Migraine Ayurvedic Treatment

Migraine is a common neurological disorder usually experienced by patients with recurrent attacks of headaches. headaches that can be quite severe and last for hours to days. The underlying cause of migraines is still not fully understood, but abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain plays a significant role. Migraines can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and even environmental factors. Managing migraines often involves identifying triggers and developing strategies to avoid or mitigate them.

Ayurvedic Diagnosis

In Ayurveda, Ardhavabhedaka indeed refers to a type of headache called migraine characterised by a perforating or bursting pain in one half of the head, either on the left or right side. According to Ayurvedic principles, this condition is attributed to an imbalance in the three doshas, primarily vata, pitta, and kapha doshas. Ayurveda places great emphasis on balancing these doshas to maintain overall health and treat various ailments, including headaches and migraines. Treatment approaches in Ayurveda for Ardhavabhedaka typically involve dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and relaxation techniques to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

The imbalance in the doshas, particularly the dominance of Kapha and its blocking effect on Vata and Pitta, disrupts the delicate hormonal balance and proper nutrient supply to the ovarian follicles. This can result in irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and the formation of ovarian cysts.

Types of Migraine

There are two types of migraine; this classification depends on whether the individual experiences any disturbances of senses leading up to the migraine. These are known as Auras.

•  Migraine without Aura.

•  Migraine with Aura. 

Others Include; 

1.  Chronic migraine.

•   Abdominal migraine. 

•  Acephalgic/silent migraine. 

•  Migraine with brainstem aura (basilar-type migraine). 

•  Hemiplegic migraine. 

•  Retinal migraine. 
• Status migrainosus.

Migraines can vary in symptoms and severity, and understanding these classifications can be helpful for both individuals experiencing them and healthcare professionals diagnosing and treating them. Here’s a brief description of each:

1.  Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine. It involves moderate to severe headache pain often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
2.  Migraine with aura: This type of migraine includes sensory disturbances or “auras” that precede or accompany the headache. Auras can involve visual, sensory, or motor symptoms, such as seeing flashing lights or having tingling sensations.
3. Chronic migraine: This is characterised by frequent, disabling migraine attacks, occurring on 15 or more days per month for at least three months and having the features of a migraine headache on at least eight of those days.
4. Abdominal migraine primarily affects children and is characterised by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Headache may or may not be present.
5.  Acephalgic/silent migraine: This type involves aura symptoms without the headache phase. It’s sometimes called a “silent migraine” because the typical throbbing head pain is absent.
6.  Migraine with brainstem aura (basilar-type migraine): This is a rare type of migraine with aura that involves neurological symptoms like dizziness, difficulty speaking, and loss of coordination.
7.  Hemiplegic migraine is characterised by temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia) before or during the headache. Other aura symptoms can accompany it.
8.  Retinal migraine: This rare type involves temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye. It usually resolves on its own but should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
9.  Status migrainosus: This is a severe and prolonged migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours. It often requires medical intervention.

These classifications help tailor treatment approaches and provide better care for individuals with migraines. If someone suspects they have migraines, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

Ayurvedic View on Migraine

 The term “Ardheshirsha Vedana“, describing pain in half the head region, also known as Ardhavabedaka, is believed to be influenced by the simultaneous vitiation of the three doshas, with a particular emphasis on Vata dosha in Ayurveda, aligns with the modern understanding of migraine’s unilateral headache. 

Hence, the literal meaning of Ardhavabhedaka is a perforating or bursting type of pain in one half of the head, either left or right.

And is caused by the following vata aggravating factors in daily life; here are some causative factors according to Ayurveda:

• Excessive consumption of ruksha ahara (dry food): Dry and light foods can aggravate Vata dosha, potentially triggering migraines.
• Consumption of excessive food before the digestion of the previous one: Overeating or not allowing proper digestion can disturb the balance of doshas, including Vata.
• Exposure to breeze and fog: Cold and windy conditions can also aggravate Vata dosha and lead to migraines in susceptible individuals.
• Excessive indulgence in sex: This is thought to disturb the balance of doshas, including Vata, and contribute to migraine headaches.
• Vegadharanam (forcible withholding of natural body urges): Suppressing natural urges is believed to cause an imbalance in doshas and may trigger migraines.
• Excessive exhaustion: Physical or mental exhaustion can weaken the body and make it more susceptible to imbalances in doshas, including Vata.
• Exposure to solid smells: Strong odours can potentially aggravate Vata and contribute to migraines in sensitive individuals.
• Suryatapa Sevana (exposure to sunlight): Overexposure to sunlight, especially in hot conditions, can aggravate Pitta dosha, which may also play a role in migraines.
• Excessive indulgence in physical activity: Intense physical activity without proper rest and recovery can disturb the balance of doshas and contribute to migraine symptoms.

Along with these, Psychological factors like mental stress, Anxiety, and Grief are all these again aggravating factors of Vata dosha and, thus, the imbalance of Doshas.

Pathogenesis

In Ayurveda, migraines are mainly caused by two Doshas, and they are by the involvement of Vata and Kapha doshas. Vata dosha is one of the three fundamental principles (doshas) in Ayurveda, along with Pitta and Kapha. When Vata becomes vitiated or imbalanced, it can lead to various health issues, including headaches like migraines.

In the context of headaches, particularly Ardhavabedaka, there are two forms mentioned:

Predominantly caused by Vata: This suggests that when Vata dosha is primarily responsible for the headache, it could be due to factors such as stress, anxiety, erratic lifestyle, or dietary choices that aggravate Vata and alone causing a headache on one half of the head with stabbing pain like symptoms.

Predominantly caused by vitiation of Vata and Kapha: In this case, both Vata and Kapha doshas are involved in causing the headache. Here, vitiated Vata Dosha, along with vitiated Kapha dosha, gets lodged in one half of the head and is associated with qualities like heaviness and mucus, combined with Vata Dosha symptoms like stabbing pain, which is very severe and intolerable.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine: Symptoms

The additional symptoms include stabbing pain in various regions and associated sensations like vertigo and tearing pain.

Other symptoms consist of

Stabbing pain in the region of

• Cervical region ( Manya)
• Eyebrows ( bhru), 
• Ears (Karna),
• Eyes (Akshi) and
• Frontal head ( lalata).

Moreover, people suffering from this chronic disorder also experience intense pain with vertigo/dizziness, tearing pain in the temporal region, and redness of the eyes.

Other symptoms like the appearance of Aura, confused thoughts, vomiting, and vision problems also accompanies some patient, and it may vary according to the type of Migraine that has been mentioned earlier. 

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Symptoms of Migraine

The additional symptoms include stabbing pain in various regions and associated sensations like vertigo and tearing pain.

Other symptoms consist of

Stabbing pain in the region of

• Cervical region ( Manya)
• Eyebrows ( bhru), 
• Ears (Karna),
• Eyes (Akshi) and
• Frontal head ( lalata).

Moreover, people suffering from this chronic disorder also experience intense pain with vertigo/dizziness, tearing pain in the temporal region, and redness of the eyes.

Other symptoms like the appearance of Aura, confused thoughts, vomiting, and vision problems also accompanies some patient, and it may vary according to the type of Migraine that has been mentioned earlier. 

Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine: Causes

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, and they are thought to be a result of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

The Ayurvedic perspective on the causes of Migraines (Ardhavabedaka) is quite comprehensive. The involvement of all three doshas, particularly Vata, suggests a complex interplay of bodily imbalances. It emphasises a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors that can trigger or exacerbate the condition.

Some of these causative factors align with modern triggers for migraines, such as 

• Emotional triggers-  emotional factors like stress, depression, and anxiety also trigger migraines.
•  Hormonal changes– some sort of hormonal changes are also leading factors of migraine, especially in women who experience migraines during menstruation and menopause due to this change in hormonal levels.
• Dietary factors – alcohol, intake of caffeine, irregular meal time, dehydration.
• Medications- regular intake of some medications like sleeping pills, hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) medications, and contraceptive pills.

 Along with these, other factors like Environmental Factors like temperature changes, loud noises, bright light, and exposure to strong smell are triggering factors.

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Cure Prospective of Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine

Migraine is very common nowadays; thus, there are quick and instant relief treatments in other medical sciences. But the only difference is in treatment. In Ayurveda, migraines are often attributed to an imbalance in the doshas. Here are some prospects, or potential remedies, for managing migraines in Ayurveda:

• Dietary Changes: Ayurveda recommends avoiding trigger foods that can aggravate Pitta, such as spicy, sour, and salty foods. Opt for a cooling diet with sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes.
• Panchakarma: This is a detoxification process in Ayurveda that can be customised to address individual imbalances and help with migraine management.
• Yoga Asanas: Certain yoga poses, like the Shishuasana (Child’s Pose) and Shavasana (Corpse Pose), can promote relaxation and alleviate migraine symptoms.
• Pranayama and Meditation: Practicing deep breathing techniques (Pranayama) and meditation can help calm the mind and reduce stress, which is a common migraine trigger.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a regular daily routine and getting enough sleep are important for preventing migraines in Ayurveda.
• Nasya Therapy: Administering herbal oils or powders through the nasal passages (Nasya) can be beneficial in some cases of migraine.
• Stress Management: Stress is a major trigger for migraines. Ayurveda emphasises stress reduction through lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and mindfulness practices.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine

In Ayurveda, managing migraines involves adopting a specific diet and lifestyle tailored to your dosha (body constitution) and imbalances, and it is mentioned as Pathya And Apathya ( Do’s and Don’ts) in Ayurveda.

Here are some general guidelines for diet and lifestyle to help with migraines:

Diet:

• Identify Trigger Foods: Keep a food diary to identify foods that trigger your migraines. Common triggers include aged cheeses, processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Avoid or limit these as per your tolerance.
• Balanced Meals: Consume balanced meals with a mix of all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, astringent) to help maintain equilibrium.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink warm water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid ice-cold beverages.
• Favor Cooling Foods: If you have a Pitta constitution, favour cooling foods like cucumber, coconut, and leafy greens. For Vata, choose warm, nourishing foods. Kapha individuals should opt for lighter, non-greasy options.

Lifestyle:

• Stress Management: Chronic stress can trigger migraines. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to manage stress effectively.
• Regular Routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine, including regular meal times, exercise, and sleep patterns. Erratic routines can aggravate Vata dosha.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough restorative sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Physical Activity: Engage in regular, moderate exercise to improve circulation and reduce stress. Choose activities suitable for your dosha.
• Avoid Overexertion: Be mindful not to overexert yourself physically or mentally, as this can trigger migraines.
• Limit Sun Exposure: Excessive sun and heat can provoke migraines. Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.
• Emotional Balance: Avoid emotional extremes, such as anger or intense excitement, as these can trigger migraines in some individuals.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Migraine

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to treating migraines, focusing on balancing the doshas (biological energies) and addressing causative factors. Here’s a breakdown of the treatment options:

• Nidana parivarjanam (avoiding causative factors) 

• Shamana chikitsa (treatment for pacifying dosha)

• Shodhana chikitsa (treatment for purification)

These are the line of treatment.

1. Nidana Parivarjana (Avoiding Causative Factors): This involves identifying and avoiding triggers that lead to migraine attacks. Common triggers include certain foods, stress, and environmental factors. Prevention is crucial in Ayurvedic practice.
2. Shamana Chikitsa (Treatment for Pacifying Doshas): This stage aims to pacify the aggravated doshas responsible for migraine. It includes:

Internal medications like medicinal liquids.

Sudation (Swedana) to induce sweating, often using herbal decoctions.

Anointment (Lepanam) with medicinal paste applied to the forehead.

Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification Treatment): This involves deeper purification of the body and mind. Key methods include:

• Shodhana Chikitsa ( treatment For Purification)
• Nasyam: Nasal instillation of medicated substances such as ghee or oil, tailored to the predominant dosha.
• Virechana: Purgation therapy, typically performed after internal oleation (Snehapanam).
• Vasti: Enema therapy, including Asthapana (decoction enema) and Anuvasana (fat enema). These are administered after purifying the body and head.

Yoga: Yoga and meditation can complement Ayurvedic treatments for migraine. Practices that focus on relaxation, stress reduction, and improving overall health may be beneficial.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine: Prevention

In Ayurveda, preventing migraines typically involves balancing your doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and making lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce triggers. Here are some Ayurvedic tips to help prevent migraines:

• Dietary Adjustments: Avoid or limit trigger foods like aged cheese, processed meats, chocolate, and caffeine.

Include cooling and less spicy foods in your diet to balance Pitta dosha.

Stay hydrated and avoid excessive consumption of hot, spicy, and fried foods.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Establish a regular daily routine (dinacharya) to support Vata balance.

Get enough sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation to reduce stress, which can trigger migraines.

• Detoxification: Periodic detoxification or Panchakarma treatments can help remove toxins from the body and improve overall health.
• Regular Routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine, including sleep, meal times, and exercise. Irregular routines can aggravate Vata dosha, which is associated with migraines.
• Nasya Therapy:Nasya involves applying medicated oil to the nasal passages and can be beneficial for certain types of headaches.

Stay Hydrated:

• Dehydration can trigger migraines. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Identify Triggers:

Keep a diary to better track your migraine triggers, including foods, activities, and emotions.

• Avoid Excessive Heat: Excessive exposure to heat and sunlight can trigger migraines in some individuals. Protect yourself from excessive sun and heat.

Recommended Yoga Poses for Migraine

Yoga has and passes on benefits either by enhancing the body’s resistance power against triggering factors or by delivering tranquillity to the mind. Migraine is a Psychosomatic disorder, and one of the leading causes is stress. The yogic theory also propounds that migraine and other headaches occur only in persons whose minds are always uneasy. Once the mind, which orchestrates the senses and organs of perception and helps to keep calm, headaches and their recurrence do not occur.

Meditation, an integral part of yoga, plays a crucial role in introverting the senses and calming the mind. This inward focus can help achieve a peaceful neuro-physiological state, potentially reducing the occurrence of migraines and promoting overall well-being. Yoga works by enhancing circulation and soothing the sympathetic nerves. No other exercise works at the cellular level in the manner in which yoga does. Regular practice of Asanas (yoga postures) reduces the incidence and severity of attacks. The practice of meditation is required for introverting the senses and mind. This helps for a peaceful Neuro-physiological state.

The practice of specific Asanas in migraine can indeed have positive effects on reducing stress and addressing some triggering factors. Here’s a breakdown of how some of these asanas may help :

• Shavasana and Makarasana: These asanas are often used for relaxation and stress reduction. They promote mental calmness and relaxation, which can be particularly helpful in managing stress-related migraines.
• Tadasana: Tadasana, or the Mountain Pose, can help improve posture and balance. It may indirectly contribute to migraine management by reducing tension in the neck and shoulders.
• Paschimottanasana: This seated forward bend can help stretch the spine and calm the mind. It may assist in reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
• Pawanmuktasana: This series of asanas aims to release gas and tension from the digestive system. Improved digestion can indirectly benefit migraine sufferers, as digestive issues can sometimes trigger migraines.
• Bhujangasana: The Cobra Pose is known for its benefits in strengthening the back and improving flexibility. It can help relieve tension in the spine, which may be beneficial for those with migraines related to neck and shoulder tension.

It’s important for individuals with migraines to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, including yoga. While yoga and asanas can be valuable complementary therapies, they should be used in conjunction with other migraine management strategies, such as medication and lifestyle modifications, as recommended by a healthcare provider. Additionally, the effectiveness of yoga for migraine relief may vary, and it’s essential to listen to your body and practice under guidance.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine in Dheemahi

Dheemahi Ayurveda Village is a dedicated and reliable place for traditional Ayurvedic treatment. Our multi-generational knowledge and focus on patient health are commendable. Having knowledge spanning five generations are valuable for providing holistic health and vitality solutions. Having an on-site pharmacy and medicine manufacturing unit ensures quality control, which is crucial for effective Ayurvedic treatment. The peaceful environment and emphasis on a healthy daily routine are also positive factors for patients seeking holistic wellness. Following a healthy daily routine throughout the treatment period also enhances the results and health of the patient.