migraines

When words spark words.

alexandertechniquewiltshire 1 Comment

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.

Hidden Struggles, Gentle Support — What June Awareness Reminds Us

alexandertechniquewiltshire 9 Comments

June is full of important awareness days: PTSD, Men’s Health, and Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. At first glance, these may seem unrelated — but they all touch on areas of health that are often unseen, unspoken, and deeply felt.

As someone who teaches the Alexander Technique, I see how everyday pressures, long-held tension, and survival habits show up in people’s bodies. These awareness days offer an invitation: to pause, listen, and learn how we can support ourselves — and others — with more compassion. I chose these particular “topics” because I thought they were areas that I could assist in.

PTSD Awareness – June 27

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) doesn’t always look like what we see in movies. It can result from life-threatening illness, accidents, violence, grief, or chronic stress. The nervous system becomes stuck in survival mode — often long after the event.

The Alexander Technique offers a gentle, non-invasive way to explore how trauma might be held in the body. It supports regulation, safety, and presence by helping people become aware of unconscious patterns — like holding the breath, tensing the jaw, or bracing the spine — and giving them tools to soften and release.

“When the body feels safe, the mind begins to follow. That’s where healing can begin.”

Men’s Health Week – June 10–16

Men are often conditioned to “push through,” stay strong, and avoid vulnerability. But health isn’t just physical — it includes emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness.

When I first trained in the Alexander Technique, I expected my client base would be mostly women. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised — many of my clients are men. It’s become clear that this approach to health and wellbeing resonates strongly with them.

The Alexander Technique encourages a different kind of strength: one rooted in ease, adaptability, and conscious response. It’s particularly helpful for men who are experiencing:

  • Chronic back, neck, or joint pain
  • Work stress or burnout
  • Difficulty switching off

Learning to pause, to notice, and to choose a different response can be life-changing — not just physically, but emotionally and relationally.

Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Chronic headaches and migraines are more than just “bad headaches.” They can be debilitating, isolating, and deeply misunderstood.

The Alexander Technique doesn’t offer a medical cure — but many people experience fewer headaches, reduced intensity, and better recovery when they learn to:

  • Ease neck and jaw tension
  • Unhook from habitual tightening
  • Improve breathing and postural support
  • Calm an over-alert nervous system

It also helps with the stress-migraine loop — where tension triggers pain, and pain creates more tension. The Technique breaks this cycle gently, with awareness and choice.

What These Awareness Days Have in Common

Whether it’s PTSD, men’s health, or migraines — there’s often a common thread:
Invisible struggle. Internal pressure. A longing for relief.

The Alexander Technique doesn’t “fix” these things, but it gives people a powerful way to relate to their own bodies with curiosity instead of control, and ease instead of effort.

It’s about learning to be with yourself — even in discomfort — and finding space, breath, and choice where it once felt impossible.

Closing Reflection

These awareness days are reminders to listen. To soften. To not assume we know what someone else is carrying. And to offer ourselves the same kindness we wish for others.

If you’re curious how the Alexander Technique could support you or someone you care about, I offer 1:1 sessions both online and in person. Get in touch — it starts with a conversation.

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