If you live with migraines, you’ll know they’re not “just a bad headache.” They can stop you in your tracks, disrupt work, family life, and make even simple things feel impossible. For many people, the hardest part is not knowing when the next migraine will arrive — or what’s really causing them.

At Koru Natural Therapies, we often see people who’ve tried medications, lifestyle changes, or simply pushed through their migraines without much relief. Osteopathy offers a whole-body approach that may help you better understand your triggers and support your body in managing them.

The Many Faces of Migraine

Migraines can look very different from person to person. Some of the most common types include:

• Migraine without aura: Severe headache, often one-sided, with nausea and light/sound sensitivity.
• Migraine with aura: Headache plus flashing lights, zig-zag vision, or tingling sensations.
• Vestibular migraine: Balance changes, dizziness, vertigo.
• Silent migraine: All the migraine symptoms except the actual headache.
• Menstrual migraine: Linked to hormone shifts around the cycle.

Knowing your type helps you understand why migraines show up and how to manage them.

Often-Missed Migraine Triggers

Migraines aren’t always just about the head. Here are some commonly overlooked contributors:

• Eye strain – Long screen time, poor posture, or outdated glasses can trigger migraines.
• Neck tension – Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and jaw often play a role.
• Stress – Changes in hormones and muscle tension from stress can tip the body into migraine mode.
• Gut–brain axis – Food sensitivities, poor digestion, or gut bacteria imbalance may contribute.
• Breathing mechanics – Shallow or chest-only breathing can strain the neck and reduce oxygen supply.

How Your Osteopath Can Support You

Osteopaths look at the whole person, not just the head. Treatment is gentle and supportive, aiming to reduce strain, improve movement, and calm the nervous system.

We may:

• Release tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
• Provide personalised ergonomic advice for work, home or study.
• Encourage healthier breathing mechanics.
• Use gentle techniques for the abdomen to support digestion and relieving internal strain patterns.
• Offer guidance around stress and lifestyle habits.

Osteopathy may not “cure” migraines, but many people find their headaches become less frequent, less intense, or easier to recover from when the whole body is supported.

Practical Self-Care Tips

• Take regular breaks from screens (20-20-20 rule).
• Drink enough water and don’t skip meals.
• Stretch your neck and reset your posture regularly.
• Practice slow, deep belly breathing.
• Keep a simple migraine diary to notice your triggers.

Final Thoughts

Migraines can feel unpredictable and overwhelming — but there are gentle, natural ways to support your body. By looking beyond the head and exploring factors like posture, digestion, stress, and breathing, osteopathy may help reduce the impact migraines have on daily life.

At Koru Natural Therapies, we’re here to walk alongside you with care, understanding, and a whole-body perspective.