Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka) in Ayurveda | Migraine Headache Treatment in Ayurveda

Headache is caused by many situations like;  flues, indigestion, colds, constipation, , suppression of urges to urinate or pass stool, poor posture, muscle tension, mental conditions such as nervousness, worry, anxiety, anger, and high blood pressure.   Migraines  can be caused by heartburn, congenital factors and other conditions. The climate can further aggravate migraines.

In Ayurveda headache can be approached from three basic principle of Ayurveda; Tridosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Symptoms:

Vata: Anxiety, depression, dry skin, constipation, and extreme pain.

Pitta: Red complexion and eyes, light sensitivity, burning sensation, anger, irritability, and nose bleeds. Liver and blood toxicity are often associated with these symptoms.

Kapha: Dull headache, heaviness, fatigue, nausea, white or clear phlegm, vomiting, and excess salivation. Respiratory disorders are often associated with these symptoms.

 Therapies:

Vata: Triphala as a purgative, jatamashi , brahmí, and rest. Shiro dhaara (hot oil head massage) is very beneficial.

Pitta: Purgatives (e.g., aloe vera gel, rhubarb, and fennel), liver cleansers (e.g., bhuamalaki and brahmi), sandalwood oil on the third eye, temples, heart, and under the nose, walks in the full moon and by water; and flower gardening reduce Pitta causes of migraines. Overexertion, heat and sun should be avoided. Shiro dhara (hot oil head massage) is also highly beneficial.

Kapha: Trikatu, brahmí, tulsi tea, inhaling eucalyptus oil, vomiting, exercise, nasal snuff of ginger or pepper. Shiro dhara (hot oil head massage) is also very helpful.

Cough, Cold, Flu, Allergy-Caused: Decongestant/ expectorant herbs—Vata and Kapha excesses (ginger, black pepper, licorice, vidanga,  etc.) are ingested or used as nasal snuff. Tulsí tea and inhaling eucalyptus oil are also very helpful. Ginger paste can be applied under the nose, and on the temples and forehead. Vomiting (if the person is strong) will help rid the head of congestion and pain arising from it.

Migraines (Ardhavabhedaka): Medicated oils or ghee, using guæúchí, balá, and ashwagandhá; fomentation, and saturating snuff are also advised. Long-term healing includes Chyavan prash, brahmí, and ashwagandha. Shiro dhara (hot oil head massage) is also beneficial. This is usually a Vata and Pitta excess, caused by lack of sleep, overwork, stress, worry, poor digestion, muscular tension, heartburn, or high blood pressure.