Walking Dog Helps Ease My Head Pains
Although it’s been a week and a half without a headache or migraine for me, I came mighty close to one these past two mornings. I am not a morning person, mostly because I feel so lousy. These past two mornings, I was faint and nauseated with a sensation of someone pressing on my forehead.
That pressure was most likely the mojo worked by my dog, Pony, who expects to be walked immediately after my first cup of tea. This takes a lot of energy and, this time of year, I have to be on the lookout for squirrels that Pony might try to chase. (Not that she would know what to do with them if she ever caught them, but I don’t want to take that chance). She’s far more energetic in the mornings than I am, so walking her is akin to a full body workout.
The Beggin’
I tried to get out of walking Pony because I felt a headache might come on, but Pony wasn’t having it. She fixes me with The Beggin’ Stare. I could be behind a wall of concrete and still feel it. I even picked up a tennis ball (her fave toy) and threw it, but she just kept right on staring.
I gave up and walked her. Such is the power of the Doggy Stare.
The Results
Although I haven’t exactly been conducting a scientific study, (for information on a migraine clinical study, click here) I have noticed that many mornings when Pony stares me out the door, I feel much better after the walk, even having headaches that I think are coming on ease.
Regular excercise is recommended for those who suffer from tension headaches, according to the Mayo Clinic. Not only does this help your body’s immune system and release pain-killing endorphins, but regular excercise also is a great stress reliever, which can help you relax, and thus fight tension headaches.
So, I guess that Beggin’ Stare is good for something, after all. If walking around helps me, then perhaps it might help you. But please don’t use this article as a substititue to going to the doctor.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
[...] Did you know that a dog can help those who suffer from headaches. Read about it from the words of fe… Did You Enjoy this Post? Subscribe to My Friendly Pets. It’s Free! « Back Home Posted in General on April 18th, 2008 Link to this Entry Email This Entry [...]
May 12th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Rena - Pony’s Beggin’ Stare is very effective - I’m feeling guilty just looking at her. When my dog takes me for a walk it can be a full-body workout too. I recently discovered to my surprise that a walk could get rid of a tension headache entirely for me, and even ease an early stage migraine. for those days when I’m past my triptan limit for the week.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:13 am
[...] moments of activity in 10 Ways for Migraineurs To Sneak In Some Exercise, and the canine helper in Walking Dog Helps Ease My Head Pains. There are more, some related to exercise and some [...]
May 13th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
That picture isn’t Pony — I didn’t have a scanner at the time — but it is The Stare. Dogs are great healers. They not only help motivate you for walks, but also can make great living hot water bottles.
May 13th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
[...] and I’ve already gottena couple of compliments on how cute Pony is. Actually, the doggy in Walking Dog Helps Ease My Head Pain is NOT my dog. I didn’t have a scanner then. Now I do, and so here is a picture of Pony (and [...]
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
[...] A Cold Compress One of the best ways of easing pain yourself. Five Ways To Help Ease Your Headaches Walking Dog Helps Ease My Head Pains The benefits of regular exercise for the headache-prone. Feverfew As Migraine Preventative About [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:38 am
[...] depression are often encouraged to learn how to manage their stress through non-chemical ways like light exercise, yoga, creating some art or meditation. The point of mediation is to give your racing thoughts [...]