Ayur Yog Mantra

Ever dealt like someone is hammering your head? That’s exactly what a Migraine headache feels like. If not treated promptly, it can last up to 2 days. Regardless of age and gender, migraine is mainly caused due to stress, anxiety and even a neurological disorder. In some cases, it can be severe and can affect your everyday life. Though there are medications OTC, Ayurvedic remedies are much safer and can provide good migraine relief.

Causes of migraine headache in males and females

Often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound, migraine headaches can be excruciating. Migraine attacks can be so severe that they can last from hours to days.

For some people, a warning symptom called aura occurs before the headache starts. An aura can include visual disturbances, flashes of light or blind spots or other disturbances such as tingling on one side of the face, arm or leg. Some people also experience difficulty in speaking.

The right medications and lifestyle changes can help. However, for immediate relief and safety reasons, many people opt for Ayurveda. There are many migraine relief remedies from Ayurveda that will help you balance the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and improve your overall health.

What does Ayurveda say about Migraines?

As per the classical texts of Ayurveda, migraine is called “Ardhavabhedhaka” which is caused by an imbalance in the three doshas. This can cause a negative impact on the overall nervous system that can hamper memory, concentration and focus. It also can lead to power eye health, irregular sleep cycles or insomnia causing low productivity at home or work.

Simple and effective Ayurvedic herbal concoctions can work wonders in fighting symptoms of migraine and tackling the unbearable pain in the face and head.

Symptoms of migraine

For some people, a Migraine attack happens in four different phases.

1. Prodrome Phase – constipation, mood changes, food craving, thirst, and stiff neck.
2. Aura Phase – vision loss, pins and needles sensation, weakness or numbness in the body, having trouble speaking, hearing noises, and tingling in one side of the face or arm/leg.
3. Attack Phase – pain in one side or both sides of the head, throbbing pain, sensitivity to light, sounds, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, lightheadedness.
4. Postdrome Phase – confusion, moodiness, weakness, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound.

One or two days before the migraine hits, you might notice subtle changes that indicate a warning of the upcoming migraine.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Constipation
• Mood changes causing depression to euphoria
• Food cravings
• Neck stiffness
• Increase in urination
• Fluid retention
• Constantly yawning

Post migraine you might feel confused, drained or washed out for a whole day. Some people report feeling suddenly ecstatic. Sudden head movement can trigger headaches again briefly.

What triggers a migraine attack?

Numerous reasons can trigger migraine.

• Hormonal changes in women – fluctuations in estrogen during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause can trigger headaches in women. Hormonal medications too can worsen migraine headaches.
• Too much caffeine (coffee), wine or alcohol can also cause migraines.
• Stress can work or home can cause migraine headaches.
• Sensory stimuli – exposure to bright or flashy lights, strong smells of perfume, paint thinner, etc. can trigger a migraine attack.
• Sleep changes – missing sleep or sleeping too much can also cause migraines.
• Intense physical exertion which includes sexual activity may also provoke migraine headaches.
• Too much salty and processed foods, cheeses can also trigger migraines. Even skipping meals can cause migraines.
• Using MSG (monosodium glutamate) preservative and sweetener aspartame that is found in foods can trigger a migraine.
• Other reasons such as weather changes, medications such as vasodilators, oral contraceptives can aggravate migraines.

Ayurvedic remedies for migraine relief

Here are some of the remedies for Migraine headaches.

Triphala Churna

An organic blend of extracts of three flowers – haritaki, bibhitaki and amla which makes it Triphala, it is a wonder blend that detoxifies the body and works miracles. It cleanses the lungs, cools down the body and enhances breathing functions. It also improves respiration and gets rid of any allergens or sinus infections in the nasal passages. This can significantly reduce migraine attacks. It is considered one of the effective Ayurvedic remedies for migraine headaches.

Ksheera Ghrita

Ksheera Ghrita is basically a glass of milk mixed with ghee that not only tastes scrumptious but also fights migraine headaches effectively. Loaded with nutrients such as calcium, proteins, healthy fats, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E, it uplifts your mood, stimulates the nervous system, improves productivity and boosts metabolism. This helps in reducing throbbing migraine headaches. A simple home remedy, this is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for migraine pain.

Sitopaladi Churna

Sitopaladi Churna comprises Mishri, Vankshalochana, (white part of the bamboo tree), PEPPEr, Cardamom, and Cinnamon that is blended into a powder. They carry immense expectorant properties. From boosting lung capacity to eliminating cough, cold and phlegm, it can remarkably reduce headaches and migraine attacks. Consume 3 teaspoons of this Ayurvedic concentrate with some honey to remove any breathing issues.

Dhoomapana

Inhaling the medicated aromatic fumes of herbs – Dhoomapana is a great way to lower stress levels and reduce mental tension and anxiety. Infused with sandalwood and cardamom powder, they calm the mind and lighten your mood. It also fights stress in your head thus soothing any migraine headaches.

Nasya

This method is done by administering medicated decoctions through the nose and hence the name – Nasya. It is one of the best-recommended panchakarma therapy that cures migraines and fights headaches. It should be done early in the morning on an empty stomach, an hour before your morning meal. Pour a few drops of herbal infusions such as Brahmi or Ashwagandha into the nose. It clears the nasal passages and strengthens the respiratory and nervous system giving you immense relief from migraine.

Can you cure migraine permanently and naturally?

Though there is no permanent cure for migraine, following natural treatments with a combination of a good lifestyle will surely reduce the occurrence of migraine and improve your overall health.

5 tips for quick migraine relief – Instant home remedies for migraine headache

Apart from the above, these home remedies are a great way to give migraine relief.

1.         Drink Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a great way to fight symptoms of migraine such as nausea. It is known to block prostaglandins, compounds that stimulate muscle contractions and cause headaches. 2-4 grams of ginger every day can make you feel better. Moreover, many health experts suggest that using ginger, the superfood, as part of your daily diet can improve your overall health.

2.         Inhaling essential oils

That’s right. Inhaling essential oils such as rosemary, lavender and jasmine can reduce migraine symptoms and ease tension. It directly attacks the triggers by acting as a mild sedative which helps you calm down. Rosemary oil can help in treating hormonal imbalances that is one of the main reasons for migraine in women. Just add 5-10 drops of the essential oil in hot water and take deep breaths to ease the headache. These are some of the best herbs for headaches and migraines.

3.         Use Sesame oil as nasal drops

Migraines are also associated with high Vata dosha due to mental stress or insomnia. The dry nature of Vata can make you feel dehydrated that can cause stiffness in muscles and constipation. This can cause headache. To get optimum relief, take 4 drops of sesame oil in your nostrils once a day to curb the migraine attack. Inhale deeply. Sesame oil will relieve the gases that cause pressure in the head and relaxes the body.

4.         Yoga for Migraine

Honey Bee pose i.e. the Brahmri Pranayam can calm the mind and relax the blood vessels. It is the best thing for migraine relief. It is a breathing technique where the humming sound vibrations soothe the nerves around the brain and forehead.

5.         Peppermint

An article published in the Journal of Neuroscience shows that inhaling the fragrance of peppermint herb can relieve you of headache. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties soothe the nerves. Drink freshly brewed peppermint tea or massage your temples with peppermint oil and leave it for 30 minutes. Follow it few times a day till you feel better.

Other remedies include:

• Boil water with fennel seeds or Indian Sarsaparilla, let it cool and drink it.
• Apply nutmeg paste or sandalwood paste on the forehead to ease the headache.
• Make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
• Avoid intake of spicy, sour, salty, bitter and astringent foods.
• Avoid exposure to extreme cold/hot and dry conditions.
• Avoid excess physical/mental exertions, staying awake late nights, suppress hunger and urges, stress, alcohol, smoking, and exposure to strong smells.
• Some Yoga Asanas can be effective to fight migraine headaches. For instance, Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose), Marjariasana (Cat Stretch), Paschimottanasana (Two-Legged Forward Bend), Balasana (Child Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose) and Shavasana (Corpse Pose).

So, there you go. Healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle can considerably reduce migraine attacks. Thus, it is evident that it has a direct relation with your body and emotional changes.