Q Is it okay to have a drink or two during a cluster period?
A Even a small amount of alcohol during a cluster period can trigger an attack within minutes, so abstaining from alcohol is essential.
Detailed Answer
Alcohol — The Most Powerful Attack Trigger
Alcohol is the most reliable attack trigger for patients in an active cluster period. Even a small amount (one can of beer) can start an attack within 20 to 40 minutes. By contrast, during remission, alcohol often does not provoke attacks, which leads many patients to let their guard down and repeatedly drink during a cluster period.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective — Alcohol and Liver-Fire
At Dongjedang, we regard alcohol as a substance that directly fans Liver-Fire (ganhwa). During a cluster period the liver's heat is already aggravated, so drinking alcohol is like pouring oil on the fire. To maintain treatment results, you must abstain from alcohol completely, even while taking the herbal decoction.
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