Picture this: when we’re confronted with an unexpected or alarming situation, our instinctual reaction is often to lift our shoulders and thrust our head forward. This posture, resembling the protective stance of a startled animal, might seem benign, but over time, especially if maintained due to chronic stress or poor habits, it can lead to significant physiological repercussions.

Think back to a time you were startled or scared. The immediate bodily response might’ve been to clench your jaw tightly, hunch your shoulders, or even contract your body inward. Such reactions are innately human, rooted in our primal ‘fight or flight’ instincts. But herein lies the caveat: while these responses are effective for immediate threats, when they become habitual, unintentional patterns in our daily lives, they contribute to a myriad of issues, including migraines.

This constant tension, especially around the neck, jaw, and shoulders, reduces optimal blood circulation. It’s akin to pinching a water hose; the flow is disturbed, causing pressure build-up. Over time, this can manifest as migraine headaches.

Shaking
Enter the practice of shaking. If you’ve ever watched athletes moments before a competition, you’ve probably noticed them shaking their limbs. It’s not mere jitters; it’s a deliberate act to loosen muscles and improve blood flow. Shaking is not only our body’s way of releasing acute stress but also a potent remedy to combat chronic tension. Incorporating shaking exercises into our daily routine can reverse the damage done by unconscious clenching.

But how does it work? Shaking facilitates better blood flow, especially to extremities like hands and feet. The vibrations produced during this action stimulate the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that causes blood vessels to dilate. This ensures that while you’re actively engaged in this exercise, blood doesn’t get trapped in the larger muscles.

Occipital Neck Massage
This forward head posture can compress the occipital muscles situated at the base of the skull. These muscles, already sensitive, become prone to tension and pain, especially when pinched or strained. Furthermore, the pressure applied by this forward thrust can impinge on the cranial nerves emanating from the neck, resulting in pain that radiates upwards into the scalp. For many individuals, this sequence of tension, starting from the neck and then radiating towards the temples or eyes, culminates in what is commonly described as tension headaches.

For those suffering from this form of headache or migraine, relief might seem elusive. However, there are traditional techniques that can offer solace. Massaging the occiput, particularly around the acupuncture points GB 20 (located at the base of the skull between the two major neck muscles) and GB 12, can alleviate the tension and consequent pain. Chin tucks, a simple yet effective exercise, can also be beneficial. By tucking the chin towards the chest and holding the stretch, one can target and elongate the deep neck muscles, counteracting the effects of the forward head posture. Regularly practicing these techniques, in conjunction with maintaining proper posture, can play a crucial role in managing and potentially preventing tension-driven migraines.