“Don’t talk to me right now, I’m having a headache” is often taken as an excuse but it is an actual problem. A headache is sometimes so intense that you struggle with completing basic everyday work. We often take headaches lightly and expect it to go away with a nap or a glass of water but sometimes they reoccur more frequently than ever. This is a sign your body is giving you to pay attention and Ayurvedic remedy for headache is a perfect fix. These simple remedies might look very basic but provides effective relief from headaches permanently.
Don’t Want to Read? then Listen to our Podcast!
Symptoms of Headache
- Pain or discomfort in neck
- Head hurting on both sides
- Pounding or throbbing feeling in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Shoulder pain
- Eye redness
- Visual disturbances
- Tears or aura
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Restlessness
Causes of Headache
- Dehydration
- Strain on the eyes
- Genetic variation
- Excessive smoking
- Stress
- Abnormal functioning of cells
- Weak eyesight
- Excessive drinking
- Sleep deprived or excessive sleeping
- High blood pressure
- Painkillers
- Fever
- Strain on the neck
- Exertion
- Hunger
- Constipation
Types of Headaches
There are many types of headaches and its essential to understand the type of headache you’re experiencing to ensure proper treatment of it.
Migraine
You might be having migraine headaches if you experience throbbing and pulsating sensation in one side of your head. It comes with other symptoms like nausea, neck pain, photophobia, dizziness ad fatigue. You’re likely to have a tingling feeling or feeling of numbness. This intense pain in the facial and head region and last for even up to two days.
Sinus Headache
If you have runny, blocked nose along with pressure around your sinus glands i.e. forehead, cheek bones, one or both sides of your face, then it is a sinus headache. These areas might also feel sore when you touch or press them.
Stress/Tension Headache
This is the most common type of headaches where you’ll have a dull, aching pain and/or a feeling of tightness around your head on both sides. It is generally triggered by stress, muscle tension in neck or shoulders, and last for a few hours.
Cluster headache
You might be having a cluster headache if you’re experiencing pain behind one eye only. It feels like something is stabbing you or a burning sensation accompanied by runny rose, red eye or even watery discharge from the eye. This is a rare type of headaches but it can be very painful. Cluster headaches usually occur is ‘cluster’ or group of attacks and can last for even 3 hours.
Ayurvedic view on Headache
As per Ayurveda, headache is not a disease but a symptom that we experience due to imbalance of doshas in our body. These headaches can be characterised into three types depending upon the dosha that is causing the headache. Ayurvedic remedy for headache uses holistic approach to treat different kind of headaches naturally.
Vata Headache
If you’re experiencing symptoms like pulsating, throbbing pain, tightening feeling around head, then you might have Vata headache. This is usually a result of anxiety, improper sleeping schedule, pain in neck and shoulder, constipation or mental/ emotional stress.
Pitta Headache
If your headache starts from the temples of your face and spreads in the central part of your brain then the chances are you have Pitta Headache. According to Ayurveda this occurs due to imbalance in digestion or problems related to stomach and intestines like hyperacidity, heartburn or indigestion and is related to the element of fire. You’ll notice burning, shooting, piercing pain along with nausea. Bright light or direct sunlight/ heat can make these headaches worse. Migraines fall in this category.
Kapha Headache
If you experience headache specifically during spring or winter that comes with a heavy, dull feeling in the head and face is usually a Kapha headache. It mainly includes Sinus headaches and is a result of excess pressure in the sinus cavity. You’ll notice these headaches when you wake up or go to bed and are accompanied by runny nose and cough. They can worsen when you lie down to your side or bend over.
Ayurvedic Remedy for Headache
Triphala for headaches
Take a glass of warm water and add a teaspoon of Triphala powder in it. Drink this once a day in the morning on an empty stomach. It contains parthenolides which has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce any inflammation in your body and helps relieve any symptoms of headache while enhancing your overall health. Triphala is one of the best ayurvedic remedy for headache.
Fastest way to stop a headache
Try drinking a cup of Ginger, Peppermint, Marigold or Chamomile tea and rest for a while. Turn off any screens in the room and lay down in a calm environment. This will help relieve the headache and you’ll wake up fresh and energized. If you don’t like drinking teas, you can also opt for decaffeinated coffee. For migraine, you can take a cold shower or place a cold pack on your head and you’ll see instant results.
Best herb for headaches
Incorporate herbs like Feverfew, Turmeric, Ginger, Chamomile, Peppermint, Butterbur which helps relieve headaches. You can simply add them in your diet or make a herbal tea using these.
Vata Headache Remedy
When you’re having acute headaches, try a traditional Ayurvedic remedy i.e. Nasya treatment. Simply put a few (4-5) drops of lukewarm Sesame oil in your nostrils and lie down for a bit. You can also get massages to relieve the tension in the body and alleviating the symptoms of Vata headache. Since this type of headaches is a result of dryness within the mind and body, drinking lots of water and adding desi ghee to your diet also helps.
Cure headaches naturally
Drinking ginger tea with added spices like black pepper, cloves and cinnamon twice a day is a natural ayurvedic way of treating headaches. This is specially useful if you’re experiencing Sinus of Kapha headaches as this helps reduce the mucus congestion in your body.
Pitta headache home remedy
If you’re experiencing acute pitta headaches then try massaging coconut or Brahmi oil into your scalp and feet for a few minutes. This will alleviate the symptoms of the headache and provide relief. For migraines, you can add a few drops of desi ghee in each of your nostrils before sleeping. To relieve pitta headaches, you should prefer eating food that cools down the fire in your body like Cucumber, Mint, Aloe vera Watermelon, etc.
Steam Inhalation
If you have kapha or sinus headache then this remedy is specifically beneficial for you. Add few drops of Eucalyptus oil in the boiled water or steamer and take steam once or twice a day and you’ll see noticeable relieve in headaches.
Lifestyle changes to follow
- Make a proper sleeping schedule and take at least 7-8 hours of sleep, avoid waking up late at night.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking as much as you can.
- Prefer taking regular meals and avoid long gaps between meals.
- Practice these yoga poses to relieve headache:
Savasana (Corpse pose)
Setu bandhasana (Bridge pose)
Paschimottasana (Seated forward bend)
Janusirasana (Single head to knee pose)
Balasana (Child’s Pose)
- Avoid using your mobile phone or tv right after you wake up.
- Take a proper balanced diet that is rich in minerals, protein, vitamins and iron.
- Avoid staying out in direct sunlight or in windy conditions.
- Limit your screen time and avoid using any screen right before you go to bed.
