Under the Weather? It Could Be Tenkibyo

One morning as I was getting ready for work in this rainy season, I suffered such excruciating joint pain that I couldn’t lift my bag onto my shoulder. A dose of ibuprofen and a little rest made the pain subside, and I went on my way in the dreary weather to catch the train.

At least the hydrangeas like this season photo Fisher Man

The joint discomfort could be attributed to my changing body as I experience peri-menopause, but this was abrupt and some weeks later, the aches seemed to coincide with the weather.

In Japan, there are two expressions that stand out for the conditions that people experience that coincides with the change of season.

One that isn’t an official diagnosis but encapsulates the turmoil of the new fiscal and academic year is 五月病 gogatsubyo, the lethargic feeling many people have in May. It’s a time between the excitement of a new beginning, after the bucolic Golden Week holiday in early May, and a long stretch of grinding along at work or in study until Umi no Hi or Sea Day on July 18th.

The other expression is 天気痛 tenkitsu or 気象病 kishoubyo, meteoropathy, a condition that has been explored by medical researchers and describes the effects of the weather on the human body, especially in the rainy season.

That’s likely why I experienced acute joint pain - exacerbation of peri-menopause symptoms because of the change in atmospheric conditions. As a result of the abrupt air pressure and humidity fluctuations of the rainy season, some people get headaches, nausea, dizziness, and joint and muscle pain. You can get a heads-up on the conditions from Weather News which has a tenkibyo index and a check sheet to identify your symptoms.

Remedies and Coping with Tenkibyo

Unlike Genkidesu, I don’t suffer migraine headaches but do get mild ones and neck stiffness. Genkidesu told us about using peppermint oil as a relief from migraines. I also find that fresh and cooling scents pick me up. I put a little neroli oil on my handkerchief this week to soothe my aching head. I put citrus peels in a bowl and pour over boiling water to release the fragrant oil.

When I feel run down, I resort to massage, especially the Thai traditional method. I find that the thorough going over restores my flexibility and blood flow. It also reminds me to follow up with stretching to keep that good, flexible feeling. Another body care that might sound counterintuitive is soaking in onsen. You might think the hot, steamy bath is a bit much to handle in clammy conditions, but indulging yourself blunts the muscle and joint pain. The water pressure can push blood up from your legs, improving circulation.

Dr. Jun Sato of Aichi Medical University and Weather News, a specialist in meteoropathy offers some techniques to relieve pressure headaches. Two great techniques for relieving headaches in a hurry. The first technique focuses on your ears. Pinch the top of your ears for 5 seconds, pull them down for 5, and then outwards for 5. It might hurt a little, but it takes away tension in your scalp. He says next, cover your ears with your hands and rub gently a few times while you breathe deeply. It’s quite soothing. 

Do you suffer from seasonal and weather changes? How do you cope?