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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

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REFERENCES:  How to find Dr. Michael Dow

●Website: https://drmichaeldow.com/
●Michael’s Email:  [email protected]
●Amelie’s Email: [email protected]

____
Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful. 
FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 picture
• What EAET actually is, and how it's different from journaling or talk therapy
• How unprocessed and avoided emotions and adverse childhood experiences may be keeping the brain in a threat state — and fuel migraine
• What working on your "emotional muscle" actually looks like in practice
• Encouraging study results
• Resources to support you

Dr. 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-directory
• Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation: daniellefoundation.org
• EAET 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.

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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

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 How to connect with Chelsea
✅ Email: [email protected]
       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.

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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

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 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.

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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.

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

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

In honour of Chronic Illness Recovery Day, let's talk about what recovering from migraine looks like.  The discussion emphasizes the fact that recovery is unique to each of us. I talk about what recovery means to me, the importance of seeing recovery through a wider lens, The key components of recovery (including three key questions to ask yourself and Dr. Schubiner's 7 Fs to avoid).  We talk about the truth behind recovery stories and finally why my new favorite phase is "I'm 100% imperfectly recovered".

Schedule a 25 min Free Consultation Call to discuss your recovery here

Migraine Oasis Blog Post on this topic
 
++++++++++
 
00:00 Welcome and Global Acknowledgment
01:22 Connecting with the Community
02:29 Introduction to Chronic Illness Recovery Day
03:38 Defining Recovery
5:41 - 🔎 Three Questions to Ask Yourself About Your View on Recovery: 
        - Is what you're striving for helpful to your journey or putting an added layer of pressure on yourself?
        - Would it serve you to identify smaller milestones or ways to recognize the glimmers of progress along the way in order to build upon a sense of achievement and safety?
         - What mindset are you carrying as you move toward your goal?
08:12 Understanding Pain and Safety
12:29 - 🔑 Key Aspects to Reducing Symptoms:
      🔑 understanding latest neuroscience of how pain works & becomes chronic
      🔑 nervous system regulation
      🔑 developing a felt sense of safety in the body
      🔑 brain re-training (rewiring neural pathways)
      🔑 emotional awareness and processing
      🔑 reducing overwhelm, internalized pressure, and stress (in its many forms) to create a felt sense of safety.
14:21 🛑 Dr. Shubiner's Seven Fs to Avoid in Recovery: Fear, Focus, Fix, Frustration, Fighting, Figuring, Forlorn 
17:34 The Truth About Recovery Stories
23:02 Personal Reflections on Recovery
26:00 - 📝  My list -How I know I've recovered
28:26 Resources and Support
31:14 Conclusion and Well Wishes

____
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.

Send us Fan Mail

Are your symptoms “chronic”? What does that even mean—and why does it matter?
 
In this video, we unpack the difference between the traditional biomedical model and the mindbody (biopsychosocial) approach to defining chronic migraine. I'll breifly touch on  what neuroplastic pain is, how nervous system dysregulation plays a role, and why persistence—not frequency—is the key factor for the mindbody approach. Most importantly, I'll touch on how chronic symptoms can be reversed.
 
 If you've ever wondered, “Does this approach apply to me?” — this is for you.
 
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 00:00 – 📍 Understanding Chronic Pain: An Introduction
 00:25 – ⚕️ Traditional (Biomedical) Model vs. 🧠❤️ Mindbody (Biopsychosocial) Medicine
 00:58 – 🌿 Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain
 01:56 – 🔁 Importance of Persistence (Not Just Frequency)
 03:22 – 🧠 Neuroplastic Pain Explained
 04:09 – 🚨 Nervous System Dysregulation as a Root Cause
 05:04 – 🧠💥 Brain's Role in Pain Perception
 06:01 – 🔄 Reversing Neuroplastic Pain
 06:50 – 💬 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

++++++++++

My Resources:
✅ 1:1 COACHING:  Book a FREE 25 Minute Consultation

✅ FREE GUIDE:  "5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner That Helped Me Finally End Chronic Migraine!"
✅ COURSE WAIT LIST:  "Intro to MindBody Healing" Coming Soon - sign up to receive information on the next dates

____
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.