Quite often we can suffer from a headache or migraine and be uncertain as to why. There are many ways to approach the cause and treatment of a headache from working structurally with tension or misalignment within the body to nutritional support and of course, increasing water.
MIND-BODY MEDICINE FOR PAIN
One of the most fascinating ways to understand what your body is trying to tell you with pain from a headache is through the energy system of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the symptoms we feel when energy gets stuck or stagnant. Your meridian energy (and Chakra energy) should flow freely like the electrical system in your house. Once there is a block then electricity can’t flow through and the lights go out or the washing machine stops working.
UNDERSTAND THE SOURCE OF PAIN
One of the major themes for stuck energy with headaches is emotional stress or blockages. Often when we feel a headache come on, we question if we’ve had enough water that day or had too much coffee, alcohol, gluten or sugar and while these things can certainly play a role in causing headaches, we often fail to reflect on how we are feeling emotionally.
While there are several emotional patterns that can be underneath the pain of a headache, some of the most common emotions stuck in the body are anger, resentment and frustration. While these emotions can be uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to release in ways that are not harmful, like each emotion they have a place in our lives. To give an example of how this awareness can be applied to daily life, I will use myself as a case study!
WHAT MY HEADACHE SHOWED ME
A few years ago, I was battling with an issue with another person close to me and felt both angry and resentful. I had not voiced how I really felt. One morning I woke with quite a painful, splitting headache. My instinct told me that it was to do with the issue I was trying to ignore and the emotions I was suppressing. I eventually faced the situation and voiced how I felt with an honest discussion. As I spoke and worked through my feelings, my headache completely subsided. I was no longer suppressing my emotions and was validating how I felt. Apart from physically healing, I was able to resolve the situation and move forward. I released that which I was holding on to and once again created movement and flow internally and externally in my life.
It is important to listen to the messages from your body for wherever there is pain, there is an associated emotional and mental pattern. Likewise, your emotions and thoughts can get stored in your body and create dis-ease. The lesson here? Your emotional self needs to be accepted and understood. By expressing your emotions, you are validating and honouring your unique experience in life.
RELIEVE PAIN BY RELEASING EMOTIONAL ENERGY
Lastly – If you have trouble releasing emotions, there are many things you can start trying. It’s about finding what works for you. Some of the most effective ways to release anger, resentment or frustration are:
ASK SUZANNE…
1. How can emotions trigger headaches?
Emotions like stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger can trigger headaches through various physiological pathways, including muscle tension, changes in blood flow, and the release of stress hormones.
2. What role does stress play in causing headaches?
Stress is a common trigger for tension headaches and migraines. When the body is under stress, muscles tense up, and blood vessels constrict, potentially leading to headache symptoms.
3. Can suppressed emotions lead to headaches?
Yes, suppressing emotions like anger, grief, or frustration can contribute to tension headaches. Unresolved emotional issues may manifest physically as headaches over time.
4. How do anxiety and worry contribute to headaches?
Anxiety and worry can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, which may trigger tension headaches or exacerbate migraine symptoms.
5. What role does depression play in causing headaches?
Depression can be both a cause and a consequence of headaches. The neurological changes associated with depression can increase sensitivity to pain, making headaches more frequent or severe.
6. Do relationship conflicts or social stressors impact headaches?
Yes, conflicts in relationships or social stressors like loneliness or isolation can contribute to emotional distress, potentially triggering headaches in susceptible individuals.
7. Can unresolved trauma or past experiences lead to headaches?
Yes, unresolved trauma or past experiences can create emotional tension stored in the body, which may manifest as headaches or other physical symptoms.
8. How does emotional exhaustion contribute to headaches?
Emotional exhaustion, often resulting from chronic stress or burnout, can deplete the body’s resources and weaken its ability to cope with triggers, making headaches more likely.
9. What role does self-esteem and self-criticism play in headaches?
Low self-esteem and self-criticism can contribute to chronic stress and negative emotional states, which may increase the risk of developing or exacerbating headaches.
10. How can addressing emotional triggers help manage headaches?
Addressing emotional triggers involves developing healthy coping mechanisms, seeking therapy or counseling, practicing relaxation techniques, and cultivating self-awareness to better manage stress and emotions, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.
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