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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Lunar Component?
        
(Message started by: georgej on Jun 26^th, 2006, 11:53am)

Title: Lunar Component?
Post by georgej on Jun 26^th, 2006, 11:53am

Ok, I haven't seen this discussed so far so...

I'm long-time episodic (forty years). The last four times my CH cycle started, it was precisely at the start of the full moon. It may have been happening before then, but I didn't notice. There's a definite seasonal component, Spring and Fall, but no other triggers that I know of.

Anybody else ever observed this? I don't think it's lycanthropy, since I haven't become more hirsute, nor do I have strange urges to pursue wild animals or juicy young women in the moonlight. Just CH, thank goodness--don't need another embarrassing syndrome, particularly one that can only be cured by silver bullets.

Seriously, though...

The phase of the moon doesn't seem to have anything to do with when the episode ends, just when it begins. Could be it's just coincidence.

Regards,

George

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jun 26^th, 2006, 11:58am

First ... Welcome, George!

I keep a very thorough diary with each cycle. However, I don't believe I've ever noted what the moon was doing when my cycles began. So now I have some food for thought.

Fortunately I won't be able to answer your question for another year or two.

Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by E-Double on Jun 26^th, 2006, 12:20pm

http://www.spirithalloween.com/images/spirit/products/processed/00512863.zoom.a.jpg

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by georgej on Jun 26^th, 2006, 12:24pm

How'd you get ahold of my photo, E-Double? :D I've shaved since then.

Best,

George

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by Katherinecm on Jun 26^th, 2006, 3:02pm

I'm chronic now, but even when I was episodic this didn't apply to me.

I've heard somewhere before that the cycles of the moon would correspond to when a woman would have a period if we didn't have so much artificial light- in fact, Catholics that don't believe in birth control can "schedule" their periods without hormones if they know the date of something (their wedding?) several months in advance by making the room completely dark for all but 3 days a month (those days using a night light) that should correspond to the full moon. I don't remember if the moon is supposed to be the date of ovulation or of the period, but I do remember hearing there is some correlation.

Do your periods correspond to your headaches?

Modified to add: having just noticed you are a man, obviously this doesn't apply in your case. Still, light can and does affect hormones in women, so there is no reason to think it can't also do the same in men.

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by Kingjames1 on Jun 26^th, 2006, 4:28pm

Hirsute...nice one, I had to look that up!

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by BarbaraD on Jun 27^th, 2006, 5:38am

Stranger things have happened.

I know when I worked in OB - we hated full moons. Every pregnant woman in the area decided to deliver during them. Weird, but it happened.

Think I'll start watching the moon and see if I'm worse during full moons.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by nani on Jun 27^th, 2006, 1:20pm

I have a headstart on hirsute, and I do notice that full moons bring out the lunacy in everyone (try hanging out in a county ER on a full moon night...endless entertainment, LOL), but I can't say lunar cycles have an effect on my CH. I spent over five years chronic, and the only times I went into high cycle were Spring and Fall.
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by Charlotte on Jun 27^th, 2006, 1:39pm

hirsute - hairsuit.

Hi, George. Welcome aboard.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by Jasmyn on Jun 27^th, 2006, 2:00pm

Well George, I'm going to open an enchanted fairy ring by addressing this topic and many are going to think that I jumped with the cow over the moon. ;)

The person that will disclaim my unscientific knowledge and verify my lunacy on any comments I make on this subject, is in fact a rocket scientist and my qualifications only stretch as far as being a child of nature but I will venture where angels fear to tread and answer from my own humble but lifelong experience.

The moon is very prevalent among the people of Africa, which is accidentally also my birthplace. Moon cycles are used here not only in religious and farming practices but also in healing and birthing rites, thus a common household tool.

I don't want to sell you anything, the moon and viewpoints are for free but I would like to say, even if stoning is inevitable, that I get hit the hardest during the last part of the waxing moon and then through full moon. I make this statement on my own experience as a person who spends many nights outside under the African sky for most of my life and for most of my nightly CH hits.

Yip, sounds barbarian and very unscientific, I know... sorry I've got no proof. :D

_{Come out Ueli, come and play...}

Title: Re: Lunar Component?
Post by LeLimey on Jun 27^th, 2006, 7:16pm

Jas whilst I can't say I've noticed it having an effect on my cycles, I can't say it hasn't either. I simply hadn't considered it. I certainly believe it is possible, you don't have to look far to see documentation of the moon's effect on other things and humans.
Doe sknowing it will be worse hen help you plan for it? Is there anything you can do (or do) to improve the situation? I'd love to know because every weapon we have or coping tchnique adds to the collective knowledge of the whole site :)
Helen