Ayurvedic Remedies for Migraine

Migraine is diagnosed in Ayurveda in a different way. The Ayurvedic remedies for migraine are applied based on the method of diagnosis in which the nervous system and brain function of a person is considered to be controlled by one of the three body humours called Vata. Imbalance in the Vata leads to problems such as migraine and other type of headaches. The usual causes of this condition are considered to be poor metabolism, mental and physical stress, long hours in front of the television, reading with inadequate light and insomnia.

Ayurvedic treatment for migraine includes Panchkarma therapies, pre-purification therapies, Purification therapies, diet regulations and lifestyle changes. The Ayurvedic remedies for migraine include:

• The pre-purification techniques are used to get the body ready to flush out toxins by opening up circulation channels. Sirodhara is one such method in which medicated milk, medicated buttermilk and herbal are poured on the forehead for 45 minutes. Usually the ingredients used in this method are gooseberry and sandalwood. It gives temporary and permanent relief from the pain. Another procedure of pouring Amaltas, nut grass tuber and staff tree is also used. It is called Thakradhara. This is a continuous procedure.
• The main purification techniques in Ayurveda for treatment of Migraine are Nasyam and Virechanam. In the former, medicated oil is passed through the nose to remove excessive of humours that are jamming up the nose and head. Sarsaparilla, nut grass tuber and are the ingredients used in the process and it is useful in improving circulation of blood, eliminating stretching of nerves or inflammatory pains experienced in the head.  Virechanam is the purging technique with oral intake of Ayurvedic medicines.
• You should try out certain oral Ayurvedic medications that are recommended after the Panchkarma procedures but you should try them even if you cannot find time for the treatment procedures mentioned above. Kashayam and Lehayam prescriptions by your Ayurvedic practitioner help to remove your condition of Vata imbalance. You can depend on these for long-term benefits, i.e. respite from future occurrences of headaches, which is a unique characteristic of Ayurveda and other holistic treatment therapies.
• The last but essential aspect of Ayurveda treatment for migraine is the recommended lifestyle changes. Start taking cooked vegetables without oil, vegetable juices, fruits such as mango and apple including their juices, rice, salad and buttermilk more often. The Ayurvedic remedies for migraine are very effective but to enjoy their complete benefits, it is advisable to give up unhealthy habits especially those of eating. Old fermenting cheese, some kind of nuts, chocolate and foods that have MSG (monosodium glutamate) or nitrates can only increase the chances of migraine or headache and so will undue stress or anxiety.

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