Seijaku and Migraine Headaches

It always starts the same way – a tiny, almost imperceptible pinhole of light in my field of vision. This small aberration in my vision warns me of an impending migraine headache. I have had episodes of migraine headaches since I was a teenager. As I grew older the episodes became more intense, and recently, more frequent.

I am fortunate that I work in a health sciences center and have access to a medical library with the most recent published studies on migraines and reviews of the prevailing medications for the treatment of the headache. Unfortunately almost all the medications for the treatment of migraines address the headache and not the onset of the migraine known as the “aura”, which in my case causes temporary partial blindness; blindness to the point that I cannot drive; blindness that has sometimes lasted hours. For me the “aura” blindness is far more uncomfortable and debilitating than the subsequent headache. I can get medication for the headache, but nothing works for nullifying the “aura.” Well, almost nothing.

The study and practice of Seijaku have not come easily to me. But I have still maintained a periodic practice of Seijaku within my primary practice of T’ai Chi Chih. Several months ago I attended a Seijaku review session led by Justin. For the first time I finally began to understand Seijaku and its subtleties. During the months prior to the review I began having migraine headaches, with greater visual disruption, almost on a weekly basis. A new medication, designed to prevent migraines gave me undesirable side effects. The migraine episodes grew worse.

Then one evening, shortly after the review with Justin, I could see the subtle onset of the “aura” once again. I was desperate. I immediately went to my meditation room and started to slowly and deliberately practice Seijaku. Within 20 minutes, the “aura” was gone. The subsequent headache never arrived. I have not had a migraine headache since. My practice now is primarily Seijaku. At last I possess the means to defeat the “auras” and migraines that plagued me for over thirty years. I am finally free. [Since Feb. ’97]