Treatment of Ayurveda headache
Migraine is referred to as a severe, debilitating neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing headaches, affecting one side of the head. Most of the time it's accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, and can last for few to many hours As a neurovascular disease, it can begin from early childhood and can influence various aspects of a person's life and overall well-being.
Headaches are among the most common health challenges, affecting almost everyone at some point in their lives. People always reach out for popping out a painkiller. While these medications can offer temporary relief, they often do not address the underlying cause, leading to recurring issues. But Ayurveda understands the nature of headaches and offers individualistic approaches to treatment can help in managing this common ailment more effectively. Ayurveda utilizes herbs to offer natural relief while striving to correct internal imbalances, making it a holistic line of treatment for migraine. More importantly, Ayurveda looks toward a person’s lifestyle as the primary cause of headaches.
In Ayurveda, migraine is known as Suryavarta. It's one among the siro rogas that’s grouped under urdhwajatrugata vikaras. Surya means “the sun” and avarta means “affliction or blockage”. Starting around the sunrise, The intensity of pain increases until midday and naturally subsides near sunset.
This condition is traditionally linked to disturbances in the energies and fluids of the body, particularly affecting the head, and also the heart and bladder.. Suryavarta primarily arises from the suppression of natural urges. These factors lead to the vitiation (imbalance) of Rakta (blood) and Vata in the head region, causing significant health issues
Some of the common causes of suryavartha
1. Aaharajanya hetu/Dietary factors: Athyadhikaguru bhojana (heavy foods), amla, ruksha ahara sevana(intake of sour and dry foods ), sheetambu sevana(intake of cold water), amadosha dushti(accumulation of toxins ).
2. Viharajanya hetu/Lifestyle factors : Diwaswapna(day sleeping), Nishijagarana(keeping away in night) , Malamootravega harana(suppression of urges), Bhashpa nigraha(exposure to heat ), ati vyayama(excess exercise)
3. Aguntaja hetu/external factors : Shiroabhighata(trauma) .
4. Anger, jealousy, grief, stress, etc.
Samprapthi of Suryavarta According to Charaka, due to mithya ahara and vihara the doshas rakta and vata gets vitiated in masthishka.
The vitiated dosha in masthishka (Head) is liquefied by the heat of the sun and produces severe pain, and the intensity of the pain decreases as the sunsets, which can be part of the episodic nature of migraines.
Clinical features of Suryavarta
·Site of pain is exactly lalata, Akshi, and Bhrumadhya pradesha (temples , eyes, and between brows)
·Intensity of pain varies from mild to early hours of the day, Severe during mid-day, Decreases-in the evening.
·Severe pulsating pain.
·Pain is relieved by Sheetopachara or Ushnopachara(hot or cold therapies).
·Pain aggravated by hunger
Ayurvedic management
In general, the treatment can be broadly divided into 2 groups.
1) Shodana (bio purification )
2) Shamana (pacifying)
I) Shodana
·Shodhana therapies include: shirovirechana, Kayavirechana.
·Nasya karma(instilling of nasal drops) is done with ghee
·Lepa (anointments ), parisheka(application of poultice), kavalagraha(gargling), Siravedha
·Siravedha is mentioned as a surgical procedure of Puncturing the vein. and accomplishing the Raktamokshana (Blood-letting) is a technique used in panchakarma for severe headache management. It is very prominent procedure used for the management of those diseases in which there is vitiation of Rakta dhatu. It is carried out in siras present near the Nasa(nose), Lalata(temples), or Apangapradesha apart from these other siras should not be damaged.
Shiro Pichu- Cotton soaked in herbal oil held over the top of the head is a common chikitsa in the treatment for migraine.
Shiro Basti -is given with three types of fat, oil, ghee, and muscle fat
· Sirodhara -Affusions made from ghee and milk are poured over the head. The warm oil is poured into a slow, gentle stream over the forehead, a technique often used in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka for the treatment of migraine. The soothing movement of the oil, which flows back and forth on the head and scalp, literally melts the accumulated pressure. This is one of the most divine therapies in Ayurveda, the opening of the third eye chakra, the removal of energy and physical blockages that gather in the head.
Snaihika dhumapana
·Some of the single herbs like
·Vidari, ashwagandha, sathavari, jatamansi, sankapusphi, brahmi also helps
·Shamana oushadhis like drakshadi kashayam ,pathyaksa datryadi kashayam ,manasamitra vatakam, kalyana ghritham, Pathyaksha Dhatryadi Kashayam, Gandharvahastadi Kashayam, Gandharvahastadi Eranda Taila, Brahmi Vati, Ashwagandha Ghrta, Brahmi Ghrta, Saraswata Ghrta etc are administered
The following Viharas (Lifestyle practices) are contraindicated:
·Suppression of natural urges like sneezing, Yawning, urination, Tears, Day sleep, excessive intake of milk and water, Brushing of teeth with hard sticks, intake of viruddha aahara,
·Diving in water, swimming for a longer duration, and intake of a wholesome diet can negatively contribute to the overall management of migraine.
·Make sure to sleep and eat at regular intervals.
Do not fast or skip meals, as it can worsen the management of migraine by increasing pitta and vata, which worsens migraine.
Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol.
Gradually reduce coffee and tea as part of the management of migraine.
Minimize strong emotions of anger or control.
·Lower computer / TV screen brightness etc, should be strictly avoided.
What is the Ayurvedic approach to managing migraine and tension headaches?
Ayurveda views migraine and tension headaches as imbalances in the body's doshas, particularly vata and pitta. The treatment involves a holistic approach focusing on restoring balance through lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and therapies like shirodhara and nasya.
How does Ayurveda differentiate between migraine and tension headaches?
According to Ayurveda, migraine headaches are often associated with vascular changes, while tension headaches are related to muscle tension and stress. Understanding these differences helps in tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
Can Ayurvedic treatments provide long-term relief for migraine and tension headaches?
Yes, Ayurvedic treatments aim at addressing the root cause of headaches rather than just symptom management. By balancing the doshas and addressing triggering factors, Ayurveda offers preventive measures for long-term relief.
What are the common Ayurvedic remedies used in managing migraine and tension headaches?
Ayurvedic remedies may include herbal formulations, dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, and specific therapies like nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils) and virechana (therapeutic purgation).
How does Ayurvedic management of headaches differ from conventional treatments?
Ayurvedic management focuses on individualized treatment plans based on one's unique doshic constitution and imbalances. It emphasizes preventive measures, lifestyle adjustments, and natural therapies rather than just symptomatic relief.
Are there specific triggering factors for migraine and tension headaches as per Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, factors like dietary habits, stress, improper sleep, hormonal imbalances, and environmental factors can trigger migraine and tension headaches by vitiating the doshas. Identifying and addressing these triggers is crucial for management.
How effective is the combination of Ayurveda and yoga therapy in managing migraine and tension headaches?
Combining Ayurveda with yoga therapy can enhance the management of headaches by addressing both physical and mental aspects. Yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation complement Ayurvedic treatments, offering a comprehensive approach to holistic wellness.
Which ayurvedic medicine is best for migraines?
You have to seek a medical practitioner for knowing the specific reason because the medications differ in causes
What is shirashoola Vajra Rasa used for?
It has rasayana and anti-inflammatory properties It may relieve all types of headaches and improve brain health
Which Ayurveda treatment is best for migraines?
Sirodhara and siravedha
What to eat for migraine in Ayurveda?
All foods that reduced pitta aggravation in the body
What is the use of Divya Shirahshooladi Vajra Ras?
Stress, headache, and migraine
How to take shirashuladivajraras?
Either before or after food
What are the ingredients in Shirshuladi Vati?
Sudha paradha, suddha gandhaka, suddha gugulu, loha basma, tamra bhasma and Triphala choornam are the key ingredients
How to reduce Vata headache?
Hydration and warm poultices
Are you feeling dull pain, tightness, and pressure around your forehead or the back of your head and neck which triggers after a stressful day or lack of sleep and irregular food routine?
Yes, that could be a reason for vata sirashoola, which is often addressed in the management of migraine.