Ripples

One of the unexpected joys of writing is discovering that someone has actually read what you wrote—and even more so when it inspires them to write something of their own. That happened recently when someone quoted one of my blog posts in their own thoughtful piece about the Alexander Technique and migraines.

It reminded me just how powerful shared stories can be. It also got me thinking more deeply about migraines and why I thought Alexander Technique could help.

---

What Causes Migraines? Even the Experts Don’t Fully Know

According to The Migraine Trust, the exact cause of migraines is still unknown. It’s understood to be a complex neurological condition, but what triggers an episode—and why it affects people so differently—is still being studied.

What we do know is that there are a wide range of common triggers, including:

• Stress (and the “let-down” after stress)
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Sleep disturbances
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Changes in environment like light, noise, or weather
• Dietary factors, dehydration, and irregular meals

The Migraine Trust also notes that many people start to notice patterns before an attack begins—such as muscle tightening, changes in breathing, or increased sensitivity to light or sound. These early signs often go unrecognised until we learn how to pay attention to them.

That’s where the Alexander Technique may be helpful—not as a cure, but as a way of building awareness and changing the way we respond to the warning signs.

---

How the Alexander Technique May Help

The Alexander Technique isn’t a medical treatment, but it offers something equally valuable: the ability to observe and influence how we respond to our internal and external conditions.

When it comes to migraines, this might include:

• Becoming more aware of early physical patterns (tightening, breath holding, clenching)
• Learning to pause and redirect tension before it builds into pain
• Developing more efficient postural habits that reduce strain on the neck and shoulders
• Managing day-to-day stress levels with greater clarity and calm
• Supporting recovery from pain or fatigue with gentler movement and rest strategies
• how hormonal changes may be affecting neuro/musculoskeletal body

It may not stop the migraine from happening—but it can help shift your relationship to triggers and symptoms, which is an important part of managing a chronic condition.

---

Why Blogs Matter (A Personal Note)

As I’ve mentioned before, I first discovered the Alexander Technique when I was searching online for relief from persistent back pain and neck pain, frustrated by how it was impacting my life and not finding the answers I needed elsewhere. One blog post—was enough to make me book a lesson.

That blog changed everything. It set me on a path that not only helped with the back pain, and my migraine headaches , but eventually became part of my work and creative life.

So when someone tells me they found value in something I’ve written—enough to quote it in their own writing—I feel a quiet ripple of joy. Because I know from experience that reading someone else’s words at the right time can truly make a difference.

---

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have you ever lived with migraines? Have you noticed any patterns or triggers that relate to posture, tension, or stress? I’d love to hear your perspective.

Here’s the blog post that quoted mine: link
And here’s my original post: link

If it sparks something for you, I hope you’ll let me know—or even write your own.