What are ayurvedic treatments available for migraine?

I’m sure that some or the other time in your life, you might have experienced a killer headache without any particular reason or might still do but don’t know why it happens. Well, have you ever thought that it might because you are suffering from Migraine? So, yes this might be a cause, and just like you many others don’t know that they are getting headache because they suffer from Migraine. So you all might definitely want to know what are the different treatments available for migraine right? Hence, today we shall let you know about the available ayurvedic treatments available for migraine, but before that let us know about what is migraine and its symptoms. 

What is Migraine?

A migraine is a headache that can cause severe pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. Migraine is quite often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and severe sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headaches can take hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities.

For some people, a warning sign known as an aura occurs before or with a headache. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashbacks or blind spots, or other disturbances, such as sloping on one side of the face or arm or leg and difficulty speaking.

Although, medications can help prevent some migraines and make them less painful. Appropriate medications, combined with self-medication and lifestyle changes, can help.

What are the symptoms of Migraine?

Migraines, affecting children and adolescents as well as adults, can progress to four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome. Not everyone with migraines goes through all the stages.

Prodrome

A day or two before migraines, you may notice subtle changes that warn of an impending migraine, including:

Constipation

Emotions change, from depression to happiness

Food cravings

Neck stiffness

Increased urination

Liquid retention

Yawning constantly

Aura

For some people, the aura may occur before or during migraines. Auras is a reversible sign of a nervous system. They are usually visible but may include other distractions. Each symptom usually begins gradually, builds up in a few minutes and can last for 60 minutes.

Examples of migraine auras include:

Visual events, such as seeing different scenarios, bright spots or light rays

Loss of vision

Pins and needles on arms or leg

Feeling of weakness or numbness in the face or on one side of the body

Difficulty speaking

Attack

Migraine usually can last 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. How often a migraine attack occur varies from person to person. Migraine may occur spontaneously or strike several times a month, depending on the person.

During a migraine, you may be:

The pain is usually on one side of your head, but usually on both sides

A sharp pain or tingling

Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch

Nausea and vomiting

Post-drome

After a migraine attack, you may feel tired, confused, and irritable for a day. 

Some people report feeling happy. 

Sudden headaches may cause pain again for a while.

What are ayurvedic treatments available for migraine?

To treat migraine, Ayurveda uses natural remedies aimed at promoting doshic balance.

An Ayurvedic Physician can help you decide which methods are best for you.

Your treatment plan may include any combination from of the following mentioned below

Panchakarma therapy

Panchakarma therapy is intended to detoxify, or cleanse, the body. This is said to remove toxins that contribute to your migraine.

Examples of cleaning products include:

Pouring oil into the nose (nasya karma)

Whole body fat massage

Eating a ghee with medicine

Sweating treatment

Panchakarma treatment may also involve lifestyle changes aimed at promoting overall health.

Let's take a closer look at some of these options.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that involves the mind and body. It incorporates a variety of breathing techniques and postures to encourage relaxation.

By calming your mind and body, yoga helps to relieve stress and anxiety and can also reduce sensitivity to pain, including migraine pain.

According to a 2014 study, people who practiced yoga while following their usual migraine treatment reduced the frequency and severity of their migraine attacks.

A straight yoga posture can help increase your circulation and increase blood flow to your brain directly.

Conditions that may be particularly helpful in treating migraine include:

Child Pose

Downhill Dog

Bridge Pose

Regular exercise

Scientific evidence shows that regular physical activity can reduce the frequency of migraines and help control symptoms.

When you exercise your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. These also elevate your emotions.

This can be especially helpful if you are prone to depression and anxiety, which are a common cause of migraine.

You do not have to work hard to earn a living. Moderate exercise such as brisk walking, free swimming, or running in the water can help relieve stress and support a lifetime.

Relaxation techniques

A variety of relaxation techniques use a link between your mind and body to help reduce stress and tension.

Studies show that these techniques can also help relieve symptoms of depression, such as headaches, headaches, and high blood pressure.

Other relaxation techniques that can be especially helpful in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety include the following:

Deep breathing - Also known as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, this process involves deep breathing from your stomach, not your chest. When you breathe deeply, you nourish your body with oxygen, creating a calming effect.

Meditation or contemplation - Meditation and other mental processes help you to focus on the present rather than on past or present thoughts. This can help you to think clearly and to change the way you react to stress.

Continuous muscle relaxation - Also known as Jacobson's resting process, this involves strengthening and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. You usually start with your head and feet and work your way up or down, focusing on one group of muscles at a time. This can help reduce stress, reduce anxiety, and lower blood pressure.

The image of the mind - Also known as a directed image, this technique involves incorporating an image into your local mind-set that makes you feel happy and relaxed. These mental images can have a calming effect on your body.

Pathyadis

Pathyadis decoction is a liquid supplement made from many herbs. It is created by heating or boiling the plants to form a concentrated liquid.

For the treatment of migraine, a decoction of Pathyadi will include Ayurvedic herbs that have anti-inflammatory and pain properties.

Examples are:

Myrobalan

Beleric

Berries

Turmeric

Neem

Hence, the above mentioned methods are some of the ayurvedic treatments through which migraine can be treated, although there is no guarantee that it will treated permanently. And always remember that what might work for you might not work for others because as I always say, everyone has a different body type and not everything suits everyone. Thus, my dear ladies, even after trying various home and ayurvedic treatments against don’t work against your migraine, then please go visit a doctor. Don’t delay it because migraine is a neurological disorder and ignoring it can do some major damage to your body or can be fatal as if not taken care at all.

Ref: Migraine: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention (webmd.com)

Migraine - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine: Options, Benefits & Side Effects (healthline.com)