If Prolonged headache, nausea, photophobia (sensitivity to light and sound) are some of the symptoms that you’re facing then it could be migraine. Migraine headache generally happens to a side of the head and can be annoying and depressing. It can hit anybody regardless of the age and gender and can be a result of stress, anxiety or any neurological disorder. One in seven people has migraine globally. If you’ve ever tried to rest it out or take painkillers you know that none of this works. Painkillers might provide temporary relief but the migraine headache comes back again. If you’re tired of taking multiple medications and are looking for a permanent solution, the you’re at the right place. Ayurvedic treatment for migraine is the ideal pathway to migraine-free days.
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What exactly is migraine?
Migraine is a type of headache that usually happens to one side of the head. Ou can experience throbbing and pulsating sensation in one side of the head. This pain in the facial region and head can be persistent and last for up to two days.
This intense pain is often unbearable and can hinder daily activities. Migraine is not a regular headache that goes away with medications or painkillers.
If you have migraine, heal pain is the not the only thing you’ll experience. It also includes symptoms like:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light and sound)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Neck pain
- Tingling or Numbness
Migraine and Ayurveda
In Ayurveda migraine is referred to as “Ardhavabhedaka” (half-head pain) and is mainly caused due to tridoshas or three doshas namely vata, pitta, and kapha. This influences the functioning of nervous system negatively affecting eye and ear health. It leads to irregular sleep cycles and reduced productivity. Migraine pain is similar to a blow from sharp weapon. Consistent stabbing pain in the region of Manya (cervical region) i.e. eyebrows, eyes, ears and frontal head.
Types of Migraine
Classic Migraine (Migraine with Aura)
This includes visual and sensory disturbances like flashing lights and blind spots which take over the actual headache. You’ll notice changes in vision like wavy lines and tingling and might have difficulty speaking.
Common Migraine (Migraine without aura)
It is the most common type of migraine usually represented by headaches that affects the day-to-day functioning. It does not include any sensory warnings. You’ll notice throbbing pain on one side of the head and might also have nausea or vomiting.
Chronic Migraine
If the symptoms like severe headaches, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness etc. lasts for longer than 15 days every month for three months, then it is considered chronic migraine.
Hemiplegic Migraine
This is a rare type of migraine where you’ll notice weakness or temporary paralyses on one side of the body.
Brainstem Aura Migraine
If you have symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, double vision and difficulty balancing your body then you might be suffering from this. This is also a rare type of migraine.
Retinal Migraine
This rare migraine involves temporary, partial or total loss in vision in one eye along with the migraine headache. It includes symptoms like redness in eye and changes in eyesight.
Causes of Migraine
Some of the common causes of Migraine are:
- Genetic Factors: If your family members have migraine, you are at a greater risk of inheriting it.
- Hormonal Changes: In women, hormonal changes during mensuration, pregnancy or menopause are also linked to migraine attacks. Birth control pills or any other medication that causes hormonal change can also trigger migraine.
- Stress: High levels of stress or emotional disturbances causes changes in mental health and are linked to migraine.
- Sleep disturbances: Changes in sleeping patterns like sleeping too much or too less can also trigger migraine.
- Physical exertion: Too much physical strain on the body can also be a cause of migraine attack.
- Diet: Consuming certain foods and drinks like alcohol, aged cheese, chocolate, foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate) can also trigger migraine.
- Sensory Stimuli: Loud sounds, bright lights, strong scents can also be a cause of migraine. It includes flashing lights, Hearing loud music, strong perfumes or even concerts and clubs.
- Weather Changes: Sudden changes or seasonal changes in weather can also be trigger for migraine. Extreme changes in temperature, clear weather to stormy, etc. are all included in it.
- Medications: Some medications can also make migraine system worse.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine at Home
Triphala Churna
Triphala Churna is one of the best Ayurvedic remedy for migraine that can be easily prepared at home. It is an organic blend of extracts of three flowers namely haritaki, bibhitaki, and amla. This is made by taking these three components, making a powder and mixing them in equal proportions. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of this Triphala Churna at night with lukewarm water before bed.
It is a magical tonic that efficiently reduces migraines by clearing the nasal passages of any infections, allergens, or blockage.
Ksheera Ghrita
Mix a spoonful of ghee in a glass of milk. Sip this milk while it’s hot to reduce the throbbing pain in head.
This mixture is rich in calcium, proteins, healthy fats, vitamin D, and vitamin E. It stimulates the nervous system, regulate metabolism, uplift mood and enhance productivity.
Nasya
It is a highly effective panchakarma therapy to help with prolonged headaches and migraine. Simply pour a few drops of herbal oils like Brahmi or Ashwagandha in the nasal passages and lie down for a few minutes.
It opens any nasal blockages, elevating respiratory and nervous system, providing relief from migraine headaches. It is advisable to do early morning on an empty stomach or at least an hour before meal.
Dhoomapana
It is an amazing way to lower stress levels and reduce mental tension, worry, and anxiety. Take boiling water in a bowl or jug and add sandalwood or cardamom powder in it. Inhale these medicated fumes while keeping a towel on your head trapping the fumes.
It invigorates the senses and calms the mind, reducing migraine headaches and symptoms.
Hydration
Drinking 6 – 8 glasses of water is essential for cells and tissues in the body. Along with this proper intake of water has proven to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches as well as reducing the pain in head and neck. Adding lemon and a teaspoon of honey to lukewarm water once a day also helps detoxify the body.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is very effective in migraine treatment. You can smell lavender oil twice a day or dab it on your wrists or neck.
The fragrant scent of lavender calms the nerves, reducing stress levels and anxiety and consequently reduces all chronic headaches.
Peppercorns
Peppercorns contains piperine which is an anti-inflammatory enzyme that helps to get rid of acute pains. It is also rich in capsaicin acting as a natural painkiller. Capsaicin is a component which inhibits neuropeptide i.e. the pain transmitter which send signals to the brain and causes acute headaches.
Ginger
Ginger consists of a bioactive compound called Gingerol. It helps in reducing headaches and also help relieve the symptoms of migraine like nausea and vomiting.
You can consume ginger tea once a day to help with throbbing migraine headaches.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that brings your mind and body together. It calms the mind relieving stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that yoga and regular exercises help reduce migraine pain. Yoga poses like Child’s Pose, Bridge Pose, Downward-Facing Dog are especially beneficial.
How is Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine different from the Traditional Treatment?
Conventional treatment of migraine involves over-the-counter migraine drugs, prescribed pain killers, anti-depressants, anti-nausea pills, nasal sprays along with some lifestyle changes and self-care remedies.
These can provide short term relief but are not effective for a long course as they treat the symptoms of Migraine. Ayurvedic Treatment for migraine on the other hand works on the root cause of the problem and tries to eliminate or cure that. These remedies can take time to show results but are effective for long run and have no side effects.
When to see a Doctor?
If your headache is getting worse with time and these Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine is not helping, or if you have any of these:
- Abrupt, intense, unbearable headache
- Seizure
- Persistent headache after an injury
- Mental confusion
- Headache with fever and stiff neck
- Numbness or weakness
