Sometimes, pills are just too big to swallow……
Migraines – One Womans Story
I first came to chiropractic at the age of 18, after 5 years of debilitating migraines and loss of vision in my left eye. I missed a week of my life every month for 5 years with the headache and severe pain. I could not stand the light or any noise at all. It was awful, and could strike at anytime. It was only getting worse, and I could no longer take the medicine that they were prescribing, too much to swallow, and very little use. A friend of the family suggested I see her chiropractor, and I have never looked back! After a few sessions and a lot of really good information, I was a new woman!
Over the last 20 years I can count on one hand the beginnings of a headache and perhaps one serious migraine after a big emotional time. Nothing in between! My overall health improved and my energy levels rocketed. I had been considering medicine at the time, as I wanted to study pediatrics, but after my first degree, I knew that chiropractic was for me, a natural and holistic approach to health and healing.
I first studied at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. This was my entry into biomechanical medicine. My absolute favorite class was our gross anatomy class, it was a real eye-opener to actually see all of our organs in place and how connected everything was, from the brain straight through to our toes. It was truly awesome. I studied chiropractic at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth. This was where I first spent time watching infants being adjusted, and then in my clinical year, adjusting them myself.
It was an amazing time, meeting amazing people from all over the world, some with very strong philosophies of natural health through chiropractic. During my second year, I contracted whooping cough. I was adjusted twice per day and took high dose vitamin C, and within the week it was gone! No medicines, just pure chiropractic, good nutrition, fluids and rest. That was an incredible experience. Since then, I have also experienced the benefit and the power of chiropractic after car accidents, a disc herniation, two fabulous pregnancies and two amazing home births. I have experienced just a small portion of what chiropractic can do for us, just by removing the interference in our nervous system and allowing our bodies to function and to heal the way we were meant to heal.
Some of my favourite moments since arriving in Cornwall, have been out on Stithians Lake or at Coverack windsurfing, amd out on the Helford gig rowing. When the sun is out and a lovely warm southwesterly is blowing, there is no place I would rather be! Life has changed a little since the arrival of Abby, and now Holly, but the sea still calls. As they grow, I hope they learn to love the great outdoors and the sea as much as I do.
Our little family usually attends the chiropractor for a check up at least every two weeks, rarely longer, especially as kids are so active and crazy!! They may not always need an adjustment every time, but I like knowing that they are in top form. If in between I find that they are overtired, grumpy and generally not their usual gorgeous selves, it usually means time for an adjustment, as something isnt quite right (we call it an “attitude adjustment”).
At home, our “medicine” cabinet is full of homeopathics, rescue remedy and cream, vitamins and herbal preparations. Ice in the freezer, hot water bottle in the cupboard. The best approach I use is to be calm, think about what is happening and how to approach it. Is wait and watch the best thing? Or if they have had a fall and cut, a good clean and patch job! I prefer to use the body’s natural healing ability, watch for any interference, adjust as needed and support with herbs or homeopathy as required. As a mother, I am into the whole food, loads of love and hugs, support and close family and friendships, and good healthy nervous systems idea!
Chiropractic has changed my life the life of my children for the better in every way. It is a process of empowering you to become the best you possible: physically, mentally and emotionally. Armed and able to make better decisions and choices in your own life, you are a better parent, co-worker, friend and partner…..community member…..and it goes on. I look forward to meeting you in person and learning how we may be of service to you and your family.
Wellness Centre