A migraine is a type of headache which generally happens on one side of the head and could cause sharp throbbing or pulsing pain. It's not just a bad headache but a complicated disease with symptoms that may include nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. Migraines can last hours or even days and interfere with everyday activities.
In Ayurveda, Migraine is often associated with "Ardhavabhedaka," which is grouped under "Shiroroga" (head diseases). Ardhavabhedaka ('half-head pain') describes the one-sided head pain, which is typical of many Migraines.
Migraine with Aura (Classic Migraine): This type includes visual or other sensory disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots that precede the actual headache.
Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine): The most common type, which does not have the sensory warnings and usually presents with headache pain that limits daily functioning.
Chronic Migraine: This refers to headaches for 15 or more days in a month with Migraine symptoms on at least 8 days.
Menstrual Migraine: These are associated with the menstruation cycle and generally follow a predictable pattern.
Hemiplegic Migraine: A rare form characterised by temporary weakness on one side of the body.
Retinal Migraine: Another rare type that involves temporary, partial, or total vision loss in one eye with accompanying Migraine headache.
Knowing these types of Migraine can help customise treatment approaches based on Ayurvedic principles. If you notice any symptoms that resemble some kind of Migraine, it is important to consult an Ayurvedic doctor without delay.
Migraines are complex and can be caused by a number of factors that can impact our daily lives. Understanding these triggers may help manage the condition and reduce the frequency of Migraine attacks.
Genetic Factors: Studies show that Migraines are genetically rooted. If your family members suffer from Migraines, you are at a higher risk of getting them too.
Hormonal Changes: For women, hormone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause are linked to Migraine attacks. Hormonal drugs like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may also trigger Migraines.
Stress: High stress levels are a common cause of Migraine headaches. Stress may be from work, home, or other emotional disturbances.
Dietary Triggers: Particular foods and drinks can trigger Migraines in some people. Common dietary triggers include:
Sensory Stimuli: Bright lights, loud sounds and strong scents can trigger Migraines. This includes things like flashing screens, loud concerts or strong perfume.
Changes in Sleep Pattern: Too much or too little sleep may also trigger a Migraine. Irregular sleep schedules or jet lag can also be problematic.
Physical Factors: Extreme physical exertion, which includes sexual activity, could trigger Migraines. This could be because of the strain and changes in the balance within the body.
Weather Changes: Changes in weather or barometric pressure may cause a Migraine. This might include changes from clear to stormy weather or extreme temperatures.
Medications: Some medications make Migraine symptoms worse. It is important to consult with your Ayurvedic physician to identify such Migraine causing medications.
Migraines are characterised by symptoms that go beyond just a bad headache. Understanding these Migraine symptoms could help early in intervention and Ayurvedic treatment.
Here are the most noticeable symptoms of Migraines to look for:
Described as a pounding pain, it generally starts on one side of the head but can spread to both sides.
Bright lights and loud noises aggravate the pain and can act as triggers.
Many people experience these digestive symptoms during a Migraine, which can worsen the pain.
Many people report visual disturbances like bright spots, flashes of light, or vision loss before the actual headache starts. Auras may also include sensory changes such as tingling in the arms or legs and speech disturbances.
A Migraine may cause a sensation of spinning or losing balance.
Unusual tiredness, before head pain begins, may signal a Migraine.
Irritability or depression may occur before a Migraine strikes.
Some patients report specific food cravings before a Migraine occurs.
Tension and neck pain can precede or accompany a Migraine headache.
More frequent bathroom breaks can occur before and during a Migraine.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Migraine treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically created blends to rebalance the body and support emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These calming practices promote mental health and complete wellness.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and various kinds of massages cleanse the body and promote emotional balance.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert recommendations on how to change your eating habits and lifestyle for better health.
Ayurveda provides natural herbs and remedies to manage Migraine symptoms. These treatments address imbalance in the body’s energies, reduce inflammation and improve complete well-being, which can be particularly helpful for holistic Migraine relief.
Brahmi: Brahmi is considered a valuable herb in Ayurveda for improving cognitive functions and providing stress relief. It enhances cerebral blood circulation, which might ease symptoms of Migraines, including brain fog and headache pain.
Ginger: This powerful anti-inflammatory herb is believed to promote better circulation, which may lessen the severity of Migraine symptoms. Ginger could also help with nausea and vomiting that accompany Migraines.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties and thus helps the body cope with stress. Ashwagandha may help reduce the frequency and intensity of Migraines by reducing stress and anxiety.
Turmeric: Turmeric consists of curcumin, a substance that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make turmeric a good Ayurvedic remedy for reducing inflammation and pain from Migraines.
Shatavari: Often called the "Queen of Herbs," Shatavari is especially good at balancing hormones and lowering stress, which can cause Migraine attacks. It's particularly useful for women suffering from menstrual Migraines.
Shankhapushpi: This is traditionally used for neurological disorders. It is believed to reduce pain and inflammation, and its soothing effects lower stress and anxiety which trigger Migraines.
Bala: Bala is a strength-enhancing and rejuvenating agent in Ayurveda. It is also a nervine tonic and eases the nerve pain associated with Migraines.
Kumari (Aloe Vera): Kumari is known for its healing and soothing qualities. It detoxifies the body and reduces inflammation which helps relieve Migraine symptoms.
Mallika (Jasmine): Mallika is used in Ayurveda to calm the nervous system, ease headaches and also promote overall well being.
Amalaki: Also referred to as Indian Gooseberry, Amalaki is loaded with vitamin C and has antioxidative properties that strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s response to inflammatory conditions like Migraines.
Sariva: Sariva is effective in managing the heat of Pitta-type Migraines and helps detoxify the blood.
Yastimadhu (Licorice): Yastimadhu is believed to have a calming effect on the stomach and balances the stress response systems, which can be useful for patients with Migraines associated with gastrointestinal problems or stress.
Haritaki: This Ayurvedic herb is used in Triphala, a traditional Ayurvedic formula. Haritaki helps in maintaining balance in the body's doshas and facilitating detoxification, which may reduce Migraine occurrences.
Shirolepa: Application of a herbal paste containing camphor, sandalwood and jatamansi can help relieve Migraine pain as these herbs are known for their soothing and pain-relieving properties.
A Migraine headache is a serious headache that happens on one side of the head and typically causes a sharp and throbbing pain. It might be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to sound and light.
Ayurveda diagnoses Migraines based on dosha imbalances. An Ayurvedic practitioner will evaluate your symptoms, lifestyle and diet to determine the dominant dosha and prescribe treatment based on it.
Migraine prophylaxis in Ayurveda includes diet changes, herbal supplements and lifestyle changes to correct dosha imbalance and decrease severity and frequency of Migraines.
Yoga for Migraine helps reduce its frequency by relaxing the body and mind, reducing stress and increasing circulation. Particular poses such as Balasana (Child's Pose) and Padmasana (Lotus Pose) are helpful.
Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes, bright lights, loud sounds and diet factors such as processed foods and alcohol.
Ayurveda prevents Migraines by diet regulation, herbal medicines, promoting regular sleep patterns and stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation.
Types of Migraines include Migraine with aura, Migraine without aura, hemiplegic Migraine, menstrual Migraine, chronic Migraine and retinopathy Migraines.
Some foods are known to trigger Migraines. Ayurveda suggests avoiding too spicy, fermented or fried foods and including fresh fruits, whole grains and vegetables to prevent Migraine attacks.
Herbs like Brahmi, Ginger & Turmeric are used in Ayurveda for managing Migraines since they act as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory herbs.
Ayurvedic practice suggests applying sandalwood paste or taking ginger tea for quick relief from Migraine symptoms, although it may vary from person to person.
Yes, getting enough sleep, managing anxiety and stress, and doing regular exercise can help lessen the risk of Migraine attacks.
Therapies such as Shirodhara (pouring of a stream of warm oil on the forehead) and Shirolepa (application of medicinal pastes) are recommended in Ayurveda for Migraine relief.
