour of a doseTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners at high doses; keep to food-like amounts if you take them and check with your practitioner.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally pressed to calm nausea and spinning
Why it may be relevant
This point is traditionally used to settle the sensation of movement and motion-related nausea that accompanies spinning vertigo.
Traditionally used to calm the stomach and vestibular system during episodes of dizziness or motion sickness.
Dose or use Press firmly on the inner wrist, two finger-widths below the wrist crease, for 2–3 minutes on both sides, 1–2x daily.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay offer relief within minutes during an episodeTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
What kind of help would you rather start with?
Hands-on relief — pressure points I can use during a spell, or acupuncture sessions
Movement-triggered vertigo can have a cervical component, and a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials suggested acupuncture may help cervical vertigo, though many of the underlying trials were small.
Moderate clinical evidence suggests acupuncture may reduce the frequency and intensity of cervically driven spinning spells.
Dose or use Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
Key study Systematic review (2026, PMID 42180241): Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and Tuina for cervical vertigo: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–6 weeks of regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a licensed practitioner; inform them of any blood-thinning medications.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to clear the head and lift fog
Why it may be relevant
A sense of ongoing fogginess and imbalance is the classic indication for this crown-of-the-head point in traditional practice.
Traditionally used to clear the mind, reduce dizziness, and restore a sense of groundedness and mental clarity.
Dose or use Press firmly at the top of the skull (midline, between the ears) for 2–3 minutes, 1–2x daily.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used for immediate calming; consistent use over days to weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
–
Pressure point
GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Neck-base point traditionally used for dizziness
Why it may be relevant
Spinning set off by head or neck movement often carries neck tension, and this point at the base of the skull is a classic spot pressed to ease that tension and settle dizziness.
Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as 'Wind Pool,' GB20 is traditionally used to relax the neck and to calm dizziness and headache.
Dose or use Find the two hollows at the base of the skull on either side of the spine; press firmly with your thumbs for 1–2 minutes, 1–2x daily.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay ease neck tension within minutes; consistent use over days to weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Press gently and stop if you feel faint; avoid strong pressure if you have a neck injury or unexplained severe headache.
–
Pressure point
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally pressed to calm nausea and spinning
Why it may be relevant
This point is traditionally used to settle the sensation of movement and motion-related nausea that accompanies spinning vertigo.
Traditionally used to calm the stomach and vestibular system during episodes of dizziness or motion sickness.
Dose or use Press firmly on the inner wrist, two finger-widths below the wrist crease, for 2–3 minutes on both sides, 1–2x daily.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay offer relief within minutes during an episodeTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
What does your vertigo usually feel like?
A foggy, off-balance feeling that hangs around most of the day
May support circulation linked to ongoing dizziness
Why it may be relevant
Persistent, day-long dizziness is the kind of unexplained vertigo studied in a recent randomized trial of standardized Ginkgo extract, and Ginkgo is thought to support the small-vessel circulation involved in balance.
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind trial of adults with persistent dizziness or vertigo, standardized Ginkgo extract (EGb 761, 120 mg/day) improved dizziness severity and handicap scores to a similar degree as betahistine, a prescription vertigo medication, and was well tolerated.
Dose or use 120–240 mg daily of standardized extract (24% flavonoids); consult a healthcare practitioner for your dose.
Key study Randomized controlled trial (2026, PMID 41487075): Efficacy of EGb 761 and Betahistine in Treatment of Dizziness/Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; avoid before surgery.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to clear the head and lift fog
Why it may be relevant
A sense of ongoing fogginess and imbalance is the classic indication for this crown-of-the-head point in traditional practice.
Traditionally used to clear the mind, reduce dizziness, and restore a sense of groundedness and mental clarity.
Dose or use Press firmly at the top of the skull (midline, between the ears) for 2–3 minutes, 1–2x daily.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used for immediate calming; consistent use over days to weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
TCM herb long used for lingering dizziness
Why it may be relevant
When dizziness lingers as a foggy, off-balance feeling most of the day, this is the pattern Gastrodia elata (the source of gastrodin) has traditionally been used to settle.
A compound from the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma), traditionally used for dizziness, vertigo, and headache and valued for its calming, neuroprotective reputation.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner for your dose.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May add to the effect of sedatives; talk to your practitioner if you take medications that cause drowsiness.
Low levels linked to inner-ear crystal instability
Why it may be relevant
Checking for a deficiency makes sense when you want to uncover a hidden root cause, as low Vitamin D may affect the calcium crystals in the inner ear.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, older adults with low vitamin D and positional vertigo (BPPV) who took vitamin D3 had far fewer repeat vertigo episodes over a year than those on placebo — so testing and correcting a low level is a root-cause step with real trial support.
Dose or use Get your vitamin D level tested first; if you're low, correct it under a clinician's guidance (the trial used 2000 IU daily for about 3 months, then 1000 IU daily).
Key study Randomized controlled trial (2025, PMID 39194424): Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Vitamin D's Role in Reducing BPPV Recurrence in Older Adults.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsRecurrence benefit emerged over months of correction; the trial followed people for 12 months
Caution: High doses can be toxic; get levels tested before supplementing.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low iron can leave you lightheaded
Why it may be relevant
Exploring a nutrient gap makes sense here, and low iron is a common one: too little iron means less oxygen reaches the brain, which can feel like lightheadedness and dizziness.
Iron-deficiency anemia reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, a well-recognized and checkable cause of dizziness that a simple blood test can reveal.
Dose or use Ask a healthcare practitioner to test your iron and ferritin before supplementing; correct any deficiency under their guidance.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks to months after correcting a confirmed deficiencyTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Too much iron is harmful; only supplement if testing confirms you are low, and keep supplements away from children.
–
Nutrient gap worth checking
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
A checkable nutrient gap behind imbalance
Why it may be relevant
If you want to know whether a nutrient gap is behind your symptoms, low B12 is a real, testable one: it affects nerve function and can show up as unsteadiness and dizziness.
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerves; when it runs low, balance problems and dizziness can follow, and a simple blood test can confirm whether this is your root cause.
Dose or use Ask a healthcare practitioner to test your B12 level before supplementing; correct any deficiency under their guidance.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically weeks to a few months after correcting a confirmed deficiencyTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Dizziness has many causes; test rather than assume, and see a clinician for persistent or severe symptoms.
What kind of help would you rather start with?
Something I can take — herbs or supplements that calm dizziness and nausea
May support circulation linked to ongoing dizziness
Why it may be relevant
Persistent, day-long dizziness is the kind of unexplained vertigo studied in a recent randomized trial of standardized Ginkgo extract, and Ginkgo is thought to support the small-vessel circulation involved in balance.
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind trial of adults with persistent dizziness or vertigo, standardized Ginkgo extract (EGb 761, 120 mg/day) improved dizziness severity and handicap scores to a similar degree as betahistine, a prescription vertigo medication, and was well tolerated.
Dose or use 120–240 mg daily of standardized extract (24% flavonoids); consult a healthcare practitioner for your dose.
Key study Randomized controlled trial (2026, PMID 41487075): Efficacy of EGb 761 and Betahistine in Treatment of Dizziness/Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; avoid before surgery.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
TCM herb long used for lingering dizziness
Why it may be relevant
When dizziness lingers as a foggy, off-balance feeling most of the day, this is the pattern Gastrodia elata (the source of gastrodin) has traditionally been used to settle.
A compound from the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma), traditionally used for dizziness, vertigo, and headache and valued for its calming, neuroprotective reputation.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner for your dose.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May add to the effect of sedatives; talk to your practitioner if you take medications that cause drowsiness.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Well-known settler for motion-related nausea
Why it may be relevant
Spinning spells triggered by movement often come with a wave of nausea, and ginger is a long-trusted remedy for exactly that queasy, motion-sick feeling.
Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) are traditionally used to calm nausea and vomiting, including the motion-related kind that travels with dizziness.
Dose or use Try fresh ginger tea or a standardized capsule around the times spells tend to hit; follow product labeling.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay ease nausea within an hour of a doseTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners at high doses; keep to food-like amounts if you take them and check with your practitioner.
Low levels linked to inner-ear crystal instability
Why it may be relevant
Checking for a deficiency makes sense when you want to uncover a hidden root cause, as low Vitamin D may affect the calcium crystals in the inner ear.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, older adults with low vitamin D and positional vertigo (BPPV) who took vitamin D3 had far fewer repeat vertigo episodes over a year than those on placebo — so testing and correcting a low level is a root-cause step with real trial support.
Dose or use Get your vitamin D level tested first; if you're low, correct it under a clinician's guidance (the trial used 2000 IU daily for about 3 months, then 1000 IU daily).
Key study Randomized controlled trial (2025, PMID 39194424): Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Vitamin D's Role in Reducing BPPV Recurrence in Older Adults.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsRecurrence benefit emerged over months of correction; the trial followed people for 12 months
Caution: High doses can be toxic; get levels tested before supplementing.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low iron can leave you lightheaded
Why it may be relevant
Exploring a nutrient gap makes sense here, and low iron is a common one: too little iron means less oxygen reaches the brain, which can feel like lightheadedness and dizziness.
Iron-deficiency anemia reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, a well-recognized and checkable cause of dizziness that a simple blood test can reveal.
Dose or use Ask a healthcare practitioner to test your iron and ferritin before supplementing; correct any deficiency under their guidance.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks to months after correcting a confirmed deficiencyTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Too much iron is harmful; only supplement if testing confirms you are low, and keep supplements away from children.
–
Nutrient gap worth checking
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
A checkable nutrient gap behind imbalance
Why it may be relevant
If you want to know whether a nutrient gap is behind your symptoms, low B12 is a real, testable one: it affects nerve function and can show up as unsteadiness and dizziness.
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerves; when it runs low, balance problems and dizziness can follow, and a simple blood test can confirm whether this is your root cause.
Dose or use Ask a healthcare practitioner to test your B12 level before supplementing; correct any deficiency under their guidance.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically weeks to a few months after correcting a confirmed deficiencyTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Dizziness has many causes; test rather than assume, and see a clinician for persistent or severe symptoms.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Vertigo, not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
Related pressure points
Hands-on options you can try yourself.
Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a treatment for Vertigo itself. Each page shows where the point is and how to press it.
