Since 400 BC people have noticed the connection between poor health and changes in the weather. What is meteopathy, how does it manifest itself, and why do only some people have it? And most importantly, is it possible to alleviate this condition?
What is weather dependence?
Meteoropathy is the body’s reaction to changes in the weather. It most often occurs in people who have existing diseases. Weather including heat, cold, snow, rain, solar flares, changes in humidity or pressure, and even the strength of the wind can affect people with this condition.
Who is affected by the weather?
A healthy person with well-functioning adaptation mechanisms is not impacted by weather changes and does not experience minor sensations. At risk are people with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, atherosclerosis, joint pain, bone fractures, or those who are overweight. Especially vulnerable are those with high anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, as well as the elderly, many of whom suffer from high blood pressure.
What should you watch out for?
Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. Nerve endings in the blood vessels react to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure and send signals to the brain to adjust the pressure accordingly. This mechanism is often impaired in people with cardiovascular disease or arthritis. When atmospheric pressure fluctuates, they may experience spikes in blood pressure, which is accompanied by dizziness, arrhythmia, and severe joint pain.
With a sudden change in weather there is a strong spasm of blood vessels, which can lead not only to hypertensive crisis but even myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke.
Changes in geomagnetic activity. Flashes in the Sun affect the viscosity of the blood. Thick blood flows poorly through the vessels, which leads to high blood pressure, oxygen starvation of organs, and the risk of blood clots. Excess liquid blood is dangerous because of the risk of bleeding, especially if there are problems with the tone of the blood vessel walls.
Changes in humidity. They adversely affect people with chronic respiratory diseases, especially asthmatics. There is an increased risk of tissue edema, asthma attacks, and bronchospasms. Low humidity creates a favorable ground for acute respiratory infections. It also affects people with fractures or injuries to limbs. Since fracture sites are more dense and less flexible, these areas experience nagging pain when the weather changes.
Fluctuations in air temperature. Average daily temperature fluctuations of 8–10 degrees can provoke a sudden release of histamine, the main “activator” of allergic reactions. In addition, with a sharp rise in temperature, the oxygen content in the air is significantly reduced, which can cause general malaise, severe drowsiness, and lethargy, while low temperatures can cause an exacerbation of infectious and inflammatory processes.
Drowsiness, weakness, and dizziness most often appear before rain, due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure and oxygen content in the air. Headaches are usually caused by vascular spasms, which do not have time to recover during a sudden change in weather, or by congestion in the cerebral vessels.
Is there a cure?
No, because meteor dependence is not a disease, but a consequence of health problems. But with the right approach, it can be taken under control and alleviate unpleasant symptoms. Action should be taken for two purposes. The first is the treatment of the underlying diseases, and the second is prevention by leading a healthy lifestyle.
How to alleviate the symptoms of meteorological dependence
- Perform flexibility exercises. They will keep your blood vessels healthy and provide better blood circulation throughout your body.
- Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep. Healthy sleep is key to brain and nervous system health.
- Drink 1 oz. of water per 2 lbs. of body weight daily. You should drink more than this during periods of increased physical activity, in hot weather, and during pregnancy.
- Drink no more than 1–2 cups of coffee a day.
- Eat right. Eliminate fatty, fried, smoked, spicy, and convenience foods. Eat more foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E and omega acids (found in walnuts, broccoli, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, salmon, cod, and tuna) are especially useful for weather pains.
- Stop (or avoid) smoking and minimize alcohol consumption.
- Do self-massage. It will improve blood circulation, increase the body’s resistance to external factors, and relieve pain. Stimulation of acupuncture points located on the auricles is also very effective in reducing weather sensitivity.
- If possible, in bad weather, stay at home, avoid serious activity, keep your feet and neck warm, and avoid drafts.
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