Category: Moderate

  • Make a healing mandala

    Make a healing mandala

    When I first started my holistic healing journey just over a year ago, I woke up and decided I was sick of being sick, and it was time to take things into my own hands so I could get better.  The first thing I did was to write a program…

  • Mindfulness… just sew

    Mindfulness… just sew

    Sewing, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting… they are all mindful techniques that can create a deep sense of relaxed concentration that becomes something of a state of Zen.  Truly!  I’ve recently been trying long-stitch, and I’m often surprised at how much I get ‘lost in the moment’ and ‘time flies’.  It is…

  • Manifesting migraines away

    Manifesting migraines away

    Manifesting is the act of making something happen by imagining that it will.  It’s sort of a combination of ‘positive thinking’, ‘mind over matter’ and ‘the law of attraction’.  I believe that we do have a certain amount of control over our localized destiny, and as such I see no…

  • Feng Shui for migraines

    Feng Shui for migraines

    Feng Shui is the Chinese practice of creating a harmonious environment by managing the flow of chi, or energy.  In a similar way that Qigong and Tai Chi employ slow and careful movements that are both calm and strong, Feng Shui looks to organize space in a way which invigorates…

  • The vagus nerve and migraines

    The vagus nerve and migraines

    The vagus nerve is actually a pair of cranial nerves (running down both sides of your body).  It originates in your brain, and travels down though your neck, chest and abdomen to help your brain communicate with your body.  In particular, it influences breathing, heart rate and digestion.  Because the vagus…

  • Walking for migraines

    Walking for migraines

    As part of my intention to increase my physical wellbeing, I have begun walking everyday if possible.  On sick days it might involve a short walk to the end of the street and back, and on rainy days I might give myself the day off (and walk laps of my…

  • Migraine Podcasts

    Migraine Podcasts

    As part of my journey to minimize my migraine suffering, I have been learning as much as I can about migraines, chronic pain and mindfulness. Here is a collection of podcast episodes that relate to those subjects (it’s a work in progress) – feel free to explore: Migraine Matters (spotify.com)…

  • Long meditations for migraines

    Long meditations for migraines

    Although I rarely have the time and patience, I do occasionally experiment with longer running meditations. Meditations, such as Jon Kabat-Zinn’s ‘the mountain’ remind you to sit still and straight and noble, whilst the vagaries of pain and emotion flow over you and you remain unmoved. I know it’s not what…

  • Yin Yoga for migraines

    Yin Yoga for migraines

    This type of yoga is slow and steady. Each position is often held for a few minutes, slowly stretching muscles and releasing tension. Many of the sessions also emphasize breathing and meditation to further reduce stress and anxiety.  I initially struggled with this addition to my routine. It seemed counter-intuitive to get out…