what is Menieres disease? What causes it?

(May 24, 2012)

Meniere disease is a condition in which an individual experiences episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation), loss of hearing and tinnitus (buzzing or ringing sensation in the ears). The intensity of this disease can vary from person to person and ranges from a mild to a chronic disability. Although Meniere disease can affect individuals of all age groups, it is more common in middle aged and older individuals and uncommon in children. There are a number of factor that are known to cause the disease. Some of the causes as listed down by experts are mentioned below:

A leading cause for the development of Meniere disease is the accumulation of abnormal amounts of fluid inside the inner ear.
Another common cause of this condition could be improper drainage of fluid from the ear.
Besides this an abnormal immune response of the body is also responsible for the development of the condition.
Viral infections can also make you susceptible to the condition.
Allergies of different kinds are a very common cause for the occurrence of the condition.
Trauma to the head or an injury to the head is also responsible for Menieres disesase.
A genetic predisposition to this disease will surely make you a victim to the disease.

One should also remember that there is no specific cause that can be identified for this disease and medical experts believe that this condition is caused by a combination of the above mentioned factors. It is of prime importance that you consult a doctor on this condition and seek effective medical treatment. Besides conventional medical treatment options, yoga is known to be very helpful in dealing with the effects Menieres disease could have on the body. You could speak to a yoga expert for poses to help in the treatment of the condition.

Submitted by S C on May 24, 2012 at 05:31

Yoga for Menieres disease

Since yoga helps in increasing the body’s overall balance it is also a recommended alternative treatment for ear problems like Meniere’s disease. Yoga not only helps in stimulation the nervous system but it also strengthens the labyrinth which is also known as the inner ear and is responsible for controlling the feeling of balance in the body. Certain asanas in yoga help in the smooth and slow movement of fluid through the canals of the inner ear which in turn help in activating the sensors in the ear. Two of the most recommended yoga asanas for Meniere’s disease include Malasana (garland pose) and Ardha Matsyendrasana (half spinal twist). These asanas are very effective in restoring balance in the inner ears.

The Malasana posture can be performed in the following way

Squat on the buttocks, a few inches away from the floor while keeping the feet flat and together on the floor.
The knees should then be slightly widened than the torso and while slowly exhaling, the torso should be moved forward between the thighs.
While grabbing the back of the ankles, the forehead should be leaned as close to the floor as possible.
The arms can be stretched out forward along the ears with the fingertips touching the floor for additional support.

You should stay in this position for at least 30-60 seconds. The Ardha Matsyendrasana or half spinal twist is also a therapeutic posture for ear problems and can be performed by sitting on the right thigh with the knees bent. The left leg can be brought over the bent right knee and placed flat on the floor. While you twist to the right, the arms should be in front of the left leg and by your sides. The same posture can be repeated for the other side of the body as well. It will also help to consult your doctor if you are practicing yoga for Menieres disease

Submitted by C D on May 24, 2012 at 05:30