A migraine is a headache of varying intensity, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine is a neurological disorder.
There are various types of migraine related to specific syndromes or triggers, including:
- Chronic migraine: It refers to any migraine that triggers attacks over 15 days of the month.
- Menstrual migraine: This is when attacks occur in a pattern associated with the menstrual cycle.
- Hemiplegic migraine: This causes temporary weakness on one side of the body.
- Abdominal migraine: It is a syndrome that links migraine attacks with irregular function in the gut. It occurs mainly in children under the age of 14.
- Migraine with brainstem aura: This is a rare type of migraine that can trigger severe neurological symptoms, such as impaired speech.
Ayurvedic approaches to the treatment of migraine headache
In Ayurveda, migraine is described as Ardhavabhedaka which is one of the types of the 11 Shiro roga (Headache Disorders). It is a major health issue among people having sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and other pain conditions.
All three Doshas (bio elements). Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are involved in the pathogenesis of the Ardhavabhedaka with the predominance of Vata or Vatakapha.
Ayurvedic treatment for migraine headache
Ayurveda, with its 5000-year-old science, gives a unique way to understand migraine. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to understanding a patient’s unique Dosha type and balancing these Doshas. In Ayurveda, various herbs, panchakarma therapies, yoga, diet, lifestyle changes, and meditation have been mentioned for migraine management.
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In Ayurvedic literature, various treatments for Ardhavabhedaka are mentioned by Acharyas
Shamana Chikitsa (Pacificatory Therapy): The various medicines used in the treatment of Ardhavabhedaka like Rasa Aushadhi, Kwatha (Decoction), Vati, etc. to balance the vitiated Doshas.
Shodhana Karmas (Purification Therapy): Shodhana Karmas and some other procedures (for instant relief by using specialized techniques) are indicated to remove natural toxins from the body. These include Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Shirodhara, Shiro Basti, Lepa (local application), Raktamokshana (bloodletting), Agni karma (cauterization), etc.
Ayurvedic Diet for Migraine Headache
Eat wholesome foods that are fresh and organic
- Consume a Pitta pacifying diet or cooling foods such as cucumber, milk, pears, coconuts, pomegranates, pulses, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid heavy, astringent, acidic, bitter, sour, salty, and pungent foods
- Avoid tomatoes, garlic, meat, stale, radishes, chili, butter, yogurt, frozen, canned, and processed foods
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Take a light meal in the morning and at night.
Yoga for migraine headaches
Stress can trigger both migraines and tension headaches, yoga can undoubtedly help to prevent this type of headache. Practicing Yoga can also help with tension in the muscles of the neck, back, and head. Yoga helps to relax the tight muscles and improve blood circulation in that region. Yoga helps to calm the mind as well. Various yoga therapies beneficial in migraine are-
- Legs-up-the-wall pose (Viparita Karani)
- Reclining Bound Angle Pose Supta Baddha Konasana
- Half plow pose (Ardha Halasana)
- One-legged forward bend (Janu Sirasasana)
- Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)
Lifestyle changes to manage headache
- Avoid exposure to mid-day sunlight and cold winds
- Follow a proper sleep of seven to eight hours
- Try to relieve stress and boost your mood with powerful relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, etc.
- Suppression of natural urges like sneezing, shedding tears, defecation or urination should be avoided
- Avoid drinking and smoking
Home remedies for migraine headaches
- Oil pulling or Kavala Graha with coconut oil is beneficial in treating migraine. It can be done on an empty stomach for 15-20 minutes and spit.
- Drink golden milk/ turmeric milk with a pinch of saffron and cardamom every day.
- Drink coriander, cumin, and fennel seed water on an empty stomach.
- Apply nutmeg or sandalwood paste on the forehead to calm down and relax during an attack
