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

Migraine Healing Oasis

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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Migraine Healing Oasis

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

June 02, 2026 • Karen Ash, ACC • Episode 25

0:00 | 1:08:13

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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.

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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
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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.