The Migraine-Emotion Connection: Understanding How Our Bodies Protect Us

The Migraine-Emotion Connection: Understanding How Our Bodies Protect Us
Have you ever experienced a migraine that left you feeling like you were hit by a truck? That intense, throbbing pain that makes it impossible to function? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people suffer from migraines, and while triggers like diet, environment, and genetics are often cited, emotions are frequently overlooked. But what if I told you that our bodies use physical pain to protect us from emotional pain, often resulting in migraines? Let's delve into this topic, inspired by my recent potato-digging contemplations.

To understand how emotions cause migraines, we need to look at the mind-body connection. Dr. John Sarno, in his book "The Divided Mind," explains that our bodies create physical symptoms as a way of distracting us from or protecting us from emotional pain. It's a defense mechanism that can manifest in a variety of ways, including migraines. Essentially, our bodies are saying, "Hey, you're feeling too much emotional pain – we need to find a way to distract you from that." Cue the migraine.

But how does this protection mechanism work? Well, according to Dr. David Schechter in his book "Think Away Your Pain," emotions can cause physical tension in the body. When we experience stress, grief, anger, or any intense emotion, our muscles often tighten up. This is helpful in the short term, as it prepares us for action, but in the long term, it can cause chronic pain – including migraines. Schechter suggests that we can train our brains to recognize and release this physical tension, reducing the likelihood of migraines.

So, what emotions are most likely to cause migraines? It varies from person to person, as we all have our unique emotional triggers. However, some common culprits include stress, anxiety, anger, and depression. If you're someone who experiences migraines frequently, it might be helpful to keep a journal of your emotional state leading up to each headache. This information can help you identify patterns and begin to take steps to manage your emotions and prevent migraines.

Speaking of prevention, there are a variety of natural remedies that can be effective in managing migraines caused by emotions. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation techniques have all been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Additionally, herbal supplements like magnesium can also be helpful.

As we've explored in this post, the connection between emotions and migraines is complex – but it's important to understand. By recognizing how our bodies use physical pain to protect us from emotional pain, we can begin to take steps to manage our emotions and prevent migraines. Whether that means practicing relaxation techniques, taking herbal supplements, or seeking the help of a mental health professional, there are plenty of options for those who suffer from migraines. And remember – you're not alone. Reach out to others for support, and know that relief is possible.

We have the potential to break free from migraine pain and reclaim our lives. It’s a journey, to be sure, but one that’s worth taking. So let’s get started.  Join the encouraging Facebook community of moms who are going from Debilitated to Liberated!  Click Here


The Power of Ionic Minerals: Say Goodbye to Inflammation and Migraines

The Power of Ionic Minerals: Say Goodbye to Inflammation and Migraines

Moms, have you ever experienced severe headaches that left you unable to do your daily tasks or care for your children? Or maybe you have chronic illnesses that stem from inflammation and weakened immune systems. As someone who has been there, I understand your struggles and frustrations. That’s why I’m here to talk about the power of ionic minerals to reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and decrease the frequency of migraines. This may just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for, so keep reading (I've included the recipe to my favorite mineral drink).

What are ionic minerals, and how do they work? Ionic minerals are trace elements that are readily absorbed by the body due to their small size and charge. They are essential for maintaining proper bodily functions, such as enzyme activity and hormone production. One way ionic minerals can help you is by reducing inflammation, which is a common cause of migraines and chronic illnesses. When there is inflammation in the body, it creates an acidic environment that promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. This, in turn, weakens the immune system and causes more inflammation. Ionic minerals, such as magnesium and zinc, can help rebalance the pH levels in the body and reduce inflammation.

Another benefit of ionic minerals is their ability to support the immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against infections, viruses, and diseases. Without proper nutrition, the immune system can become weak and unable to fight off these threats. Ionic minerals, such as selenium and copper, play a crucial role in the immune response by strengthening the white blood cells and natural killer cells that combat pathogens. By supplementing with ionic minerals, you can boost your immune system and reduce the risk of chronic illness.

One particular ionic mineral that has shown promise in reducing migraines is magnesium. Migraines can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, hormonal changes, and nutrient deficiencies. Magnesium is important for regulating the nervous system and relaxing the blood vessels in the brain, which can relieve the tension that triggers migraines. Studies have found that magnesium supplementation can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines in adults and children. Other ionic minerals that may help alleviate migraines include potassium, calcium, and sodium.

So, how can you incorporate more ionic minerals into your diet? The best sources of ionic minerals are whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. However, due to modern farming practices and soil depletion, it can be difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of minerals from our diet alone. That’s where supplementation comes in. Ionic mineral supplements are available in various forms, such as liquid drops, capsules, and powders. It’s important to choose a supplement that contains a balanced blend of minerals and is free of added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

Inflammation and migraines can be debilitating and negatively impact your quality of life. By incorporating more ionic minerals into your diet and supplementing with high-quality mineral supplements, you can reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and alleviate migraines. 

My Daily Mineral Drink:
1 Scoop Daily Prebiotic
4 Droppers of Mineral Essence
5 Drops of Lemon EO (opt)
1 oz Ningxia Red (opt)
(CLICK HERE for all the ingredients)

 Here's to a healthy, happy, and mineral-rich life!


Can laundry detergent trigger migraines and chronic illness?

Can laundry detergent trigger migraines and chronic illness?
Did you know that common household laundry products like detergent, bleach, and fabric softener could actually be harming your health? Studies have shown that the chemicals in these products can lead to migraines and chronic diseases. Exposure to these harmful ingredients over time can cause hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even certain types of cancer. The chemicals can also affect our respiratory health and be absorbed into our skin, causing allergies and skin disorders. Switching to plant-based laundry products, like Young Living's certified organic detergent, can help reduce these risks and ensure the health of our families and the environment. By making mindful choices about the products we use, we can protect our health and create a safer, greener world.
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Overcoming Migraines: The Alarm Method by Jennie Potter

Overcoming Migraines: The Alarm Method by Jennie Potter
Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. It affects more than 1 billion people and can significantly impact daily life routines. If you are a 40-year-old stay-at-home mom with 4 kids and chronic illness, migraines can be particularly debilitating. Migraines are characterized by severe headache, nausea, and light/sound sensitivity. The throbbing pain can last for hours to days, making it hard to perform daily activities. However, there are ways to cope with migraines. One such approach is the Alarm Method by Jennie Potter in her book Self Sabotage No More.

The Alarm Method is a five-step process that aims to raise awareness of migraines and help sufferers cope with them. The five steps are Awareness, Location, Ask, Release, and Mantra. Let us discuss each step in detail.

First, Awareness involves recognizing the very first signs of migraines. Keep a diary of your migraines and note the triggers (such as stress, hormonal changes, or food). By being aware of the triggers, you can take steps to avoid them or limit their effect.

Second, Location involves noticing the location of the pain in your body and just pay attention to it with curiosity. 

Third, Ask entails questioning when you have felt this before and what were you thinking about or doing when it first started.

Fourth, Release involves breathing in and relaxing into the location of the pain and tension along with the action of moving your right hand down your left arm from the shoulder to your hand and the same on the opposite side.

Fifth, Mantra entails visualizing and stating how you want to feel and moving that feeling in using the same action with your hands/arms as in the Release step. You can repeat positive statements to yourself such as "I am strong enough to overcome this" or "I am in control of my body and mind." Such affirmations can help you overcome negative thoughts and feelings associated with migraines.

Migraines can be challenging to cope with, especially for stay-at-home moms with chronic illness and multiple children. However, by using the Alarm Method by Jennie Potter, you can take a more proactive approach to managing your migraines. The five-step approach emphasizes awareness, location, ask, release, and mantra, which can help you cope with migraines more effectively. Remember, managing migraines is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude and never give up hope. With the right tools, support system, and self-care practices, you can start reducing the impact of migraines on your daily life and live your best life.

For those who suffer from migraines, the pain can be overwhelming. But we have the potential to break free from that pain and reclaim our lives. It’s a journey, to be sure, but one that’s worth taking. So let’s get started.  Join the encouraging Facebook community of moms who are going from Debilitated to Liberated!  Click Here


How to Let Go of Obsessing Over Being Sick

How to Let Go of Obsessing Over Being Sick

Living with a chronic illness or a debilitating migraine can be emotionally exhausting. This leaves a person struggling physically, mentally and emotionally. It can be challenging to focus on anything else with the constant disruption of their daily lives. Often this leads to fixation on illness and worry about what they can and cannot do because of it. However, obsessing over illness is an unhealthy mechanism that allows it to become more predominant in life, with the very real potential of causing emotional distress, anxiety and depression. This blog post will look into ways of coping with this issue and explore what addictions and allergies have to do with it, as presented in the books "The Enrollment Effect" and "The Alignment Effect" written by Tyler J. Watson.

Acknowledge Your Feelings - While it is okay to feel frightened or sad about being ill, it's important to take a step back and recognize where these obsessions are coming from and how they are affecting your life. Identifying the triggers of this obsessive behavior is essential to understand what is driving it. The books by Tyler J. Watson discuss addictions to unhealthy behaviors that make our emotions worse, such as negativity. For example, when someone is sick, they can find comfort in negativity as a coping mechanism which makes them more likely to give up. Acknowledging this behavior and taking a step back can help a person regain control of their feelings.

Change Your Mindset - Due to the overwhelming nature of chronic illness and migraines, adopting a positive mindset becomes paramount. Focusing on ways to cope, finding activities to enjoy, and setting attainable goals can reduce the likelihood of obsessing over the illness. Tyler's books emphasize that changing our mindset requires a change in our behavior. Aiming at engaging in positive activities and focusing on the future, rather than the illness at hand, can help alleviate the negative behaviors that lead to fixation.

Reach Out to a Support Network – It is important to understand that you are not alone, and reaching out to others who understand what you are going through can be vital. Joining support groups or discussing emotions with friends and family allows individuals to express their emotions without fear of judgment. Tyler's books stress the importance of a strong support network and how that can lead to an improvement in our overall well-being, physically and mentally.

Practice Mindfulness – Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. Through this self-reflection, a person can identify stress triggers and an obsessive mindset. Through Tyler's books, we can see that identifying these patterns allows individuals to respond objectively, thus resulting in better emotional control.

Be Present - It's easy to be consumed by thoughts of the future, like how one's illness could progress and the limitations that it could cause. This can result in being unable to live in the present moment and truly enjoy what is happening around us. Being present in the moment and embracing the present allows you to focus on the good things going in your life rather than what you can't do. This is a key theme throughout Tyler's books where addictions to negativity and thinking about future limitations lead to emotional distress. By just being present, one can find joy in the little things.

Dealing with the emotional impact of chronic illness and migraines can be exhausting. But, we need to acknowledge our feelings, change our mindset, join support groups, and practice mindfulness. By doing this, we can help alleviate our anxiety and can get control of our emotions related to our illness. The books by Tyler J. Watson, "The Alignment Effect" and "The Enrollment Effect," emphasize that our unhealthy behaviors, such as obsessing about illness, can lead to an unhealthy coping mechanism. But, by changing our mindset, we can break these habits and find a way forward. The ultimate result is improved well-being, both physically and mentally. Letting go of obsessing over illness is a journey towards a better, healthier life where you reclaim control of your life and happiness.

For those of us who suffer from migraines, the pain can be overwhelming. But we have the potential to break free from that pain and reclaim our lives. It’s a journey, to be sure, but one that’s worth taking. So let’s get started.  Join the encouraging Facebook community of moms who are going from Debilitated to Liberated!  Click Here


 
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