Migraine In Ayurveda Causes, Symptoms & Holistic Healing Therapies
Causes of Migraine (Nidana)
According to Ayurveda, migraines are primarily caused by Vata-Pitta vitiation, leading to disturbances in the nervous system and blood circulation. The common causes include:
1. Dietary Factors
• Eating dry, stale, or processed foods
• Overconsumption of caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
• Skipping meals or irregular eating habits
2. Lifestyle Factors
• Irregular sleep patterns (sleep deprivation or oversleeping)
• Excessive exposure to sunlight and loud noises
• Overuse of mobile phones, laptops, and televisions, leading to eye strain
• Sedentary lifestyle or excessive physical exertion
3. Environmental & Seasonal Factors
• High pollution levels
• Hormonal changes, especially in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
Symptoms of Migraine (Lakshana)
Migraines manifest with various symptoms, including:
• Intense throbbing or pulsating headache, usually on one side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and weakness
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
• Blurred vision or visual disturbances (Aura symptoms)
• Irritability and mood swings
• Neck stiffness and shoulder pain
Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine
1. Herbal Remedies (Aushadhi Chikitsa)
Ayurveda recommends various herbs and formulations to balance the doshas and alleviate migraine symptoms:
• Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): Enhances brain function, reduces stress, and calms the nervous system.
• Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis): A natural brain tonic that relieves anxiety and headaches.
• Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Reduces stress and improves sleep quality.
• Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): Detoxifies the body and strengthens immunity.
• Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi): A potent herb that promotes mental relaxation and relieves migraines.
• Triphala: Helps detoxify the digestive system, reducing toxin accumulation.
• Sutsekhar Ras: A classical Ayurvedic formulation used for migraine relief.
2. Panchakarma Therapy (Detoxification Treatments)
Ayurveda emphasizes Panchakarma therapies to remove toxins and balance doshas:
• Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Medicated oils such as Anu Tailam or Shadbindu Tailam are instilled in the nostrils to clear toxins from the head region.
• Shirodhara: A relaxing therapy where warm herbal oil is poured on the forehead to calm the nervous system.
• Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Helps eliminate excess Pitta Dosha, reducing inflammation and heat in the body.
• Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage): A full-body massage with medicated oils like Mahanarayan Tailam or Dhanwantharam Tailam to reduce stress and improve blood circulation.
3. Dietary Guidelines (Ahara Chikitsa)
A Pitta-Vata pacifying diet is crucial for migraine management:
✅ Foods to Include:
• Dairy products like ghee and milk for their calming properties
• Hydrating fluids such as buttermilk, herbal teas, and lemon water
• Soothing spices like fennel, cumin, coriander, and cardamom
• Whole grains like rice, wheat, and barley
❌ Foods to Avoid:
• Fermented and processed foods (pickles, vinegar, and junk food)
• Caffeinated drinks (coffee, energy drinks, soft drinks)
• Excessive intake of garlic, onions, and red chilies
4. Lifestyle Modifications (Vihara Chikitsa)
Ayurveda emphasizes Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) to prevent migraines:
✅ Recommended Practices:
• Engage in Pranayama (breathing exercises) like Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, and Sheetali to calm the nervous system.
• Practice Yoga Asanas such as Shavasana, Balasana, Viparita Karani, and Padmasana for stress relief.
• Apply cooling oils like Bhringraj Oil or Chandanadi Oil on the forehead to soothe headaches.
• Use aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus for migraine relief.
• Avoid excessive exposure to bright screens, loud noises, and strong odors.
❌ Things to Avoid:
• Sleeping during the daytime or staying awake late at night
• Overuse of electronic gadgets before bedtime
• Mental stress, anger, and emotional fluctuations
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Migraine Relief
Here are some simple yet effective home remedies to manage migraine pain naturally:
1️⃣ Ginger Tea: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water and drink it warm. Ginger helps reduce inflammation and relieves nausea.
2️⃣ Coriander Seed Infusion: Soak coriander seeds in water overnight and drink the infused water in the morning. It cools the body and reduces headaches.
3️⃣ Tulsi and Honey Drink: Boil tulsi (holy basil) leaves in water and add honey. This helps in calming the mind and relieving headaches.
4️⃣ Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or sandalwood paste on the forehead provides instant relief from migraines.
5️⃣ Peppermint Oil Massage: Gently massage peppermint oil on the temples and forehead to relieve tension and improve circulation.
Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka) is a disorder that can be effectively managed through Ayurvedic principles by addressing its root cause rather than just suppressing symptoms. A combination of herbal remedies, Panchakarma therapies, a balanced diet, and a disciplined lifestyle can significantly reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized treatment and long-term relief.
