Ayurvedic treatment of migraine and headaches

The human physiology and fundamentals have not changed over the centuries.But, man with the modernisation and industrialisation has been exposed to hazardous consequences leading to the health disorders of new kind. Of these, some are unknown, and some are not even named. Providing a solution to such problems has been a big challenge to the modern and other parallel systems of medicine.There arises the need for the approach from Ayurveda to manage and prevent the disorders.The sophistication and comforts of the modern day and even the olden days led to many a health disorders. Modernisation made things easy and there by individuals are getting lazy.Computers, mechanisation, sophisticated vehicles, etc reduced the physical exercise and increased the mental stress. Many diseases sever to chronic manifested due to the after effect of above said modernisation. Among them, Migraine is one such condition. In

Ayurveda Migraine is termed as Shira shoola.

Ayurveda aims at preservation, prevention and curing of diseases. Because of Ultramodern high society life man has become more vulnerable for many diseases which are complicated and difficult to treat. Here stressful lifestyle, food habits, habits and living conditions are the factors which are directly or indirectly influencing the manifestation of Migraine.

Pathology:

The general pathology for migraine according to are over exposure to sun, snow, wind,inadequate sleep, suppression of natural urges, indigestion, looking continuously in one object, keeping head in one direction more much time and too much loud speaking.There is a migraine "pain centre" or generator in the brain. A migraine begins when hyperactive nerve cells send out impulses to the blood vessels, causing them to clamp down or constrict, followed by dilation (expanding) and the release of prostaglandins, serotonin, and other inflammatory substances that cause the pulsation to be painful.

The hyper action of the nerve cells and expansion and dilation of blood vessels are caused because of the Vata vitiation due to the above factors. This further vitiates Pitta and Kaphawhich causes the inflammatory process.People with migraines may inherit the tendency to be affected by certain migraine triggers,such as fatigue, bright lights, weather changes, and others.Many migraines seem to be triggered by external factors. Possible triggers include:

Emotional stress: This is one of the most common triggers of migraine headache. Migraine sufferers are generally highly affected by stressful events. During stressful events, certain chemicals in the brain are released to combat the situation (known as the "flight or fight" response). The release of these chemicals can provoke vascular changes that can cause a migraine. Repressed emotions surrounding stress, such as anxiety, worry, excitement, and fatigue can increase muscle tension and dilated blood vessels can intensify the severity of the migraine.

Sensitivity to specific chemicals and preservatives in foods: Certain foods and beverages, such as aged cheese, alcoholic beverages, and food additives such as nitrates (in pepperoni, hot dogs, luncheon meats) and monosodium glutamate (MSG, commonly found in Chinese food) may be responsible for triggering up to 30% of migraines.

Caffeine: Excessive caffeine consumption or withdrawal from caffeine can cause headaches when the caffeine level abruptly drops. The blood vessels seem to become sensitised to caffeine, and when caffeine is not ingested, a headache may occur.

Changing weather conditions: Storm fronts, changes in barometric pressure, strong winds, or changes in altitude can all trigger a migraine.

Other factors: Menstrual periods, excessive fatigue, skipping meals, changes in normal and

sleep pattern.

Migraines and Co‐Existing Conditions:

There are some medical conditions that are more commonly associated with migraines,

including Asthma, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Hypertension, Raynaud's phenomenon (occurs when blood vessels narrow causing pain and discoloration usually in the fingers), Stroke and

sleep disorders.

Migraines have a tendency to run in families. Four out of 5 migraine sufferers have a family

history of migraines. If one parent has a history of migraines, the child has a 50% chance of

developing migraines, and if both parents have a history of migraines, the risk jumps to 75%.

Symptoms

The symptoms of migraine headaches can occur in various combinations and include:

  • A pounding or throbbing headache that often begins as a dull ache and develops into
  • throbbing pain. The pain is usually aggravated by physical activity. The pain can shift
  • from one side of the head to the other, or it can affect the front of the head or feel like
  • it's affecting the whole head.
  • Sensitivity to light, noise, and odours
  • Nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sensations of being very warm or cold
  • Paleness
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fever (rare)

Most migraines last about 4 hours although severe ones can last up to a week. The

frequency of migraines varies widely among individuals. It is common for a migraine sufferer to get 2‐4 headaches per month. Some people, however, may get headaches every few days, while others only get a migraine once or twice a year.

Treatment:

Treatment approach in Ayurveda is different from other medical systems. Ayurvedic treatment is not for the disease but it is for the particular condition of disease of the individual. Treatment and preparation will change according to the disease condition and individual.

Internal preparations, external treatments and Panchakarma (purification) treatments are adopted for treating Migraine. This is done after a detailed diagnosis according to Ayurvedic methods. History of the disease with duration, previous disease history, mental state, pattern of sleep, appetite, food habits, activities, analysing the sense organs, analysing the pulse, character of stool and urine, menstrual history, etc are examined in detail. This helps to get knowledge regarding the involvement of Dosha and the intensity of the disease. Treatment is done according to these two factors.

Internal preparation:

Various herbal preparations as decoctions, powders, tablets, tonics are administered if the disease is not chronic. These preparations act directly on the upper part of the body especially in the head. This action is due to the special Ayurvedic properties like Rasa, Guna, Veerya, Vipaka and Prabhava.

 External treatments and Panchakarma:

External treatments along with the internal preparations are very effective in chronic conditions.

Various kinds of paste over the forehead help for the sudden relief from the ache. The preparations help to normalize the hyper action of the nerve cells and regulates the blood circulation towards the brain. Special treatments like Sirodhara, Thalam, Sirovasty, Talapodichil, etc which is developed from Kerala helps to nourish the nerve system and there by the action of Vata is normalized. Involvement of other systemic disorder is also taken into account and treatment is done. In chronic Migraine toxic materials will be deposited in the head and affects the function of senseorgans. Due to this perception of sense organ is affected causing sensitivity to light, sound, odourand mood changes. Panchakarma helps to remove these toxins and help to strengthen the nerve system. Nasya (application of herbal preparations through nostrils) is one of the treatments which directly acts on the nerves and removes the toxins accumulated in the sinuses. Mucus coating insidethe nostrils are one of the areas where numerous nerve endings are exposed. The medicated oilsapplied through Nasya directly acts on these nerve endings and help to pacify Vata. The special preparations used for Nasya drains the mucus deposited in the sinuses there by the pressure in thisarea is relieved. Other Panchakarma treatments like Vasti (enema), Virechana (purgation) also helpsto put the toxins out from the body.

After the purification treatment special preparations called Rasayana (immuno regulatory) is administered. Rasayana preparations improve the immune system further improving the perception of sense organs.

Migraine due to other systemic involvement like psychological problems, digestive problems, blood pressure, ophthalmic problems, immune problem, improper menstruation, etc will be relieved when treated according to the specific treatment told for these diseases.

 Food:

Maintaining proper food and food habit is very important. Timely and proper quantity of food intake makes the digestion easier there by accumulation of toxins will not take place. Intake of Vata increasing food like dry, cold, food with less nourishment, intake of food in less quantity, junk food,fast foods, etc should be avoided. Kapha increasing food like heavy, cold, unctuous, food causing indigestion, etc should also be kept away.

 Activities:

Improper activity can trigger or aggravate Migraine. Proper knowledge about activities helps to reduce intensity during the attack. It is advices to find methods to relax mind and body. Hearing music, yoga, meditation, talking with like minded persons, other deeds which help to relax should be adopted. Exposure to excess wind, cold, sunlight, etc are not advisable. Smoking and usage of alcoholic beverages are not preferable. Taking head shower in cold water, not drying the hair in a proper way, exposing head to warm weather or sunlight without proper drying and immediately after taking shower, taking cold water shower after coming from warm temperature, taking shower before digesting the food, etc can create the pathology. Staying is less oxygenated room, working with computers for long duration, continuous work which produce strain to the eyes and brain, recurring thoughts, etc should be reduced or avoided.

Chronic diseases like Migraine can have a good result if proper diet and activities are followed.

According to Ayurvedic principles proper food and activities are also like medicines. It also supports and catalyses the function of medicines in the body.