posted December 23, 2007 02:04 PM         

Ah, the migraine - seems like it grabs each of us at one time or another. For many of us, it's only an occasional occurrence, but for some of us they come with painful and debilitating frequency.

One of our favorite experts on the relationship between the emotional and the physical, Louise Hay, believes that migraines can be deeply rooted in our sexual fears. In her book Heal Your Body, she says that migraines are related to "a dislike of being driven, resisting the flow of life, and sexual fears."

Most of us carry around messages about our bodies and our sexuality that we've received from parents, friends or the world around us - messages that tell us we're not attractive enough, or that it's wrong be overly sexual, or that "nice girls don't do that." If we internalize these messages and begin to believe them, they can have an adverse effect on our ability to freely express (and enjoy) our sexuality - causing us to resist this very natural part of being a woman.

Another way to look at it is through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, migraines have to do with a deficiency of kidney energy - if the kidneys are too contracted (too tight or closed in), we're more likely to experience migraines. Well, if we're repressing our sexual energy or desires, our kidneys are much more likely to tighten up and become contracted.

Rollicking relief
So how does understanding this connection help us in a migraine moment? By pointing the way to this romp of a remedy:

The next time you experience a migraine, get out your vibrator (or hand, or washcloth, or other favorite orgasm-inducer)!

It's true - this cheap and easy at-home remedy helps to release pent-up emotional energy, and encourages us to get more in touch with our body and our sexuality. It helps us join with the flow of life, relieves stress, and releases feel-good endorphins - our body's own natural pain reliever.

C'mon ladies, this is your chance to make Betty Dodson proud! (And if you're unfamiliar with the fabulous Betty, check out her pivotal work Sex for One: The Joy of Selfloving.)