If you are dealing with vertigo, dizziness, or poor balance, you already know how disruptive it can be—especially when it flares with head turns, rolling over in bed, stress, or fatigue. At Complete Oriental Medical Care in Edina, we regularly work with patients who feel unsteady, “off,” or like the room is spinning.
Common symptoms that may come with vertigo/dizziness
Vertigo and dizziness can show up alongside:
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Nausea or vomiting
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Ear pressure or ringing (tinnitus)
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Headaches or migraine patterns
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Anxiety or panic sensations
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Sweating, visual “waviness,” or difficulty focusing
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A sense of imbalance when walking or turning
Why it can persist even after “standard” care
Many people try medications, hydration strategies, vestibular PT, or “wait it out.” Sometimes that helps—but not always. One reason symptoms can linger is that dizziness often involves more than one system at once, such as:
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Inner ear / vestibular irritation
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Neck and upper-back tension (especially after stress or prolonged desk work)
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Autonomic nervous system dysregulation (the body stuck in fight-or-flight)
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Sleep disruption, digestive strain, or chronic stress, which can amplify sensitivity
For many patients, vertigo is closely tied to anxiety and nervous system dysregulation, where the body remains stuck in a heightened stress response that affects balance, perception, and recovery.
How acupuncture may help
Acupuncture is frequently used to support dizziness/vertigo by focusing on:
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Down-regulating stress physiology so the nervous system can stabilize
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Reducing tension patterns that may contribute to head/neck–related dizziness
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Supporting circulation and inflammation modulation (a common factor in many chronic patterns)
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Improving overall sleep, digestion, and resilience, which can reduce flare frequency
Chronic stress patterns can keep the nervous system overactivated, making vertigo and dizziness more frequent or harder to resolve.
Important note: vertigo has multiple potential causes. Our goal is to identify your pattern and build a plan that supports steadier function—not simply “treat a label.”
What your first visit looks like
Your first visit includes:
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A careful intake focused on triggers, timing, and symptom pattern (spinning vs. lightheadedness vs. imbalance)
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Review of relevant history (ear symptoms, headaches/migraines, neck tension, stress load, digestion, sleep)
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A treatment plan designed to be specific and measurable, so you can track real changes
When dizziness should be evaluated urgently
Seek urgent medical evaluation if dizziness is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe weakness, facial droop, trouble speaking, sudden severe headache, new vision loss, or one-sided numbness, or if symptoms are sudden and extreme.
Patient experience
Here is what one patient shared after care:
“I had been dealing with vertigo and dizziness for many months when I decided to try acupuncture. My friend recommended Steven Sonmore, Licensed Acupuncturist. I am so happy. After a few treatments I realized things had gotten so much better. Not only was my vertigo and dizziness better but my restless legs had improved at night. Thank you Steven Sonmore!” Nancy Tank, patient at Complete Oriental Medical Care
If you are struggling with vertigo or dizziness and want a structured, professional approach, call 952-831-8080 or contact us through our website to schedule.
Phone: 952-831-8080
Location: Edina, MN (serving Minneapolis–St. Paul)
Originally published January 13, 2021. Updated for clarity and current standards on January 19, 2026.
