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The head is the summit of all Yang meridians. Dizziness in patients arises from the failure of clear Yang Qi to ascend. A heavy head that cannot be lifted indicates deficiency of Yang Qi, which fails to support the neck and head.

Causes of dizziness include: Kidney deficiency leading to Yang Qi having no root; Blood deficiency causing deficient Fire to flare upward; Spleen deficiency generating Phlegm; Cold-Coolth damaging Middle Qi, preventing its ascending and transforming nature, thus resulting in deficiency of Yuan Qi in the Upper Jiao and subsequent dizziness; Lung deficiency failing to control Liver Wood, leading to dizziness.

When Middle Qi deficiency causes the Spleen to fail in transportation and transformation, generating Phlegm that rebels upward and causes dizziness, treat with Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) added with Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma).

Dizziness occurring at Wugeng (fifth watch, approx. 3-5 AM) is due to insufficiency of Yang Qi. Since Yang governs movement, when active, Yang Qi ascends, preventing dizziness. At Wugeng, stillness prevails; if Yang Qi is deficient, it sinks downward. For dizziness caused by Kidney deficiency where Yang has no attachment, use Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) added with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma). For dizziness due to Blood deficiency and flaming-up of Fire, use Xiong Gui Shao Yao Tang (Szechuan Lovage and Angelica Decoction). For Spleen deficiency generating Phlegm, use Si Jun Zi Tang added with Ban Xia and Tian Ma. For Qi deficiency due to Cold-Coolth injury, use Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) added with Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata). For dizziness due to unconstrained Liver Wood, use Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Astragalus Decoction for Building the Middle). For Blood deficiency causing dizziness accompanied by dry stools, use Dang Gui Shen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) each 1 qian, Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 8 fen, Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Spica) 7 fen, and Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) 1 fen.

Tinnitus in the head and fatigue in the afternoon indicate insufficiency of Yang within Yin. Insufficiency of Yang within Yin leads to failure of Spleen Yang to ascend; if Spleen does not ascend, Lung Metal does not descend. The Lung corresponds to Autumn; the afternoon corresponds to the season of Autumn. Autumn belongs to Metal, and Metal governs sound; failure of descent results in head tinnitus. Failure of Spleen ascent leads to decline of Yang and excess of Yin, causing fatigue. It is appropriate to use Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) to awaken the Spleen and tonify Yang. "Yang" refers to the True Qi in the chest, also known as the Yang of Dan Zhong (Conception Vessel CV17).

Sudden death from acute illness often belongs to Fire pathogenesis; treat with Zuo Jin Wan (Left Metal Pill).
Sudden death accompanied by phlegm rattle is named Tan Jue (Phlegm Syncope); treat with Si Jun Zi Tang added with Zhu Li (Bambusae Succus) and Jiang Zhi (Zingiberis Juice).
Sudden death from sudden anger is named Qi Jue (Qi Syncope); treat with Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Chen Xiang (Aquilariae Lignum), Bing Lang (Arecae Semen), Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), and Wu Yao (Linderae Radix).
Sudden death from collapse of Middle Qi is treated with Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) added with Tian Ma.
Sudden death from Cold invading the Middle is treated with Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang (Aconite Decoction to Warm the Middle).
Sudden death from Heatstroke or excessive Heat: pry open the mouth with cold water and pour it in, then administer San Huang Tang (Three Yellows Decoction).