8 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Dizziness Fast and Naturally
Now that you know some of the possible causes of why you might feel dizzy, you have to know the different ways by which you can be cured of your dizziness.
Home Remedies for Vertigo
The spinning sensation and dizziness you get from vertigo can limit your activities and make you feel sick. Depending on the cause, though, some simple maneuvers you can do at home might bring relief.
The most common type of this condition is BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). It happens when small crystals of calcium get loose in your inner ear. You may feel it when you’re getting in or out of bed, or tilting your head up. People over age 60 are more likely to get BPPV. It’s also the easiest type of vertigo to treat.
Before you try to treat it yourself, see your doctor. If you have vertigo, you’ll need to know what type it is and which ear has the problem. To determine affected side:
- Sit on bed so that if you lie down, your head hangs slightly over the end of the bed.
- turn head to the right and lie back quickly.
- Wait 1 minute.
- If you feel dizzy, then the right ear is your affected ear.
- If no dizziness occurs, sit up.
- Wait 1 minute.
- Turn head to the left and lie back quickly. 8.Wait 1 minute. 9.If you feel dizzy, then the left ear is your affected ear.
If you have BPPV, certain actions can move the calcium crystals that cause the problem out of your ear canal. That should bring relief.
Your doctor or a therapist can show you how to do these moves.
Epley Maneuver
If your vertigo comes from your left ear and side:
- Sit on the edge of your bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left (not as far as your left shoulder). Place a pillow under you so when you lie down, it rests between your shoulders rather than under your head.
- Quickly lie down on your back, with your head on the bed (still at the 45-degree angle). The pillow should be under your shoulders. Wait 30 seconds (for any vertigo to stop).
- Turn your head halfway (90 degrees) to the right without raising it. Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn your head and body on its side to the right, so you’re looking at the floor. Wait 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up, but remain on the bed a few minutes.
- If the vertigo comes from your right ear, reverse these instructions. Sit on your bed, turn your head 45 degrees to the right, and so on.
Do these movements three times before going to bed each night, until you’ve gone 24 hours without dizziness.
Semont Maneuver
This exercise is for dizziness from the left ear and side:
- Sit on the edge of your bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
- Quickly lie down on your left side. Stay there for 30 seconds.
- Quickly move to lie down on the opposite end of your bed. Don’t change the direction of your head. Keep it at a 45-degree angle and lie for 30 seconds. Look at the floor.
- Return slowly to sitting and wait a few minutes.
- Reverse these moves for the right ear.
Again, do these moves three times a day until you go 24 hours without vertigo.
Half-Somersault or Foster Maneuver
Some people find this maneuver easier to do:
- Kneel down and look up at the ceiling for a few seconds.
- Touch the floor with your head, tucking your chin so your head goes toward your knees. Wait for any vertigo to stop (about 30 seconds).
- Turn your head in the direction of your affected ear (i.e. if you feel dizzy on your left side, turn to face your left elbow). Wait 30 seconds.
- Quickly raise your head so it’s level with your back while you’re on all fours. Keep your head at that 45-degree angle. Wait 30 seconds.
- Quickly raise your head so it’s fully upright, but keep your head turned to the shoulder of the side you’re working on. Then slowly stand up.
You may have to repeat this a few times for relief. After the first round, rest 15 minutes before trying a second time.
Brandt-Daroff Exercise
Here’s what you need to do for this exercise:
- Start in an upright, seated position on your bed.
- Tilt your head around a 45-degree angle away from the side causing your vertigo. Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up.
- Stay in this position for about 30 seconds or until the vertigo eases off, whichever is longer. Then move back to the seated position.
- Repeat on the other side.
You should do these movements from three to five times in a session. You should have three sessions a day for up to 2 weeks, or until the vertigo is gone for 2 days.
Follow Up
For the rest of the day after doing any of these exercises, try not to tilt your head too far up or down. If you don’t feel better after a week of trying these moves, talk to your doctor again, and ask them what they want you to do next.
You might not be doing the exercises right, or something else might be the cause of your dizziness.
Show Sources
Harvard Health Letter: “Self-Help Videos to Stop Vertigo Work for Some, Not All.”
Vicky Hildner, University of Colorado, Denver.
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.”
Neurology: “Self-treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.”
University of Texas, Department of Otorhinolaryngology — Head & Neck: “Home Epley Maneuver.”
National Health Service (U.K.): “The Brandt-Daroff Exercise.”
8 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Dizziness Fast and Naturally
If you have been feeling dizzy, it can be a frightening experience. Dizziness can cause lightheadedness, disorientation, and a feeling of unsteadiness. Feeling dizzy can also hinder you from doing some things that you want to do.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get rid of dizziness. Whether you are dealing with vertigo, motion sickness, or something else, there are lifestyle changes and medications that can help.
But first, you should know the common causes of dizziness. By understanding the causes of dizziness, you can find the right solutions to get rid of your dizziness and start feeling better.
Common Causes of Dizziness
- Anxiety Disorders – When people are too anxious, they tend to find breathing hard, and the lack of oxygen to the brain causes dizziness.
- Ear Infections– Do you know that aside from letting us have a sense of hearing, our ears ensure that we keep our balance? This is why it can be harder to keep your balance when you have ear infections.
- Hypoglycemia – People with low blood pressure tend to feel dizzy because of the lack of sugar in their system. You might get this condition if you follow a diet that does not give you the sugar you need in a day.
- Dehydration – Not taking a drink from time to time, especially when you are under the sun’s heat, makes you a possible candidate for suffering from dehydration. This can be avoided easily as long as you will hydrate yourself.
- Medications – Certain medications may lower the amount of sugar in your body, which may cause you to feel dizzy.
Now that you know some of the possible causes of why you might feel dizzy, you have to know the different ways by which you can be cured of your dizziness.
How to Get Rid of Dizziness Fast and Naturally
Sit Down or Lie Down
It will not help when you feel dizzy if you try to stand because this will not help. What it will just do is let you topple to the ground and fall. You can sit or lie down so your body will adjust, and you will not feel dizzy anymore.
- Ensure you remain seated for about a couple of minutes or until the dizziness has passed.
- If you can still do it, place your head between your legs to help you regain balance and eliminate your dizzy feelings.
Water
It was mentioned earlier that one of the main reasons you can get dizzy is the lack of water in your system. If you feel this is the leading cause of your dizziness, the most simple solution is to drink water at the soonest possible time.
- If you are already feeling dizzy, take water in small sips.
- Take enough water to make your body feel hydrated.
- Make sure that you will drink enough water throughout the day. While 8 – 10 glasses are recommended, this may differ from one person to another.
- Drink other fluids that you need throughout the day.
Massage
If you need a massage to relax your senses, make sure you will try massaging your head for immediate relief. There is a chance that your blood flow will become normal, which might help stop your dizziness.
- Have a massage once in a while. It will be helpful if a professional can do it for you because all of your senses will be relaxed, and the stress and tension you are feeling will also go away.
- It will be best to choose a massage in lavender oil because this will help add to the benefits you can get when deciding to get a massage.
Deep Breathing
There are times when the main reason why you might get dizzy is improper breathing. Do remember that this is one thing that you would have to remember. You have to breathe deeply so that your brain will get the right amount of oxygen that you need.
- Sit down on a chair.
- Start breathing and count from 1 to 5 in your head while doing breathing exercises.
- Fill up your stomach with air because this will help you get rid of anxiety if this is the cause of your dizziness.
Yogurt
Do you ever wonder why yogurt is usually one of those food products that people place as part of home remedies? It is because of the many benefits that yogurt can give the body. Aside from the fact that it can help with various problems, yogurt is also very helpful in getting rid of dizziness.
- Make sure you eat a bowl full of yogurt, especially in the morning.
- To make the yogurt taste better, add some slices of fresh fruit.
- You can also eat yogurt at least twice a day.
Mustard and Salt
If you want to improve your body’s current blood circulation, you can make sure you take mustard and salt. This can be very effective.
- Place mustard, salt, vinegar, and pepper together.
- Make sure that they are of equal proportions.
- Add a cup of water and mix.
- Consume immediately so that you can get immediate relief from dizziness.
Rest
One of the main reasons people feel dizzy is that they have not gotten enough rest the night before. This may be due to the variety of jobs people have to do or the amount of work each requires. No matter your reason for not getting enough rest, you must fix your schedule better because you need to get proper rest to avoid getting dizzy.
- Make sure that you will get 6 – 8 hours of sleep. Do remember that it is different from one person to another. Just make sure that you will get the amount of sleep that you need.
- Take breaks in between work. Not only will this refresh your brain, but you will also feel more energized to continue your task after.
Basil
For home remedies, basil is one of the many cures that can help eliminate dizziness. Basil is a home remedy used for a long time, so it is only normal that this is one of the home remedies people will use.
- Place about four basil leaves on a cup of milk brought to a boil.
- Steep for about 5 – 10 minutes.
- Consume the milk before going to bed.
- This will help get rid of dizziness long term.
Here are some natural ways you can try to get rid of feelings of dizziness. Ensure that you follow the instructions mentioned above, and you will not have problems with this.
How to prevent Dizziness in the future?
- Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, will help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
- Make sure you’re staying hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day is important for keeping your body functioning properly and avoiding dehydration.
- Try to get enough sleep each night. Aim for 7-8 hours per night to help keep your body balanced.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs as these can cause dizziness. If you must drink alcohol or use drugs, ensure you do so in moderation.
- Avoid hot or crowded places. Staying in cooler areas and avoiding large crowds may help you avoid feeling dizzy.
- If you’re feeling dizzy, try lying in a quiet area and resting until the feeling passes. If it persists, see a doctor quickly.
Dizziness Causes + 5 Natural Ways to Stop Feeling Dizzy
Dizziness is one of the most common complaints health care workers hear from their patients. It’s actually said to be the third most common symptom reported during outpatient visits with 42 percent of adults complaining of it at some point. (1)
If you’re waking up dizzy, feeling dizziness when standing up or experiencing sudden dizziness, all of these variations on dizzy spells are not fun and can be very disorienting to the say the least. Sometimes it can be caused by something as simple as dehydration. Others times, it can be one of the signs of something more serious such as heart disease. (2)
Dizziness is a symptom, not a medical diagnosis. And it’s a symptom that is often accompanied by other symptoms such as lightheadedness. What can cause dizziness? The list of possibilities is long, but I’m about to tell you many of them. Can you help your dizziness using natural remedies? If nothing really serious is causing it, then I can tell you how to get rid of dizziness naturally.
What Is Dizziness?
According to the Mayo Clinic, dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations including feeling faint, woozy, weak or unsteady. (3) When dizziness makes you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning or moving this is medically referred to as vertigo.
Dizziness is a symptom that can be caused by dozens of other health problems. The possible causes fall into several categories, including cardiac, neurologic, obstetric or gynecologic, and ear/nose/throat-related. Dizziness is often accompanied by other symptoms, too, such as headache, nausea or feeling lightheaded and dizzy.
Dizziness can last for just a few seconds, minutes, hours or even months. It’s a symptom that can be complex and it’s not always related to the vestibular (inner ear) system. Sometimes it is a sign of something more serious (more on that in the “causes” section below).
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of dizziness? When people say they are feeling dizzy then they are describing a perceived sensation of movement like rocking, spinning or whirling even though they are not actually moving. Sometimes, when someone says they are dizzy, it feels as though the room is moving around them.
Since dizziness is frequently a multicomponent symptom it is sometimes medically divided by the following accompanying symptoms: (1)
- Lightheadedness: a vague sensation that one is floating or feeling woozy.
- Presyncope: a more extreme form of lightheadedness that can be accompanied by tachycardia , palpitations, or excessive abnormal sweating.
- Vertigo: a sensation of movement, often described as a spinning, twisting, or turning.
- Dysequilibrium: a sensation of unsteadiness.
Many times dizziness is accompanied by other symptoms including: (4)
- Faintness or lightheadedness
- Feeling off balance
- Actual fainting
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Headache or head pressure
- Chest pain or tightness
- Nausea or vomiting
Causes and Risk Factors
There are at least over 80 possible causes of dizziness. Here are some of the top known causes: (5)
Heart-Related
- Atrial fibrillation: Irregular, sometimes fast heartbeat causing poor
circulation and other cardiovascular problems. - Tachycardia: An abnormally rapid heart rate.
- Hypotension: The medical term for low blood pressure (less than 90/60).
- Atherosclerosis: A condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque around the artery wall.
- Heart disease: Refers to a number of heart conditions that include diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots.
Brain and Nerve-Related
- Vertigo: A condition in which someone feels dizzy, often as though the room is spinning. Vertigo can be brought on by changing the position of the head. For example, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause dizziness when lying down or when standing up.
- Meniere’s Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder that causes dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo and other symptoms typically associated with the abnormal fluid collection in the inner ear.
- Stroke: When a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures.
- Fibromyalgia: A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.
- PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder): A disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
- Post-concussion syndrome: A complex disorder in which various symptoms, such as dizziness and headache, last for weeks and sometimes months after the injury that caused the concussion.
- Altitude sickness: Also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), this is a negative health effect caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at a high altitude.
- Migraine : A headache of varying intensity, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Hangover: Unpleasant symptoms that occur after excessive alcohol intake.
- Motion sickness: Illness caused by motion during travel.
- Caffeine overdose: Can occur when you consume too much caffeine through drinks, foods, or medications.
Ear/Nose/Throat-Related
- Common cold: A common viral infection of the nose and throat.
- Flu: A contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
- Middle Ear Infection: An infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum (the middle ear).
- Tinnitus: The perception of noise or ringing in the ears.
OB-GYN–Related
- Pregnancy: The time during which one or more offspring develops inside a woman.
- Menopause: A natural decline in reproductive hormones when a woman reaches her 40s or 50s.
- Endometriosis: A disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.
- Toxic shock syndrome: A systemic bacterial infection that can come on suddenly and be fatal.
Again, these are just some of the possible causes of dizziness. Other common causes that don’t fit into these categories include:
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- B12 deficiency
- Dehydration, which can sometimes be caused by a fever, being overheated, hypoglycemia, and medication side effects.
If you’re feeling dizzy and are currently taking medication, make sure you thoroughly read the possible side effects of your medication. (6)
Dizziness can also be a side effect of some tools used to quit smoking such as the nicotine patch and nicotine gum.
Risk factors for dizziness include, but are not limited to, the following: head or ear trauma, viral ear infections and age. Anyone of any age can feel dizzy, but this complaint is heard more and more as people get older and is the top symptom behind medical visits for people over the age of 75. (1)
Diagnosis and Conventional Treatment
If you go to your doctor for dizziness, you’ll likely be asked about your symptoms, if you currently have any medical condition(s), and any medication use. Your doctor will also perform an exam, which will include evaluating how you walk (known as gait) since this can say a lot about your balance and the state of your central nervous system.
If your doctor thinks anything serious such as a stroke is causing your dizziness and/or lightheadedness, then an MRI or CT will likely be conducted right away. If you recently hit your head or if you’re older in age, one of these tests is also likely.
You may also need a hearing test and balance tests, including eye movement testing, head movement testing, rotary-chair testing and posturography. Blood tests may also be requested to see if you have an infection. If a cardiac cause is suspected, then other tests to evaluate heart and blood vessel function will likely be ordered.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Dizziness often gets better without treatment. Within a couple of weeks, the body usually adapts to whatever is causing it. If you seek treatment, your doctor will base it on the cause of your condition and your symptoms. It may include medications and balance exercises. Even if no cause is found or if your dizziness persists, prescription drugs and other treatments may make your symptoms more manageable. (7)
Medications that are conventionally used to treat dizziness include diuretics (water pills), antihistamines (both prescribed and over-the-counter), and anticholinergics.
Natural Treatments
Wondering how to stop feeling dizzy naturally? Treatment can depend upon the root cause, but generally speaking, the following natural treatments have been known to help. Of course, if dizziness is accompanied by other serious symptoms such as chest pain, call 911 and seek urgent medical care.
1. Relax and Hydrate
If you begin to feel dizzy, lying down right away can really help. If you are having severe dizzy spells related to vertigo, it can also help to keep your eyes shut while you are lying down. If your symptoms are related to being dehydrated, then have a hydrating drink like coconut water. If you’re overheated, then move into a cooler area as soon as possible whether that means moving into the shade outdoors or getting into a cooler indoor space. (6)
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a holistic health technique that stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices in which trained practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles into the skin. The goal of a pilot cohort clinical study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was to evaluate how safe and effective the use of acupuncture was in treating patients with dizziness and vertigo in the emergency room. There were 60 subjects divided into one of two self-selected groups: the acupuncture group or the control group. None of the subjects had any life-threatening conditions or central nervous system disorders.
The researchers found that after 30 minutes of acupuncture treatment there were immediate and significant reductions in dizziness and vertigo as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of dizziness and vertigo. Overall the researchers concluded, “The results from this pilot study provided clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture to treat dizziness and vertigo in emergency department. In future work, a larger sample size study are required to provide evidence-based practice.” (8)
3. Cut Back on Caffeine and Alcohol
If your dizziness is inner ear-related, then it can be helpful to cut back on caffeine and alcohol. Sources of caffeine include coffee, tea and sodas. In small amounts, organic coffee, tea and red wine are high in antioxidants and have many possible health benefits. However, in large amounts, caffeine and alcohol are both known to have negative effects on the circulatory system. In fact, dizziness is a known side effect of caffeine overdose. (9)
Similarly, too much alcohol can also be a cause of dizziness. When you drink alcohol, the portion of your brain that is responsible for balance — the cerebellum — is directly affected. Dizziness can therefore occur while drinking. In addition, dizziness or vertigo is known to occur during a hangover. So it’s best not to overindulge in any sources of caffeine and alcohol to prevent and improve dizziness.
4. Check Your B12 Levels and Eat B12-Rich Foods
Did you know that one of the symptoms of a B12 deficiency is dizziness? It’s true! (10) So make sure to have your B12 levels checked if you’re struggling with feeling dizzy. To get more B12 in your diet there are a lot of delicious and healthy foods you can eat. Some of the best sources of B12 include sardines, grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, feta cheese, cottage cheese, and eggs.
5. De-Stress and Seek Help if Needed
Is there a health concern or symptom that reducing stress can’t help? It’s hard to find one. Anxiety and stress are known to contribute to feelings of dizziness, so make sure that you are doing everything you can to lower your stress level regularly, ideally daily. Feeling anxious can bring on dizziness and feeling dizzy can also cause anxiety and stress in the mind and body. This is why it’s important to find activities that you enjoy that can encourage a calm state and practice them on a regular basis.
Some of my favorite natural stress relievers include exercise, journaling and prayer. Counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy are other great options that involve trained professionals helping you to learn how to better manage stress.
Precautions
If you’re assisting someone who is dizzy, have them sit down or lie down. Make sure to avoid sudden position changes and bright lights as much as possible. If the individual is thirsty, you can give them fluids.
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is dizzy and experiences any of the following: (12)
- A change in speech such as slurred speech
- A change in vision including double vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Rapid, irregular or very slow heartbeat
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Fever and stiff neck
- Convulsions
- Ongoing vomiting
- Dizziness that comes after a head injury
- Inability to move an arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
Final Thoughts
- There are a lot of possible causes of dizziness, which mainly follow into the following categories: cardiac, neurologic, obstetric or gynecologic, and ear/nose/throat-related.
- Dizziness can be a side effect of certain medications so if you’re currently taking medication and feeling dizzy, make sure you look into your medication as a source of your dizzy spells.
- It can occur in people of all ages, but it’s more common in the elderly.
- Dizziness is a symptom; not a medical diagnosis.