Acupuncture. In 2009, a synthesis of 27 studies, most of them published in China, concluded that acupuncture was effective in relieving the symptoms of Ménière’s disease.⁶. Among these studies, 3 randomized controlled trials clearly showed that acupuncture (on the body or scalp) was 14% more effective than conventional treatments. The authors conclude that more studies are needed, but that the existing data confirm the beneficial effect of acupuncture, including during vertigo attacks.

 Homeopathy. A double-blind study was conducted in 1998 with 105 people with acute or chronic dizziness of various causes (including Ménière’s disease). A homeopathic remedy called Vertigoheel has been shown to be as effective as betahistine (a designer medicine) in reducing the frequency and intensity of dizziness.⁵. Homeopathic treatment included a combination ofAmber grisea, recognition, Petroleumm and Cocculus. The treatments were given for 6 weeks.

More recently, in 2005, researchers published a meta-analysis of 4 clinical trials involving 1 patients and evaluating the effectiveness of the preparation Vertigoheel on the intensity and frequency of dizziness. The efficacy was shown to be comparable to that of other treatments: betahistine, ginkgo biloba, dimenhydrinate¹². However, not all of the patients included in the studies had Ménière’s disease, which makes interpretation of the results difficult. See our Homeopathy sheet.

 Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba). Commission E and the World Health Organization recognize the use of ginkgo biloba for the treatment of vertigo and tinnitus. However, no clinical trials with a control group have involved people with Ménière’s disease. In contrast, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 70 people with dizziness of undetermined origin demonstrated that the administration of ginkgo biloba reduced the intensity, frequency and duration of attacks in 47% of cases, compared to 18% for the control group⁹.

An informed study of 45 people suffering from dizziness caused by vestibular lesion indicates that, combined with physiotherapy, ginkgo biloba resulted in faster improvement in symptoms than physiotherapy alone³. However, recent studies show that ginkgo biloba is not effective in treating tinnitus.^4,11.

Dosage

Commission E recommends taking 120 mg to 160 mg of extract (50: 1) per day, in 2 or 3 doses.

 Traditional chinese medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Meniere’s disease is treated byacupuncture (see above), the Chinese pharmacopoeia or a combination of the two. According to Pierre Sterckx, doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the most commonly used medicinal preparations are Wu Ling San, Wen Dan Tang, Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang et Xuan Yun Tang, a decoction for vertigo.

In addition, some non-profit associations recommend tai chi, a martial art of Chinese origin, to help improve balance.⁷. This art relies on the practice of slow and precise movements, paying attention to breathing and concentration.

 Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Ginger is used by some people with Ménière’s disease to reduce nausea which can accompany attacks of dizziness. However, this usage is not supported by scientific evidence. Rather, it is based on other data indicating that ginger helps treat nausea, particularly seasickness, motion sickness and pregnancy.