Ayurveda Management Of Migraine.

1. Migraine
Migraine is a widespread, chronic and intermittently disabling disorder characterized by
recurrent headaches with or without aura. Recent studies estimate the prevalence of
migraine at about 6-8% in men and 12-15% in women. The rate of migraine varies
globally, and although there is a lack of epidemiological data available in many countries
at present.
Pharmaceutical treatment of migraine is complex, with no agreed upon guidelines. Most
individuals often need medication during acute attacks and some prophylactic measure
to reduce attacks.Moreover, the uncertainty regarding treatment and the need to
perhaps trial patients on a variety of drugs adds to the escalating costs. Another problem
is the actual overuse of such medications which causes further complicating
management strategies.A large percentage of patients do not respond to
pharmacological interventions for migraine headache, develop unacceptable side-
effects, or are reluctant to take medications. As a result many patients resort to
Ayurveda treatment.
In Ayurveda, Ardhavabhedaka (meaning literally the unilateral pain) and Ananta vaata,
these two situations resembles, the classical migraine. . It is described as a separate
clinical entity in the classics of Charaka and Susruta while Vagbhata included this
condition in the classification of vataja- siroroga
From Ayurveda point of view, headaches are because of a problem in the balance of
Tridosh viz vata, pitta and kapha dosha. When these dosha especially vata gets vitiated
due to improper metabolism, mental and physical stress, sleeplessness, etc causes
dryness and emaciation of the structures include blood vessels inside the head. Along
with pitta and kapha dosha vata gets lodge inside the head and the microstructures
causes the disease and produces various types of symptoms.The migraine is one of the
worse headaches a person can experience. It is described as a throbbing or pulsating
pain that can be on one side of the head. It can begin in a specific area and then spread
while it builds in intensity. A migraine is associated with nausea and vomiting. The
person will also be sensitive to light, sounds and even certain smells. Sleeping can be
difficult and many people become depressed. They can last for a couple of hours or for
several days. A person that suffers with migraine headaches will most likely have
recurring episodes but they usually become less painful with age. There are twomain
types of migraines. The most common type is the “migraine without aura” and it can be
felt on one side of the head or both . this type normally causes photophobia, nausea,
vomiting , fatigue and mood swing. The second types is the “migraine with aura”. Aura
is a neurological phenomenon that is usually visual and they happen between ten and
thirty minutes before the pain begins. The person will normally experience
hallucinations or wavy images and bright shimmering lights at the edge of their vision.

2. Some people experience a temporary loss of vision which is accompanied by dizziness,
vertigo, numbness of the face, tongue and other extremities along with speech
abnormalities and weakness.
Some women suffer from menstrual migraines right before their cycle begin and some
will develop this condition when pregnant or after they begin menopause.They usually
inherit sensitivity to the “triggers” that can cause inflammation in the nerves and blood
vessels surrounding the scalp and brain. These triggers are what makes a person have
the migraine for the first time and some of them include certain types of alcohol such as
red wine, caffeine, over-exertion, fatigue, environment, perfume, stress and certain
medications. Owing to the above problems of management, it is imperative to explore
Ayurveda treatment totackle such disease entities.
The traditional science of Ayurveda considers migraine to be caused by deep-rooted
problems, including a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion. Ayurveda
believes in cleaning the body from within and eradicating the disease from its roots.this
kind of treatment is known as Panchakarma.In panchakarma the most targeted things is
the balancing of tridosha viz vata, pitta and kapha dosha. Ayurvedic treatment of
migraine therefore is centered on the pacification of all these dosha. Dosha, restoration
of digestive function in the body. Use of diet is also comes into act to prevent Tridosha
imbalance .Some Ayurveda classical medicines as well as customized diet and lifestyle
plans to control migraine.
The Most ideal combination for treating of migraine in Ayurveda is Virechan(induced
Puragation) & Nasya karma(Nasal therapy) which is a part of panchakarma (Five fold
therapy) .Panchakarma is combination of Vaman
,Virechan,Vasthi,Nasyam,Rakthamokshan. An uniform Ayurveda treatment protocol
which comprised of a combination of ayurvedic formulations like Narikel Lavan ,
Sootshekhar Rasa , Sitopaladi Churna , Rason Vati and Godanti Mishran with
pathyksha dhatrayadikashayam is very effective totreat migraine.Nasyam with satpala
churnam or sadvindu tailam is another treatment option. Head massage with ksheer
bala Oil or Balahathadi Tailam is also beneficial. This massage gives a calming effect to
your nervous system.
Apart from Ayurveda therapy & medicines certain regulations on ahar & vihar(diet &
habit) is very much essential.
Establish a regular pattern of sleeping and waking. In fact, get as anal-retentive as you
can about this .a regular pattern of going to bed at the same time and getting up at the
same time , on weekends as well as weekdays, can do wonders. Change your lighting .
Very bright lights can often trigger very migraines. Cheese, chocolate and wine may
sound like the ideal ingredients for a romantic picnic, but if you are prone to migraines
just avoid these. Avoid hot, spicy foods, fermented foods, white sugar, white flour

3. products, and sour or citrus fruits, because they aggravate the Pitta in your body.Drink
more water and eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables, and whole grainsAvoid excessive
sugar or salt, refined foods, animal products (meats and dairy), caffeine, tea, and
alcohol, as these items will further lead to aggravation of Pitta.Avoid direct exposure to
the sun, as migraine headaches are predominantly a Pitta disorder and can be triggered
by the hot sun.
Headaches caused due to tension and worry can be alleviated through deep breathing
and relaxation, especially in a lying down position in a quiet place. Inverted postures, or
those where the head is lowered briefly, increase oxygen to the brain and can reduce
headache-causing strain.