MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS --

Time Of Day Can Be A Clue

Qi (pronounced chee) is the name the Chinese gave to a subtle energy they discovered in the body thousands of years ago. Though this energy could not be detected by the normal five senses, they learned how to sense it and work with it to balance and heal the body of many symptoms -- many years before modern Western technologies confirmed its existence and measured it. The Chinese discipline which studies qi is called acupressure (or acupuncture).

The important aspect of qi for migraine headache sufferers is twofold. One; disturbances in qi generally precede disturbances in the physical body -- like migraine symptoms. Two; the time of day that manifestations of cleansing/detox/discharge occur, gives a clue as to the origin of the migraine.

Qi = Life Force


Qi is a life force energy that brings nutrition to all parts of the body and serves as a communication channel for all parts of the body. Qi is thought to be the connection between our physical body and our consciousness.

The Chinese identified twelve acupressure/acupuncture meridians (or channels) along which qi travels continuously in the human body. While Western science generally describes qi as travelling along the nervous system, qi may actually be carried in fine, duct-like tubules.

Each meridian is associated with certain organs or parts of the body. The twelve major meridians are: bladder, circulation-sex, gall bladder, heart, kidney, large intestine, liver, lung, small intestine, spleen, stomach, and triple warmer. Meridians can be thought of as train tracks, while acupressure points are similar to switches in the sense that they affect the flow of qi along a meridian or from one meridian to another. Acupressure points are points where the meridians are accessible to outside stimulation (like pressure or massage) to help treat problems like migraine headache symptoms.

Imbalance = Problem

Any imbalance in the flow of qi, whether an excess or a lack, is harmful and can lead to problems like migraine headache. For example, injuries to muscles, bone, and connective tissue will lead to a congestion of blood and other fluids, which can reduce or stop the free-flow of qi. If a scar forms, that is even worse, as it will permanently block qi behind it.

Acupressure points are locations that serve two functions. 1. They help a therapist determine if there is an imbalance in the qi. 2. They can be manipulated in order to restore balance to qi. Thus, an imbalance can be corrected in your body before it manifests as a migraine headache.

The basic idea is that your body has a system to heal its own imbalances or injuries. This system is based upon circulation -- of blood, other body fluids, and qi. The circulation of all three of these cleans out toxins and brings nutrients for rebuilding and repairing.

Time Of Day Holds A Secret

In traditional Chinese Medicine, certain hours of the day correspond to certain areas or organs of the body (as well as to certain emotions). Chi FOCUSES on each meridian during a certain 2-hour period each day. The chi is strengthening and vitalising the organ associated with that particular meridian during this two-hour period.

For example,
11:00 PM to 1:00 AM -- gall bladder
1:00 AM to 3:00 AM -- liver

What Can You Learn?

If there is a problem associated with a particular meridian/organ, the activity of the chi in CLEANSING this organ will manifest as 'discharges' or detox symptoms, such as fever, migraine headache, sore throat, coughing and sneezing, watery eyes, nasal discharge, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, skin breakouts, headache, shivering, fatigue, and chills.

If these types of discharge symptoms occur regularly at the same time each day, it indicates that the corresponding organ or organs are under stress. An acupressure (or acupuncture) therapist could help you to strengthen those organs in order to eliminate or reduce the symptoms -- and help your migraines.