Q Is there anything I absolutely must avoid in daily life during a cluster period?
A Alcohol, tobacco, bright light, overexertion, and irregular sleep can trigger attacks immediately, so they must be avoided during a cluster period.
Detailed Answer
Immediate Attack Triggers
- Alcohol: even a small amount can trigger an attack within 20 to 40 minutes
- Nitroglycerin and histamine: clinically confirmed triggering substances
- Strong odors and light: act as irritants in a state of trigeminal hypersensitivity
- Sleep deprivation and irregular sleep: disrupt the hypothalamic rhythm
- Overexertion and severe stress: accelerate attacks through sympathetic nervous overactivity
Korean Medicine Lifestyle Management
At Dongjedang, during a cluster period we recommend going to bed before midnight, limiting spicy and greasy foods, and restraining emotions of anger and anxiety. This is intended to block factors that further stimulate Liver-Fire.
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