Migraines are a common yet debilitating condition, described by painful headaches that bring along nausea, sensitivity to light, and sometimes visual disturbances. Modern medicine can offer solutions for the management of pain, but most people seek alternative therapies for more natural, holistic approaches.
Ayurveda treatment for migraine has emerged in recent times, and it serves not only to cure symptoms but to erase the cause of the problem. In this blog, we discuss several Ayurvedic remedies and therapies and how to incorporate lifestyle changes in the management of a migraine.
Ayurveda believes that an imbalance of the doshas Vata and Pitta causes migraines. The doshas play roles in several activities in the body; Vata is responsible for movement and nervous activity, while Pitta governs metabolism and heat production. Excesses of these doshas can lead to conditions such as migraines.
The Ayurvedic treatment of migraine is aimed at regaining a balance between doshas through herbal formulations, dietetic interventions, and stress relaxation. This holistic approach brings a decrease in the prevalence and intensity of headaches as well as overall well-being.
Migraines caused by Ayurveda have a variety of causes:
Diet: Eating spicy, oily, or fermented foods can disturb the Pitta dosha and be one of the causes of headaches.
Severe Stress: too much Stress may also cause an imbalance in the dosha of Vata, thus headache and tension headache.
Too much Sun Exposure or Weather Conditions: sometimes excessive exposure to sunlight or extreme weather causes an imbalance in the doshas, thus migraines.
Poor Digestion: Due to a weak digestive system, Ama-toxins are accumulated, which causes headaches.
Ayurveda treatment for migraine is very versatile as it bases its treatment on the causes and uses natural therapies. Among the successful Ayurvedic treatments, here are the best ones for migraine headaches:
Ayurveda, a science of medicine, largely relies on herbs to cure a host of diseases. Some of the ayurvedic herbs for migraine headaches include:
Brahmi: It has soothing properties where it reduces Stress and tension. These are common migrations. It is this calmness that keeps one stress-free and, thus no conditions to trigger a migraine.
Jatamansi: Jatamansi is an herb that balances the nervous system and calms the brain. This is a very good cure for your migraine.
Shankhpushpi: Shankhpushpi is an herb that soothes the nervous system. It can help to relieve pain in the migraine and also mental clarity.
Ashwagandha: This adaptogen herb reduces Stress, promotes relaxation, and maintains dosha balance.
Coriander: Drinking coriander seed infusion relieves Pitta-related migraines by cooling the system.
Ginger: Ginger is an anti-inflammatory. Consuming ginger helps reduce nausea and relieves migraine pain.
These herbs are available in powder form, decoctions, or in specific Ayurvedic formulations intended for headaches.
Panchakarma, as the term in Ayurveda, is a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy. It clears all the toxins from the body and sets up a dosha balance to very efficiently cure cases of chronic migraines.
Nasya Therapy: Nasya is an ideal ayurvedic treatment for the sinus headache and migraine. This will include the injection of herbal oils or powders in the nasal passage that help clear the sinus cavities and improve the flow of Prana, which is life energy.
Shirodhara: In this treatment, medicated oils at the temperature of warmth are poured rhythmically over the forehead. Shirodhara is one of the most effective treatments for migraines because it is a gentle treatment that calms the mind, brings relief to Stress, and balances Vata and Pitta.
Virechana (Purgation): This treatment eliminates excess Pitta from the body, reduces inflammation and heat of the body, which results in causing migraines.
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Abhyanga, or total body oil massage using herbal oils, which is soothing to the nervous system and a great relaxing treatment, is an effective Ayurvedic treatment for migraine.
In Ayurveda, diet plays an important role in treating migraines. The right food in appropriate proportions can balance the doshas and reduce headache frequency. Some basic dietary advice for ayurvedic management of headaches include:
Avoid Pitta-enhancing foods: Chilli, oily, and fermented foods often cause an increment of heat in the body that could precipitate migraine
Vata-balancing food consumption: Warm-cooked food is duly approved. Soups and stews are good examples. Ghee, dairy, and sweet fruits like bananas and apples are good for balancing Vata and, thus, helpful in reducing migraine attacks.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Intake of caffeinated beverages must be avoided because it causes dehydration and also initiates a migraine attack.
Cooling Foods: There is a notion that cooling effect food like cucumber, watermelon, and coconut water may help in the reduction of Pitta-related migraines.
Diet: The treatment for migraine will focus on balancing doshas.
Ayurveda says that common behaviors would keep a person fit and sound and free from such disorders as migraines. Some lifestyle changes to treat migraine through Ayurveda are as follows:
Practice of Yoga and Meditation: Regular practice of yoga and meditation helps reduce the stress of an individual and improves circulation and relaxation in vital organs, which is very important for the management of migraine.
Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Pranayama (breathing exercises) like Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath) help to calm down the mind and prevent headaches.
Sleep Hygiene: Maintaining proper sleep hygiene by keeping regular sleep schedules and getting adequate rest greatly prevents migraines.
Stress Management: The stress factor is one of the major precursors to the development of migraines. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation are not only capable of reducing Stress but also help in managing migraine attacks.
Ayurvedic practitioners use some specific formulations that help to manage migraines. Some of the best Ayurvedic medications of migraine headache include:
Pathyadi Kwath: This is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction for chronic headaches and migraines.
Sutshekhar Ras: It is a medication that Ayurveda used ages ago to treat Pitta conditions, meaning migraines.
Godanti Bhasma: This natural remedy can get rid of Vata and Pitta imbalances that cause headaches.
Triphala Churna: This is called a purifying medicine that can discharge toxins from the body. Removal of toxins can lead to fewer attacks of migraines.
To get the best Ayurvedic treatment for a migraine in India, you need to find the most eligible Ayurvedic physician. The doctor will be able to provide the right medicines and other therapies as per your situation.
Ayurvedic medicine for severe migraine headaches brings with it a holistic and natural approach that treats not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of migraines. From herbal remedies to Panchakarma therapies and adjusting dietary habits and many lifestyle changes, Ayurveda brings about a complete managing approach to handling migraines.
