Migraine Headaches and The Weather

Are you weather sensitive? I used to complain, half in jest, that my migraines were worse when a weather front came through. Turns out, I was right. There's an interesting book out called "Under the Weather: How the Weather and Climate Affect Our Health," by Pat Thomas. In it Ms. Thomas considers how weather is a vital component in such healthcare systems as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Even homeopathic practitioners take the weather into consideration when prescribing treatments.

Our Western medicine has only now begun to post pollen counts for the allergy sufferers among us and UV alerts during the newscasts. But what about the people who swear they can smell rain coming when it is still miles away? Or the arthritis sufferers whose afflicted joints tell them of weather changes the day before the event?

I can tell you from personal experience that my head serves as a fairly reliable barometer. Here in Alabama we have fairly frequent weather changes, especially in spring and fall, and my migraines have always been worse during those times. It has to do with the low pressure fronts coming through that bring the spring or fall storms. These fronts can drop the barometric pressure rapidly and in sensitive people, this drop in pressure is felt in the cavities of their joints and sinuses. Thus the worsening of arthritis pain or head pain.

I could go on, but if you're interested in further information, just grab a copy of Ms. Thomas' book, "Under the Weather." I think you'll find it fascinating.

Until next time,
Liz