Category: Easy
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Acupressure for migraines
Acupressure works by applying pressure to specific points (acupoints) on the body in order to stimulate energy flow and release tension. Decades ago, someone told me that pressing the webby flesh between your thumb and pointer finger for 60 seconds was enough to reduce stress and anxiety. I wasn’t convinced,…
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Free-writing for migraines
In 1924 André Breton published his Surrealist Manifesto in which he encouraged artists to use ‘automatic’ or ‘free’ writing, where “the first draft is your last”. You set your clock for, let’s say two minutes, and then you write, without stopping or overthinking, and definitely no editing. Here’s my two…
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‘Feeling your face’
One of the strategies that I have developed that has helped me significantly is ‘feeling my face’. Wherever you are right now, (whether it’s lying down, sitting, or standing), loosely holds your hands together in front of you. Now, with your hands staying together – feel your face. Using nothing…
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Better breathing for migraines
A major part of mindfulness is breathing. It sounds a little suspect when you first hear about it – ‘breathing? I do that all the time already!’ What becomes apparent when you do a bit of research, however, is how badly migraineurs tend to breathe. I know that I tend…
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Aromatherapy for migraines
One of my greatest joys, and biggest triggers, is aroma (smells). I can specifically remember occasions where I have been in a movie theatre or an airplane and the smell of someone’s perfume has become increasingly upsetting, until… migraine… usually the more dramatic version complete with nausea and vomiting. On…
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Sound baths for migraines
As an extension of the music therapy that I have been experimenting with, I explored the realm of sound baths on youtube. I found the trick is to find musical tracks that do not involve any high-pitched notes as these are painful when I have a migraine. There is no…
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Short meditations for migraines
In addition to the meditations listed in my other post for Youtube, I also have a collection on Spotify that I can use wherever I am. The nice thing about short meditations, is that you can do them in between regular tasks and routines when you find yourself with a…
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Meditation for migraines
Although initially a bit resistant to meditation, it is an important foundation of mindfulness. Over time I have grown to enjoy the time spent meditating (even though I generally keep my daily sessions short). Meditating allows you to practice the art of sitting still in mind and body, which in…
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Qigong for migraines
Similar but different to Tai Chi, Qigong has provided another set of invaluable techniques for my migraine recovery. Slow and steady, with a focus on posture, breathing, and the energy that runs through your body, I’m yet to find a movement that hurts my head; even the head-tapping was more pleasant…
The Mindful Migraine 