As the season changes, so do our minds and bodies. As summer transitions into autumn, nature begins to slow its pace by moving from the heat and vibrancy of summer to the slower and cooler phase of winter. Autumn, like spring, represents this transitional phase of the seasons in its fullest.
We forget that our mind and body are also part and parcel of nature and therefore, we too experience this shift in energy and how our body functions. Instead of getting caught up in the like or dislike of the changing seasons, try to simply appreciate it as a natural cycle of nature. The same way a breath requires an inhalation and an exhalation; nature must also go through a similar inspiration (stillness and cooling) and expiration (full blossom and vibrancy). Two essential parts of one action.
Viewed from this perspective, our awareness moves from liking or disliking this transition to just simply appreciating it for what it is and aligning with it – aligning with the flow of nature vs resisting it based on our likes and dislikes.
If we fail to recognize this, we waste our vital energy trying to push against the prevailing current which is much stronger than us and we end up depleting our vital energy. Failing to align with this current or flow exhausts our energies and puts us in a depressive and stagnant mindset. We become more irritable, more stressed and reactive to life instead of responsive to life. Our immune system becomes weaker as a result, we become more prone to infection, […]
A common misdiagnosis I’m seeing more in practice – particularly in teenagers – is the confusion between a Tension headache and a Migraine. In my opinion, the “Migraine” word gets thrown around way too loosely these days and has become ubiquitous with a pounding headache in the back of the neck, temples or over the eyes.
In reality, migraines are very rare and are usually associated with a chronic neurological condition and hormonal imbalance. Often times, migraines are accompanied with vision disturbances, dizziness or nausea. True migraines appear once every few months, usually come with an aura type sensation before it starts, and are often triggered by environmental factors or stress. Common triggers being coffee, alcohol and sugary foods – which impact the neurological system.
If you’re child or teenager is experiencing repeated headaches, either once a week or more, its highly likely he/she is experiencing a tension headache.
Tension headaches, unlike migraines, stem from a muscle and joint condition typically triggered by postural stress in the neck and mid back region. This is becoming much more prevalent in young teens and adolescents for ONE obvious reason; increased usage time on devices accompanied by flexion of the neck and rounding of the shoulders. Too much static posture is also a major factor.
Rebecca’s case:
Last month, I had a mom bring her 16 year old daughter Rebecca to the clinic complaining of chronic weekly headaches that she’s been suffering from since she was 14. Yes, a 16 year old with 2 years of weekly headaches, countless visits to doctors and specialists who’ve run her through a gamut of tests like CT’s, X-rays, bloodwork – all perfectly clear – only to label her with a Migraine diagnosis.
When […]
By Yonge Finch Health|September 10th, 2023|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Migraine vs Headache: Knowing the difference is everything
