Meniere's syndrome is characterized by a sudden onset of vertigo. Its cause is still unknown, but in most cases it results from excessive mental strain or over- fatigue. According to traditional Chinese medicine, massage of certain areas can promote the circulation of qi and blood, protect the brain and regulate its function. Therefore, such massage may be helpful for the treatment of Meniere's syndrome.

Method of massage:
1. Locations and order of massage: Yintang (Ex-HN3), Meiyao, Sizhukong (TE 23), Tongziliao (G 1), Taiyang (Ex-HNS), Shangguan (G 3), Ermen (TE 21), Qubin (G 7) and Chengqi (S 1) (see Fig. 1).

2. Manipulation:

(a) Massage during remission: Massage the points in the order listed above. The key points are Tongziliao (G1), Taiyang (Ex-HN5), Shangguan (G 3) and Ermen (TE
21); that is, more massage should be applied to these points.

During massage, shut the eyes gently. Make hollow fists with the thumb placed on the middle finger, and stretch out the index finger to press on the point and slowly rub with clockwise turns (see Fig. 2). The mind should be focused and relaxed and the massage action slow with moderate force -- not too light and not too heavy. Massage with too light a force is ineffective, and too heavy a force may cause discomfort. Except for Yintang, all the other points should be massaged on both sides simultaneously. After rubbing, gently wipe for several times the area from Tongziliao through Taiyang and Shangguan to Ermen with the index fingers or middle fingers. Then open your eyes and you will feel clear- headed and comfortable.

(b) Massage during attack: If you are under a vertigo attack, massage the key points first, especially Tongziliao (G 1) and Taiyang (Ex-HN5). If the vertigo is so severe that you are not able to move, you may ask another person to massage you, but the points massaged should be accurate and the force used proper.

It should be noted that this type of massage should be applied immediately after the onset of the syndrome. In severe attacks, a combined use of massage and sedatives is necessary.

It is worth mentioning that a combination of the above massage with massage of the head, eye exercises, ear exercises, and appropriate physical exercises may be an excellent way of preventing the recurrence of Meniere's syndrome.