Abstract
The theory of "all winds and dizziness belong to the liver" provides a basis for later physicians to study the etiologic and pathogenesis of vertigo diseases. This theory of pathogenesis suggests that vertigo diseases are most closely related to the liver, so the mechanism can be simply understood as liver and spleen damage. Water dampness is unfavourable for transportation and transformation as dampness gathers phlegm, and liver ‘wind’ carries phlegm to the ear orifice, causing dizziness; or the ear orifice can be attacked due to the deficiency of yin and hyperactivity of yang in liver and kidney, resulting in sudden dizziness. Based on the pathogenesis theory of liver and spleen damage, the treatment principles should be based on strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, eliminating phlegm and extinguishing ‘wind’. For ‘yang-type’ hyperactive liver, nourishing yin and suppressing yang, and the clearing of yang in the ears should always be the standard.