Migraine
Migraine treatment in Ayurveda focuses on reducing the throbbing pain and also the strain on eyes causes by aura symptoms. Migraine is a common type of headache and is typically characterized by pounding pain at the front or on one side of the head. Migraine headache is often accompanied by aura symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to bright light.
What Are The Types of Migraine?
Migraine attacks can result in severe headache and pain that can last for hours to days. There are several types of Migraine, including,
Migraine with aura:
This type of Migraine shows some warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. These warning signs may include Migraine symptoms such as visual problems (such as flashing lights) and stiffness in the neck, shoulders or limbs.
Migraine without aura:
This type of Migraine does not show any warning signs such as sensitivity light but shows other Migraine symptoms including severe throbbing headache, nausea, etc.
Migraine without headache:
Also known as silent Migraine. In this type a person feels warning symptoms (an aura) or other Migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop.
What Are The Causes Of Migraine Headache?
Migraine headaches can be caused to environmental or biological factors. Experts also suggest that Migraine has genetic links and runs in the family. Given below are the most common Migraine causes.
1. Hormonal changes
This is mainly applicable to women. Changes in levels of estrogen occurring immediately before or during menses are thought to trigger headache in many women. Some women report Migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Taking oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy also may worsen Migraines.
2. Environment Changes
Sudden changes in weather such as storms, lightening, strong winds etc. can trigger Migraine attack.
3. Mental stress
Stress is one of the most common and obvious triggers of Migraine headache. Release of specific neurotransmitters like adrenaline and hormones such as cortisol in stressful events is thought to cause the headache.
4. Medications
Regular consumption of oral contraceptives and asthma medications can also trigger Migraines.
5. Lack of sleep
One of the important causes to consider! Not getting enough sleep may serve as a trigger for Migraine in some individuals.
What Are The Common Signs and Symptoms Of Migraine?
Migraine headaches may often begin with warning signs that includes following symptoms.
Warning signs before Migraine headache
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Seeing stars or zigzag lines
- Nausea or vomiting
Some people do not get the warning symptoms (Migraine without aura). However they may develop a headache that is dull or severe.
Symptoms of Migraine headache
- Throbbing or pounding pain
- Pain that is worse on one side of the head
- A dull ache that gets worse within minutes to hours
- Headache that lasts for 6 to 48 hours
Some other symptoms that can occur during Migraine headache attacks are:
- Chills
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Numbness or weakness
- Sweating
Suffering from Migraine attacks frequently? Try effective Ayurvedic therapies
What Are The Treatment Options To Cure Migraine?
Ayurveda identifies Migraine headache as ‘Sooryavarta’. Soorya means ‘Sun’ and avarta means ‘affliction’ or ‘blockage’. This headache is believed to start in the sunrise, be worse in the noon and reduce at the sunset. However, this many not be true in all cases. Some experts also relate Migraine headache to Ardhavabhedak, a condition characterised by throbbing pain in one side of the head.
According to Ayurvedic principles, Migraine is caused by imbalance of tridosha. But it is commonly considered as Vata Dosha disorder. Since Vata Dosha controls the nervous system and brain, imbalance of this dosha can result in headaches. The causes of Migraine as per Ayurveda include,
- Mental tension
- Suppression of natural urges such as urination or defecation
- Eye strain due to reading in poor light
- Poor metabolism
- Lack of sleep
Which Ayurvedic Therapies Effectively Reduce Migraine Headache?
Since Ayurveda is a holistic system, the Ayurvedic experts first analyse the lifestyle of a patient to understand which dosha imbalance could be causing the headache. Based on a specific dosha imbalance the patient may show some signs as dry skin, redness in eyes or fatigue. Ayurveda offers some effective therapies to relieve Migraine headache.
1. Virechanam: A Detoxification to treatment that removes toxins through induced purgation. This treatment reduces the vata vitiation that could be causing the headaches.
2. Nasyam: Nasyam includes application of herbal oils or decoctions through the nasal cavity. The medicated principles present in the oils reach the brain and reduce symptoms of Migraine.
3. Shirodhara: Shirodhara may be recommended in some cases to reduce the mental stress and create mental calmness to relieve headaches and throbbing pain.
How Much Does The Ayurvedic Treatment For Migraine Cost?
The cost of Migraine treatment in Ayurveda varies for every case. Since Ayurvedic therapies are recommended based on the lifestyle and health status of patient, the cost of Migraine treatment may also vary from case to case. In addition you may not need all the therapies, the doctors prescribe the right treatment after finding out the cause of your Migraine attack.