Time of Day
Chronic headaches which are worse in daytime indicate either deficiency of Qi/Yang or
Dampness.
Chronic headaches which are worse in the evening or at night indicate deficiency of Blood or
Yin (which may be causing Yang rising).
Activity/Rest
Headaches that get worse with activity are due to deficiency of Qi or Blood, whilst headaches
that improve with light exercise may be due to Liver-Yang rising or Phlegm.
Headaches that improve with rest and lying down are due to deficiency of Qi or Blood, whilst
headaches that worsen with lying down are due to Dampness or Phlegm.
Weather
Headaches which get worse with heat may be due to Liver-Yang or Liver-Fire rising, whilst
headaches that get worse with cold may be due to deficiency of Yang. If they worsen with damp
weather, it is a clear indication that they are due to Dampness or Phlegm.
A headache that improves temporarily with the application of cold (for example, cold water) may
be due to Liver-Yang or Liver-Fire.
Emotions
Headaches which worsen with anger are due to Liver-Yang or Liver-Fire. Headaches which get
worse when the person suddenly relaxes (the typical weekend headache) are due to Liver-Yang
rising. Headaches which worsen with a sudden excitement may be due to Liver-Yang rising.
Sexual Activity
Chronic headaches that are aggravated after sexual activity (culminating in ejaculation for men
or orgasm for women) clearly indicate a deficiency of the Kidneys.
In rare cases, headaches may be ameliorated by sexual activity, which indicates Liver-Fire.