MIGRAINE

Migraine is the most common episodic headache disorder occurring in at least 15 to 20 percent of the population. It is characterized by recurrent headaches which starts with some warning signs as black spots in front of eyes, numbness or tingling sensation in any part of the body generally on face or upper limbs. Migraine headaches are usually associated with sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. In addition, many patients experience nausea or vomiting. The headache of migraine often involves only one side of the head but in some cases, patients may experience pain bilaterally or both sides. Pain is described as throbbing or pounding and it may be made worse with physical exertion. In Ayurveda, migraine is described as "Anantavaata" and "Ardhavabhedak". However, ardhavabhedak only refers to the one-sided headache and does not encompass migraine completely.

The pathophysiology of migraine is not well understood however, there are two primary lines of thought in this area. First one is "vascular theory of migraine", states that migraine may be caused by circulatory disorder. Second one is "nerve theory” which states that migraine may be caused by neurological factors.

As per "vascular theory" migraine is a disturbance of the blood flow in head. Blood vessels in the head and face become dilated and engorged. The excess of blood causes the intense pain of migraine headache and according to the "nerve theory” action of certain neurotransmitters or neuro chemicals on trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve) causing irritation of nerve resulting in migraine headache.

SYMPTOMS

• Pain on one side of the head or both sides (found in only few cases)
• Pulsating Pain lasting for 4 to 72 hours Nausea and vomiting
• Increased pain while exertion
• Altered mood
• Irritability
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Depression or euphoria
• Fatigue
• Excessive sleepiness
• Craving for certain food items
• Stiff muscles (especially in the neck)
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Increased urination

CAUSES

• Genetic factors
• Consumption of certain foods and alcohol
• Mental and physical strain
• Bright and flickering light
• Cigarette smoking
• Sleep disturbance
• Viewing TV for long periods
• Reading in insufficient light
• Skipping meals / fasting
• Menstruation and use of contraceptives and pills in women

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF MIGRAINE

According to Ayurveda, Migraine is a deep rooted neurological problem including a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion. It originates from the imbalance or vikriti of all three doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) but more so of Vata aggravation. Ayurveda says, improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Pitta which produces digestive impurities as Ama or Toxins. This ama gets stored in the manovahi strotas or channels of brain through circulation and dilates the blood vessels due to its hot and sharp nature. Dilation of arteries creates pressure on nerves, where vata gets aggravated and leading to the condition of intense pain in head. Aggravation of Vata dosha and recurrent episodes of headache cause weakness of nervous system, which further leads to depletion of ojas in the body. Ojas is known as the essence of all body tissues, which provides strength to the nervous system and body. Lowering of ojas causes distressed state of mind causing negative feelings and patient get depressed easily. At last, it is found that the main cause of Migraine headache is aggravation of pitta dosha due to sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet.

Therefore, Doctors at AYURKALP focus on rectify the pitta imbalance and bring it in harmony with vata doshsa in the your body. We prescribe authentic classical (Shastrokta) Ayurvedic medicines to pacify the pitta dosha and to remove the toxins from the body. During treatment, patient will be advice to take pitta pacifying diet through special ayurvedic diet advices. If you are regularly experiencing above mentioned symptoms of migraine attacks, keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them. Then make an appointment with us to discuss your headache. We will provide best Ayurvedic treatment to make you migraine free.

DIET & LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATION FOR MIGRAINE

• Follow a complete Pitta dosha pacifying diet according to constitution of your body which will not disturb your inherent Doshas.
• Your diet must be rich in carbohydrates and low in fat. A high dietary fat intake can increase the risk of your migraine attacks because Fat, particularly saturated fat, increases the LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol levels in your blood, which further increases platelets aggregation. Several scientific studies says that aggregation of platelets may dilate blood vessels throughout the brain, which is the cause of migraines headaches.
• Eat fresh Fruits, vegetables and grains as they are rich in fibres, which are easily digestible and full of magnesium. It is believed that magnesium has ability to stabilize the wall of blood vessels, which gives relief in headache.
• Dehydration is also a major cause of headaches, drink more water and eat those fruits that contain water, especially watermelon. Water found naturally in fruits or vegetables contains magnesium and other essential minerals that are beneficial for headache prevention.
• Avoid hot, spicy, fermented foods and citrus fruits, because they are aggravating factor of Pitta dosha in your body, which is the basic cause of your migraine attack.
• Avoid excessive intake of salt (sodium). If you consume salt in large amounts, it can worsen or even cause migraine attacks. This is because salt increases water retention, and water retention increases blood pressure which is known as trigger for migraine headaches.
• It is estimated that 90% of all migraines are directly linked to allergies and sensitivities to certain foods. Maintaining a record of diet and headaches may help you to identify the trigger foods. If you find certain types of foods are aggravating your headache, avoid it.
• Avoid Cigarette smoking and intake of alcohol.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun, as migraine headaches are predominantly a Pitta disorder and can be triggered by the hot sun.
• Avoid anger, tension, anxiety and loud speaking as all these increases episodes of migraine attacks.

HOME REMEDIES FOR MIGRAINE

• Take 5 gms of Amalaki powder with water two times a day. It is very helpful to pacifying your aggravated Pitta Dosha – the main cause of migraine headaches.
• Boil five crushed almonds in cow milk for 15-20 minutes, after cooling drink it daily in breakfast.
• Take 2 teaspoon of natural Honey in a glassful of cow milk before going to sleep, daily at night.
• Mix ¼ teaspoon of clove powder with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon oil. Apply this paste on forehead for 20-30 minutes.
• Grind lahsun (Garlic) and Chandan (Sandal wood) in equal quantity and apply this paste on forehead.
• In Ayurveda, Nasya Karma or Nasya thearapy is one of the most important part of migraine treatment. It is a process wherein the medicated oil is administered through the nostrils. Since nose is the gateway of the head, the therapy is highly effective in curing many types of neurological diseases including migraine headache.

कुंकुमं घृत संयुक्तं नस्यं च अर्धशिरोव्यथां नाशयेत् क्षणादेव । - भारत भैषज्य रत्नाकर 

• As per this Ayurvedic reference, prepare a mixture of 1 pinch of Saffron powder with 1 teaspoon of cow ghee (clarified butter). Now, Instill 1 or 2 drops of this saffron-ghee into your each nostril and take deep breathe.
• Take 50ml cow ghee (clarified butter) into a vessel and add 7 - 10 basil (Tulsi) leaves to it, boil it till the leaves get blackened. Filter it and store in a dropper bottle. Now, Instill 1 or 2 drops into each nostrils and take deep breathe.
• It is better to start above mentioned Nasya Karma with a single drop into each nostril and Apply this pocedure in morning on an empty stomach. It is also advised to avoid this remedy during cloudy days