Migraine Healing Oasis

Karen Ash, ACC

A podcast sharing information, support, and healing strategies based on the science-backed MindBody Connection and Healing approach to reversing Migraine pain for sustainable relief.   The host, Karen Ash, ACC suffered (past tense) from Chronic Migraine for 34 years before finding the work of Dr. John Sarno, Nicole Sachs, LCSW, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Alan Gordon, LCSW, the Curable App, and others educating on the role stress and emotions have in dysregulating our nervous system, sending unsafe signals of danger to the Brain, which triggers pain as a protective mechanism to remove us from the treat.  While this information can be used for any MindBody Chronic Pain condition, I felt it important to create a community for the 1.16 BILLION living with Migraine to come together and speak about the nuances of our unique pain experiences.  Join us to gain more pain-free days, one episode at a time!  xx    

  1. Ep 26. Dr. Michael Dow | How PRT Changed This Clinician's Practice — and Healed His Own Migraines

    17h ago

    Ep 26. Dr. Michael Dow | How PRT Changed This Clinician's Practice — and Healed His Own Migraines

    Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Dow on healing migraines and his work with PRT, EAET, Stress, and Relational Soothing Psychotherapist Dr. Michael Dow shares his recovery from chronic weekly headaches and vestibular migraine symptoms that began around 2014 and worsened during COVID while he managed a high-stress integrated health clinic in the Boulder, Colorado area. He describes how mindfulness training alone didn’t prevent symptoms, and how discovering Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) through the Boulder Back Pain Study shifted his understanding from managing pain to reducing fear and retraining the brain to eliminate it.  Dr. Dow discusses the role of cumulative “background stress,” self-compassion, boundaries, and making major life changes, including leaving his long-term job for private practice. He explains “extinction bursts,” emotional work through emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET), the impact of relationship dynamics and secure attachment functioning, and practical strategies like graded exposure and partner-based relational soothing. 00:00 Meet Dr Michael Dow 03:09 Why This Conversation Now 03:52 First Migraine Experience 05:35 Stress And Symptom Escalation 06:53 Family Modeling And Genetics 10:15 Mindfulness Was Not Enough 13:56 Symptoms As A Message 16:25 Background Stress And Boundaries 21:52 Self Compassion Missing Piece 23:11 Discovering Pain Reprocessing 25:15 Somatic Tracking Click Moment 27:16 Life Changes And Extinction Burst 29:48 Flare Ups Mean Healing 30:59 Onion Layers Of Emotions 31:36 Agency Breaks Fear Cycle 33:50 Turning Down The Fear 34:36 Pain Relief Is Possible 37:36 Redefining Recovery Progress 40:16 Relationships And Nervous System 47:03 Breaking Migraine Anticipation 53:12 Stigma Shame And Masculinity 55:08 Practice Resources And Farewell +++++++ REFERENCES:  How to find Dr. Michael Dow ●Website: https://drmichaeldow.com/ ●Michael’s Email:  michaelmdow@gmail.com ●Amelie’s Email: amelie@intergativesomatics.net ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

    1 hr
  2. Ep 25. Dr. Howard Schubiner: The Real Cause of Migraine and How You Can Unlearn Your Pain

    Jun 1

    Ep 25. Dr. Howard Schubiner: The Real Cause of Migraine and How You Can Unlearn Your Pain

    Send us Fan Mail If you're looking for real migraine relief, this conversation reframes everything you've been told. In this episode I talk with Dr. Howard Schubiner, an internist, paediatrician,  researcher, educator, author, and clinical professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.  We talk about migraine through a neuroplastic pain lens and insights from his newly released book, "Unlearn Your Pain" (May 26, 2026). Dr. Schubiner explains that migraine commonly co-occurs with other neuroplastic conditions, often fluctuates over time, and reflects learned neural circuits influenced by perceived danger, stress, and past experiences rather than tissue damage. He discusses why physiological changes in migraine aren’t necessarily structural injury, how placebo/nocebo effects and treatments like CGRP inhibitors and Botox highlight the brain’s role, and how trigger monitoring and lifestyle “compliance” can increase fear and symptoms. We cover genetics vs epigenetics, modeling effects in families, addressing emotions and stress, paradoxical intention to reduce fear, and practical guidance on rest vs activity during severe episodes. 00:00 Meet Dr Howard Schubiner 03:58 New Book Buzz 05:08 What Is Different About This Book 06:33 Migraine As Neuroplastic Pain 10:48 Neural Circuits Explained 13:39 Safety vs. Danger Signal 16:24 Migraine Biology with Mindbody Lens 19:58 Medications And Placebo 22:49 Botox And Hypervigilance 28:03 Triggers And Conditioning 31:06 Fearful Thoughts Impact on Recovery 34:12 Can Migraine Be Inherited? 36:05 Genetics vs Epigenetics 38:47 Family Modeling Effects 40:09 Role of Childhood Trauma 42:31 Redefining Stress 44:38 Safety Messages to Brain 47:48 Rest or Push Through 53:25 Fearful Monitoring Loops 55:59 When did Symptoms Begin 59:26 Disease Label vs Neuroplastic 01:03:01 Resources and Farewell ___________ Find Dr. Schbiner: ·        Instagram: @hschubiner ·        websites: www.unlearnyourpain.com, www.freedomfromchronicpain.com ·        “The Science Behind The Symptoms” Podcast w. Dr. Becca Kennedy ·        ATNS: www.symptomatic.me The FREE Online "Chronic Pain Healing Summit" - November 13-14, 2026 where Dr. Schubiner will be speaking. Mentioned at the end: Living Proof, a UK non-profit helping to raise awareness of this mindbody approach to neuroplastic conditions.  ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

    1h 8m
  3. Ep 24. Complex Emotions on Mother’s Day

    May 10

    Ep 24. Complex Emotions on Mother’s Day

    Send us Fan Mail Mother’s Day can bring a mix of emotions.  This year, I'm navigating my first without a mother, and it's been complicated. In this episode, I talk about how this holiday can be painful and emotionally complex for many people for a variety of reasons. There can be conflicted feelings underneath—resentment, tenderness, guilt, shame, love, and grief—emotions that can coexist and are completely normal.  00:00 First Mothers Day Without Mom 02:19 Grief In Public Spaces 04:30 Small Kindness Matters 05:37 Why Mothers Day Is Complicated 06:54 Mothers Living With Chronic Pain 08:31 Obligation Versus Authenticity 11:43 Resentments And Repressed Emotions 13:23 Feeling Versus Expressing Emotions 17:10 Lessons And Unsent Letter Exercise 19:47 Complex Grief & Closing Thought _________ EAET was mentioned:  That is Emotional Awareness & Expression Therapy.  For more information on what this is, see Ep 23 where Dr. Kaufmann does a good job explaining how it was successfully studied for migraine reduction.   ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

    22 min
  4. Ep 23.  7 Less Migraine Days Per Month! - EAET for Migraine - New Study Results

    May 5

    Ep 23. 7 Less Migraine Days Per Month! - EAET for Migraine - New Study Results

    Send us Fan Mail What if expressing avoided emotions could actually reduce migraine? That's exactly what the research is starting to show — and in this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dan Kaufmann, research assistant professor at the University of Utah and a scientist who went from developing pharmaceutical compounds for migraine prevention to exploring how unresolved emotions and adverse life experiences may be driving factors of migraine. Dr. Kaufmann recently published preliminary results of a study using EAET (Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy) specifically in people with migraine — and the results are promising. In this episode you'll learn: Why stress and hormones alone don't explain migraine — and what's missing from that pictureWhat EAET actually is, and how it's different from journaling or talk therapyHow unprocessed and avoided emotions and adverse childhood experiences may be keeping the brain in a threat state — and fuel migraineWhat working on your "emotional muscle" actually looks like in practiceEncouraging study resultsResources to support youDr. Kaufmann brings his pharmacology and science background to a mindbody framework — and the result is one of the most grounded, science-backed conversations you'll hear on how expressing avoided motions can aid in migraine reduction. Resources mentioned: ATNS Practitioner Directory: symptomatic.me/practitioner-directoryDanielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation: daniellefoundation.orgEAET practitioner training (Drs. Howard Schubiner & Mark Lumley) ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

    1h 8m
  5. Ep 22. Chelsea's Healing Journey - Migraine Relief After 45 Years!!

    09/07/2025

    Ep 22. Chelsea's Healing Journey - Migraine Relief After 45 Years!!

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Chelsea Emery, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming chronic migraines and other neuroplastic symptoms through a mindbody healing approach. Despite suffering from migraines for 45 years, Chelsea managed to drastically reduce her symptoms by exploring alternative health measures and eventually embracing the Curable App's mindbody tools and other journaling techniques. Chelsea discusses the impact of her past traumas, stressors, and repressed emotions on her physical health and explains how tools like journaling, meditations, and setting authentic boundaries helped her regain control over her life. Now symptom-free, Chelsea is passionate about helping others on their healing journeys. Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with chronic pain and looking for alternative paths to recovery.    00:00 Introduction   01:39 Early Struggles with Migraines  02:24 Alternative Treatments & Discoveries  05:59 The Impact of a Diet Change on Migraines  08:30 The Role of Fear & Hypervigilance  14:24 The Tsunami of Symptoms  22:45 Finding Hope and the Curable App  27:22 Skepticism and Acceptance of Mindbody Healing  33:12 Understanding Nervous System Regulation  34:53 The Power of Journaling  37:20 Exploring Childhood Trauma and Its Impact  40:35 The Role of Internal Family Systems  42:05 Daily Practices & Techniques  50:05 Importance of Self-Compassion  58:49  New Career  01:03:35 Final Thoughts & Encouragement ++++++++++  How to connect with Chelsea ✅ Email: chelseaemery53@gmail.com        Insta @ emery_cj        Coming soon: www.yourpeacefulpathways.com  Resources Mentioned in order of mention: ✅  Glucose Goddess on Insta (remember, please take caution in getting hypervigilent on diet & restriction) ✅  IFS by Richard Schwartz (Book "No Bad Parts") ✅ Curable App - FREE 6-Week Trial - QR Code here: https://www.migraineoasis.com/guide ✅  Dr. Schubiner's Book "Unlearn Your Pain" & EAET  ✅ Anna Holzman: www.instagram.com/anna_holtzman/        FREE WORKSHOP 9.10.25! www.annaholtzman.com/beseen ✅ Nicole Sachs:  Journal Speak Explained  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRfyj8hhl9o76AbNOvoJW-0_VBJXo5AEn ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

    1h 7m
  6. Ep 21. Are You Prepared for a Medical Emergency?  6 Lessons Learned the Hard Way

    08/31/2025

    Ep 21. Are You Prepared for a Medical Emergency? 6 Lessons Learned the Hard Way

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into a personal medical emergency I experienced this past week, highlighting the importance of preparedness. From the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain to navigating the emergency room, I share practical lessons and steps to be better prepared for unexpected crises, especially when living alone.     00:00 Introduction and Recent Events  01:30 Medical Emergency Unfolds  05:17 Lesson 1 - Can Someone Access You in Your Home?   07:11 Lesson 2 - Your Phone  08:38 Lesson 3 - Emergency Contacts  10:17 Lesson 4 - ID, Medical records  10:45 Lesson 5 - Emergency Kit & File Of Life  12:42 Lesson 6 - Organizing Your Personal Affairs  15:04: What I Grabbed Before Leaving for the Hospital  17:06 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics ++++++++++  Resources Mentioned:  ✅ File Of Life:  https://formspal.com/pdf-forms/other/file-of-life-form/ ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

    19 min
  7. Ep 20. How Hydration Supports Brain Retraining & Chronic Pain Recovery

    08/08/2025

    Ep 20. How Hydration Supports Brain Retraining & Chronic Pain Recovery

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore a new perspective on the often-overlooked importance of proper hydration. Going beyond the usual advice of drinking water, we delve into how consistent hydration supports the body's physiology, enhances healing in a biopsychosocial context, and helps maintain a sense of safety for the brain (aka brain retraining). The episode also provides practical tips and mindbody techniques to incorporate hydration into daily routines as a form of self-care and symptom management. 00:00 Introduction to Hydration and Chronic Pain 00:58 The Biopsychosocial Model of Healing 03:19 Personal Experiences with Dehydration 05:38 Hydration's Impact on the Nervous System 12:13 Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated 17:36 Hydration as a Healing Ritual ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

    21 min
  8. Ep 19. The Healing House Story: A Metaphor for Your Healing Journey

    07/21/2025

    Ep 19. The Healing House Story: A Metaphor for Your Healing Journey

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we delve into a unique metaphor for healing: the Healing House. Join me to discover the 3 main 'Rooms' of the Healing House that make a big difference in our healing.  I'll walk you through the rooms of Education, Perceived Danger, and Perceived Safety - with it's connecting rooms called Nervous System, Emotions, and Power.  You'll discover how to navigating these spaces to  guide you towards symptom reduction and a sense of well-being. Whether you are new to this concept or already on your healing journey, this episode offers a holistic and compassionate approach to reduce overehelm about the process and understand the main subjects needed to explore when healing from chronic pain and symptoms. 00:00 Introduction  01:10 The Healing House Metaphor 03:48 Exploring the Rooms: Education Room 04:38 Exploring the Rooms: Perceived Danger and Safety 06:24 Exploring the Rooms: Nervous System, Emotions, and Power 09:46 Navigating the Healing Journey 14:15 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts 20:12 Conclusion and Encouragement _____  My Resources:  ✅ FREE GUIDE:  "5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner That Helped Me Finally End Chronic Migraine!" ✅ MINI-COURSE WAIT LIST:  "Intro to MindBody Healing" Coming Soon - sign up to receive information on the next dates ✅ 1:1 COACHING:  Book a FREE 25 Minute Consultation ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

    25 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A podcast sharing information, support, and healing strategies based on the science-backed MindBody Connection and Healing approach to reversing Migraine pain for sustainable relief.   The host, Karen Ash, ACC suffered (past tense) from Chronic Migraine for 34 years before finding the work of Dr. John Sarno, Nicole Sachs, LCSW, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Alan Gordon, LCSW, the Curable App, and others educating on the role stress and emotions have in dysregulating our nervous system, sending unsafe signals of danger to the Brain, which triggers pain as a protective mechanism to remove us from the treat.  While this information can be used for any MindBody Chronic Pain condition, I felt it important to create a community for the 1.16 BILLION living with Migraine to come together and speak about the nuances of our unique pain experiences.  Join us to gain more pain-free days, one episode at a time!  xx    

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