Topics

1. What is Weather-Related Illness?

When rain or low pressure approaches, do you feel “heavy-headed,” “fatigued,” or “dizzy”? These symptoms aren’t just in your imagination — they may be signs of weather-related illness (also called meteoropathy or weather pain). This condition occurs when your autonomic nervous system reacts too strongly to changes in atmospheric pressure, throwing off its balance and causing both physical and mental symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Headaches and migraines

• Dizziness and ringing in the ears

• Joint pain and stiff shoulders

• Fatigue and drowsiness

• Mood swings, irritability, or depression

2. The Mechanism: Inner Ear × Autonomic Nervous System

Your inner ear contains sensors that detect changes in air pressure. When triggered, they may overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system. This disrupts the autonomic nervous system’s balance, ultimately leading to weather-related symptoms.

3. Self-Check: Could You Be Affected?

You might be experiencing weather-related illness if you recognize any of the following:

• You feel unwell before or after rainstorms or typhoons

• You experience drowsiness or joint pain in addition to headaches or dizziness

• You notice a drop in mood or concentration

• Old injuries ache or your digestive system gets upset

Take a moment to reflect on your “weather reaction patterns” — recognizing them is the first step to taking control.

4. Coping Strategies: Self-Care to Ease Symptoms

🔸 Warm Compress & Ear Massage

Improving blood flow around the inner ear can help stabilize the autonomic nervous system. Try warming the area behind your ears (the mastoid bone) with a hot towel or warm water bottle, and make it a habit to gently massage your ears in circular motions.

Try this routine:

• Gently pull on your ears

• Rotate them → fold and hold → wrap with your palms and massage

• Do this several times a day

🔸 Keep a Symptom Diary

Track when, under what weather conditions, and what symptoms you experience. This helps you identify your patterns and take preventative measures.

🔸 Support Your Autonomic Nervous System with Good Habits

• Get sunlight every morning

• Eat a nutritious breakfast

• Stay active with light exercise or stretching

• Take a warm bath to relax

• Maintain a consistent sleep routine

🔸 Nutritional Support

Eat foods that stabilize the sympathetic nervous system:

• Magnesium (nuts, hijiki seaweed, leafy greens)

• B Vitamins (pork, eggs, brown rice)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (blueback fish, walnuts)

These nutrients may help alleviate symptoms when included in your regular diet.

5. Consult a Specialist If Needed

If symptoms occur frequently or interfere with your daily life, consult your primary care physician or a specialist in headaches or chronic pain. They can offer valuable advice for restoring physical and mental balance.

🔁 Strengthen Your Body Against the Weather

It’s easy to blame the weather, but by recognizing the signs and responding to them, you can take control of your well-being. Through self-care routines — massage, diet, sleep — you can strengthen the foundation of your autonomic nervous system.

During this season of unpredictable weather, even a simple habit like massaging your ears on the train platform each morning might make your commute feel more comfortable!

📌 Reference Links

• Taisho Health Navi: “Weather Pain Is No Longer Scary!”

• Tanita: “Nutrition Is Key in Coping with Weather-Related Illness”

• Nichou Journal: “Weather Pain & Meteoropathy”