Migrane: Ayurvedic approach

Migraine is the most common disabling condition mostly in adult population and shows female predominance. Unilateral throbbing type moderate to severe intensity headache could be a common manifestation of the migraine, though it may present with varied presentation. In modern science, currently no cure for migraine, despite the fact that various medicines are accessible to help facilitate the manifestation. It only helps erase the symptoms.

Ayurveda believes in treating the root cause of disease. Therefore, treatments focus on balancing the vitiated Doshas and restore healthy balance in the mind, body and soul. This can be achieved by avoiding triggering factor, good dietary habits, Yoga, meditation, herbal formulation, lifestyle modification, Panchakarma, Kriyakalpa and other holistic modalities to create a balanced physiology.

In Shiroroga, Ardhavabhedaka is found to be the most common complaint after Vatika Shirahshoola. The disease Ardhavabhedaka is characterized by paroxysmal and unilateral headache, which may be severe in nature.

Triggering Factors or causes:

• Allergic reactions
• Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes
• Physical or emotional stress · Changes in sleep patterns
• Smoking or exposure to smoke · Skipping meals
• Alcohol or caffeine
• Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills
• Tension headaches
• Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)
• Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods

A migraine is a type of primary headache that some people get repeatedly over time. Migraines are different from other headaches because they occur with

Symptoms:

• Nausea
• vomiting,
• sensitivity to light.
• a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Warning signs (auras) that can precede a migraine include seeing stars or zigzag lines, tunnel vision, or a temporary blind spot.

Symptoms that may linger even after the migraine has gone away include:

• Feeling mentally dull, like your thinking is not clear or sharp
• Increased need for sleep
• Neck pain

Treatment:

As per patients dosha status, treatment will be different. Some examples are:

Sirodhyanga, Siro pichu, talam, lepam (on fore head and siro lepam)/siro dhara (tailam dhara /kheer dhara)/siro vasti/virechana/nasya

Internal medicines:

Kashaya -e.g., pathyadi Kashaya, Amrtottaram Kashaya, guluchyadi Kashaya etc.

Choorna:

Avipatti choornam,sudarshana choornam

Gulika:

Yashti gulika ,sudharshana gulika

Ghrita:

Bramhi ,kalyanaka ,mahatikta ghrita

Lehya:

Drakshadi, shatavari lehya

For Prevention

• Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol
• Exercise regularly
• Get enough sleep each night
• Learn to relax and reduce stress – try progressive muscle relaxation (contracting and releasing muscles throughout your body), meditation, biofeedback, or joining a support group.

. Asanas for Migraines

Savangasana, Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Matsyendrasana, Pascimottanasana, Janusirsasana, Uttanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Forward Virasana.