Migraine Treatment in Ayurveda is the most common search by the people. Actually, it is the most common type of headache, affects one in seven people worldwide.
Moreover, it is characterized by severe pain or a throbbing sensation that interferes with day-to-day functioning. Migraine sufferers face significant challenges in their jobs, social lives, and family life, which has significant economic and social impacts.
What is Migraine?
Migraine can be defined as a neurologic disorder that is most often accompanied by unilateral, pulsatile, throbbing sensation. Migraine pain is caused by abnormal brain activity and can be triggered by excessive noise, light, stress and tension.
What are the Types of Migraines?
There are several types of migraines. The most common migraine categories are:
- Migraine with Aura (classic migraine).
- Migraine without Aura (common migraine).
An Aura is a phase of the migraine before head pain begins.
Other Types of Migraines include:
- Migraines in Children (Abdominal Migraine)
- Chronic Migraine
- Hemiplegic Migraine
- Menstrual Migraine
- Migraine without Headache (Silent Migraine)
- Retinal Migraine (Ocular Migraine)
- Status Migrainosus
Causes of Migraine
It’s unclear exactly what causes migraines. Migraine causes may vary from person to person. However, it is believed by experts that there are certain factors that may contribute to the development of the condition.
- Genetic characteristics: One major risk factor is a family history of migraine.
- Many people find that hormonal fluctuations, such as those related to menstruation, can trigger migraine headaches.
- A variety of emotional factors, including stress, depression, anxiety, excitement can cause migraine.
- Chocolate, nuts, cheese, citrus fruits, alcohol and foods containing the additives tyramine and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are among the foods that might cause migraines.
- Certain medications such as sleeping pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and some birth control pills, may be a trigger for some people.
- A number of environmental factors such as strong odors, secondhand smoke, loud sounds, humidity, stuffy rooms, sudden temperature changes, and bright lighting, have the potential to cause migraines.
- Tiredness, inadequate sleep, bad posture, strenuous activity, and dehydration are a few other potential factors.
Symptoms of Migraine
There are four phases that migraines can go through: prodrome, aura, assault, and post-drome. Not everyone with migraines experiences each stage.
- Prodrome: The first phase starts up to 24 hours before you feel the first wave of headaches of upcoming migraine.
- Aura: An aura is a group of sensory, motor and/or speech symptoms that serves as a precursor to a migraine headache. The aura phase may extend to sixty minutes or to just five. It’s possible for you to feel the aura and headache simultaneously.
- Headache: A migraine headache may persist anywhere from four to seventy-two hours. Symptoms may include nausea or vomiting, severe one-sided head pain, sensitivity to light, sound or odor.
- Postdrome: The postdrome period typically lasts anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours. The postdrome stage is sometimes referred to as a migraine hangover as the symptoms resemble an alcohol-induced hangover. For a day or more, you may experience exhaustion, confusion, and washed-out feelings.
It usually takes about eight to 72 hours to go through the four stages.
Migraine Treatment in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Migraine is described as Ardhaavabhedhaka, which is a major health issue among people of age group 20 to 60 years. Suppressing migraine pain with NSAIDS and analgesics provides short-term relief and the pain may return.
Additionally, Ayurveda believes in finding the root cause of the disease and treating it. Migraine treatment in Ayurveda includes cleansing the body and pacifying the Tridoshas by using time- tested natural herbs and Panchkarma therapies.
These methods of treatment create a balanced physiology that heals the body and mind. Ayurveda opens new doors for treatment of migraine through holistic approaches. Also, Ayurvedic treatment have helped those who were earlier despondent about trying various medications for migraine relief.
Migraine treatment in Ayurveda helps identify the underlying cause of your headache and helps prevent the disease from recurring.
Best Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine by VVAC
Ayurveda is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Kerala. You can experience the Kerela Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatment at Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, Baddi, near Chandigarh.
Vrindavan Hospital has a vast area of 25 acres and the mountainous environment is mesmerizing. Chikatsalayam uses traditional Ayurvedic treatments and the combined therapeutic powers of nature to heal patients. The campus offers immense peace and bliss with nature, an organic farm, a Gaushala (cow farm), a temple and spaces for yoga and meditation.
At VVAC, highly skilled Vaidyas from Kerala provide authentic treatments and customized care for each patient. For Panchkarma therapies, VVAC manufactures premium quality Ayurvedic oils and decoctions that are made in their manufacturing unit and are free from synthetic and inorganic ingredients.
Various Ayurvedic Therapies for Migraine at VVAC
Shirodhara for Migraine: An Ayurvedic Shirodhara therapy is a gentle pouring of medicated oil in a steady stream or flow on the center of the forehead for a certain period. The herbal oils of Shirodhara possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which potently help relax the throbbing blood vessels in the head.
Further, the therapy has a soothing effect on the nervous system and provides relief from stress-related headaches, mental fatigue and chronic migraines. Through a calm flow of medicated oil through peripheral nerves of the skin of the forehead, Shirodhara helps in tranquilizing and stabilizing the mind.
Nasya for Migraine: To relieve congestion and alleviate migraines caused by the sinuses, medicated oils or herbal formulations are administered into the nasal passages.
Abhyanga for Migraine: Warm herbal oils used in full body therapeutic massage promote circulation and relax tense muscles.
Mukhalepam for Migraine: Herbal pastes and masks when applied to the face, ease tension-induced migraines, promote blood circulation, and relieve stress.
Panchakarma for Migraine: Panchakarma removes toxins from the brain and body to provide relief from migraine. This therapy aims to reduce stress, anxiety, and other neurological problems, while also enhancing sleep and gut health.
Ayurvedic therapies, along with herbal medicines, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments, provide a holistic approach to migraine management.
Yoga as a Migraine Treatment in Ayurveda
Certain yoga poses can help relieve stress and tension, which could be triggering your migraines.
- Child’s pose
- Bridge pose
- Downward facing dog
- Corpse pose
- Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing)
- Bhramari Pranayama (bee breath)
Appropriate Diet to Curb Migraine
- Magnesium-rich foods: Foods high in magnesium, such as avocado, tuna, and dark leafy greens, may help prevent migraines.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as beans, seeds, and seafood like salmon and mackerel, may be beneficial for migraine sufferers.
- Water: Since dehydration can be a migraine trigger, maintaining adequate water levels may help avoid migraines and lessen their symptoms.
- Nuts like almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts as well as green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and collard greens can help prevent migraines.
Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Migraine Relief
Natural and herbal Ayurvedic medicine for Migraine which gives relief to sufferers are –
- Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is known for its stress-relief properties, reduction of anxiety and tension.
- Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is an adaptogen that helps the body to handle stress and improves overall health.
- Feverfew (Tanacetum Parthenium) is traditionally used to prevent migraines and reduces the severity and frequency of migraine attacks.
- Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) is used as a topical application to reduce headache intensity. Also, Peppermint oil when applied to the temples can provide relief.
- Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) contains curcumin, which is an anti-inflammatory compound and curbs migraine-related inflammation.
Natural Ways to Prevent a Migraine
There are other things you can do to reduce your risk of migraines. This includes:
- Chocolate, wine, and caffeine are examples of trigger foods that you should minimize your intake of.
- Migraines can be made worse by bright lights and sunshine, so minimizing solar exposure.
- Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat healthy foods, and exercise every day.
- Ensure adequate water intake to avoid dehydration, which is a common migraine trigger. Also, focus on a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
FAQs on Migraine Treatment
1. Can Ayurveda help in preventing migraines?
Ayurveda can help avoid migraines by focusing on identifying triggers, balancing the doshas, and improving overall well-being. Ayurvedic lifestyle recommendations can help people reduce their chance of experiencing migraine episodes.
2. What are the complications of Migraine?
The complications include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Vertigo
- Digestive problem
3. Does stress cause Migraine?
It is true that stress contributes to the emergence of the problem. Severe headache is caused by indirect impairment in brain functioning.
4. What’s the difference between a migraine and a headache?
Migraine usually causes more pain than a normal headache. A common symptom of migraine is a throbbing sensation on one side of the head, which often gets worse with activity. The headache usually subsides quickly, but in the case of migraine, the discomfort becomes worse at night and can last up to three days.
5. What is the best herb for migraines?
It is possible to alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life by using certain herbs and therapies. Natural herbs for migraine treatment include peppermint, ginger, and caffeine.
6. Are there any side effects of Ayurvedic treatments for Migraines?
When used appropriately under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor, side effects are rare. However, it’s essential to follow recommended dosages, guidelines, and dietary recommendations to avoid any adverse effects.
7. How can Ayurvedic dietary practices help in managing Migraines?
Ayurvedic dietary practices aim to balance the doshas:
- For Vata: Warm, cooked foods and regular meals
- For Pitta: Cooling, less spicy foods, avoiding stimulants like caffenine
- For Kapha: Light, dry foods and avoiding heavy and oily deep-fried foods
