How to Treat a Migraine With Feldenkrais

Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais was the founder and developer of the Feldenkrais method which has two formats. The group lessons are referred to as Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and the individual lessons are referred to as Functional Integration (FI). FI is often used to help sufferers of migraines. Here are some tips for treating a migraine with Feldenkrais.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find a qualified Feldenkrais teacher that has had success with treating migraines and other headache pain as they will be guiding your individual lessons. The practitioner should be accredited through the Feldenkrais Guild.
2. Open your mind to the new ideas and total body awareness that Feldenkrais will give to you through instruction.
3. Replace old habits with the information you receive from an individual lesson. These lessons follow patterns and sequences to focus on an individual's needs and causes of the pain such as with a migraine.
4. Take breaks throughout the day to refocus on yourself. Incorporate the breathing techniques and thought processes you learn from Functional Integration or FI.
5. Retrain your body to perform certain movements when you recognize cues for an upcoming migraine. Your practioner will recognize these movements and communicate this to you. People are often unaware of body patterns and behaviors that contribute to pain and discomfort.
6. Chart behaviors and progress you notice that trigger or reduce a migraine. This awareness will further educate you on how to change movement and breathing to reduce the occurrences and length of pain from a migraine.
7. Check with your current list of doctors or practitioners to see if they already hold accreditation as a practitioner of Feldenkrais. Many chiropractors and physicians use this method in their practices.