Q&A 38 on the Practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness

Question: What should I do if I experience splitting headaches during meditation?

Answer: This occurs when qi and blood circulation reaches the head, encountering some blockage that prevents it from properly flowing through. You can take slightly deeper breaths while silently reciting the Buddha's name in your mind. Visualize golden Buddha-light illuminating your head, dispelling pathogenic obstructions and stagnant qi, allowing the qi and blood to circulate smoothly. Imagine your head bathed in this golden-yellow Buddha-light, with all blackish-gray karmic obscurations dissipating. Then, carefully focus on the sensation of coolness and clarity in your mind. After the head feels cool, take a few more deep breaths. Once settled and stable, first abide in stillness; when very stable, then resume observing the breath.

Question: During seated meditation while observing (the flow), when the qi passes through the junction of the nasal cavity and throat, there is a friction sound, followed by throat inflammation that persists. What should I do?

Answer: Blockage and poor circulation of qi and blood in that area lead to inflammation. Use the method of deep breathing combined with Buddha recitation to regulate and treat it. This can help unblock the nasal and throat passages. You may also pat or apply Gua Sha to the throat area. Sometimes, excessive mental concentration causes fire (heat) to accumulate and stagnate there, leading to inflammation due to excessive heat. You can shift the focus of observation to another area, or gently observe the flow moving back and forth, avoiding excessive concentration or forceful effort.