By Milda Urban, Summersalt Yoga founder

Friends, I’m so happy to introduce another wonderful lady to our “The Madame Guru” series, this time talking about women health. We met Erin last year, and her kindness (she’s Canadian after all!), stories, and insights made a real impact on our group.

Erin is a yoga teacher, a busy woman, and someone who is bravely open about living with chronic migraines. Her honesty and willingness to speak up is a powerful act of support for the broader conversation around women health.

This is a really good one, so dig in!

We can’t create change without acknowledging something in the first place—and while we can’t always overcome chronic illness, we can absolutely talk about it and use our experiences to lift each other up.

Erin, what’s your background and what do you do?

I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia—basically as far east as you can get in Canada. It’s a small city with about 300,000 people and has this lovely historic vibe with cobblestone streets, old buildings, and the original citadel still standing.

My background is in marketing. I hold a BComm and an MBA, both focused on marketing. I currently work in media planning, specializing in digital and social media. It keeps me on my toes, but I love how varied it is—I get to learn about so many different industries through my clients.

You’re also a yoga teacher—how did that start?

Ironically, I used to avoid yoga. I was into sports—hockey, soccer, volleyball—and spent a lot of time in gyms. I tried a few yoga classes and didn’t enjoy them. I didn’t realize how much a teacher’s style and the yoga type could change the experience.

Eventually, during a stressful time at university, my doctor recommended I swap one gym session for something gentler. I tried a yoga/Pilates fusion class—mainly because it was free with my gym membership—and to my surprise, I loved it. It was challenging in a completely different way.

When I came back from a year in Ireland, my gym needed instructors. Since I was about to start grad school, it felt like the perfect time to take teacher training. What started as a side project became a deep passion.

What’s most rewarding about teaching yoga?

It’s the connection—with the people who come to class, and with myself. I love learning about my students, what they’re navigating, and what yoga gives them. Yoga keeps teaching me: better communication, deeper empathy, and ways to grow my own practice.

It’s a never-ending journey—the more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know.

Talking About Chronic Migraines and Women Health

You’re vocal about living with chronic migraines. What’s that like?

There’s a big misconception that migraines are just bad headaches. They’re actually a neurological disease, and symptoms vary. For some, there’s intense headache pain. Others experience visual disturbances (auras), vertigo, nausea, sensory sensitivity, fatigue, or mood shifts.

I get “silent migraines,” which means no headache, but lots of aura, dizziness, and mental fog. I often forget words or feel deeply anxious or depressed. Sometimes I’ll go through days or weeks in a migraine cycle, trying to keep up with work and life while feeling like my brain is malfunctioning.

It’s exhausting—but it’s also why I started talking openly about it. Women health conversations often leave chronic illnesses out, and I wanted to change that.

Why did you decide to speak up?

For most of my life, migraines were episodic—manageable. But a few years ago, they became chronic. Suddenly, I was dealing with them every day, with no community around me that understood.

I felt incredibly isolated. And that’s what pushed me to start sharing. I figured, if I couldn’t find someone talking about it, I’d be that person. If I could make one woman feel less alone in her health journey, it’d be worth it.

How do you cope, physically and mentally?

Yoga and meditation are essential tools for me. They help me find calm when things get chaotic. Rest is also crucial—I’ve learned to protect my energy and set boundaries.

I mix Western medicine (prescriptions and injections) with holistic care—massage, chiropractic work, acupuncture, and supplements like magnesium, potassium, and B12. These have been game changers.

I’m lucky to have a friend who also has chronic migraines. We might have different symptoms, but we get each other. That kind of support is huge—it’s one of the most powerful things you can have for your mental wellbeing.

How does yoga fit into your health management?

Yoga gives me space—mentally and physically. When I’m deep in a migraine cycle, even gentle movement combined with breathwork helps me feel grounded. It’s often the only time I can connect with my body in a peaceful way.

When I’m feeling well, my personal practice becomes a way to set goals, reflect, or simply check in. It adapts with me. That flexibility is a major reason why yoga is such a valuable part of women health.

What kind of feedback have you received from others?

Students often just appreciate seeing someone being real—showing up even when things aren’t perfect. On social media, I’ve had more in-depth conversations with other women dealing with chronic illness. It’s created a little network of people who understand each other in a way that’s hard to describe.

Do you feel pressure to be “strong” all the time?

Definitely. Society has a narrative that women need to push through everything and never show vulnerability. But I’ve come to believe that real strength is in being honest about what you’re facing.

We need to normalize imperfection and illness in women health. When we start sharing our challenges, it chips away at that impossible standard of perfection and opens the door for real connection.

What advice would you give someone with a similar condition?

Be patient with yourself. Chronic illness is unpredictable, and progress is never linear. Also, surround yourself with people who truly care and understand.

Find the self-care that works for you—whether it’s yoga, journaling, or simply staying in bed with a heating pad. Celebrate the small wins, and don’t feel guilty for doing what you need to feel whole.

Strength Through Sharing: A Reflection on Women Health

Erin’s story is a powerful reminder that being open about our health—especially as women—isn’t weakness; it’s a radical act of strength. In a world that often expects us to carry on without pause, talking about chronic conditions like migraines helps us all redefine what resilience really looks like.

When we talk about women health with honesty, we create space for others to do the same. That’s how real healing, empathy, and community begin.