How to Treat Migraine Naturally with Ayurveda – A Natural Path to Relief

Abstract

Migraine is one of the most common neurovascular debilitating disorders. According to WHO, it has around 14.7% prevalence in the population worldwide, with higher predisposition in women. Chronic Migraine affects about 2% of the world population with female to male ratio being 3:1. Migraine is a chronic neurovascular disorder which is characterized by recurring severe headaches that are followed by a range of symptoms. Migraine is a very common and disabling condition that causes severe headaches, often only on the one side of the head. These head churning pains often affect the quality of the life of the person when triggered. Conventional treatments like painkillers provide temporary relief but the prolonged use can lead to dependence on them. Long term usage of painkillers often causes damage to the organs like the kidneys and liver.

Introduction

Migraine is a complex and disabling condition affecting millions worldwide. It is characterized by episodes of severe headaches, often localized to one side of the head. The headache is frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). Migraines can vary in frequency and intensity, and their impact can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Although the exact cause of migraines is still not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect the brain’s vascular and nervous systems. It is also referred to as “sick headache” because nausea and vomiting often accompany the headache which can last for as long as three days.

Causes & Triggers

The exact cause for migraine remains unknown, but biochemical changes within the brain play a significant role. Certain factors can increase the chances of migraine and few might trigger it. They are:

1. Genetic Factors: Certain genes predispose people to migraine, particularly those involving serotonin regulation and other neurotransmitter activities.
2. Neurovascular Mechanisms:  Any change associated with the dilation and constriction in the blood vessels of the brain can trigger migraine. The characteristic pain of migraine attack develops because of this.
3. Chemical Imbalance: The disruption of neurotransmitter balance, especially serotonin, is believed to play a key role in triggering migraine attacks. Fluctuations in serotonin levels during a migraine episode can impact the pain pathways in the brain, contributing to the intensity and duration of the headache.
4. Hormonal Changes: Migraines are more common in women, therefore, it is linked with estrogen fluctuations, during menstruation, or due to OCPs etc.
5. Environmental Factors: Change in altitude, weather, AQI can trigger migraine attacks.
6. Stress: Any kind of Physical or emotional distress can trigger episodes of migraine.
7. Dietary Factors: Caffeine rich food like chocolate, coffee; alcohol intake especially red wine; processed meats & cheeses; food additives like MSG, artificial sweeteners are known to trigger migraine attack.
8. Sleep Patterns: Change in body’s circadian rhythm, oversleeping, lack of sleep increases the chances of an episode of migraine.
9. Sensory Stimuli: Bright lights, strong smells, loud sounds, or even certain unusual visual patterns can trigger migraine.

Types

Migraine Headaches Are Mainly Of Two Types:

1. Migraine With Aura (Classic Migraine):Aura Refers To Sensory Changes That Occur Before Or During The Migraine, Acting As A Warning. Symptoms Of Aura Include Blurry Vision, Blind Spots, Flashing Lights, Temporary Vision Loss, Wavy Lines, Numbness, Tingling, Or Muscle Weakness.
2. Migraine Without Aura (Common Migraine):This Type Is Most Common And Lacks Any Warning Signs, Though Some May Experience Early Symptoms Like Irritability, Fatigue Or Mood Changes. The Pain Is Still Intense, And Nausea Or Vomiting May Occur.
3. Chronic Migraine: A Condition Where Migraine Attacks Occur More Than 15 Days A Month For At Least Three Months. Chronic Migraines May Lead To Significant Disability And Require Long-Term Treatment.
4. Hemiplegic Migraine: This Rare Subtype Is Associated With Temporary Paralysis Or Weakness On One Side Of The Body During An Attack. It Can Be Genetic And Is Often More Severe.
5. Retinal Migraine: A Subtype That Includes Temporary Vision Loss In One Eye, Typically Followed By A Headache. This Is A Rare But Serious Condition That Requires Immediate Medical Attention.

Symptoms

1. Severe Headache: This Is The Hallmark Symptom In Migraine And Is Often One-Sided. The Pain Is Intense, Throbbing, And May Last From 4-5 Hours To Worst Case 2-3 Days.It Is Considered As A Type Of Vascular Headache Due To The Throbbing Nature Of The Pain.
2. Nausea And Vomiting: People Suffer From Nausea And Vomiting During An Attack.
3. Sensitivity To Light And Sound: Also Known As Photophobia And Phonophobia, People Often Experience Them During The Episode Of Migraine.
4. Aura: Patients Experience Visual Disturbances, Such As Flashing Lights Or Blind Spots, Often Before Or During The Episode.
5. Dizziness: Patients Might Experience Light Headedness During An Episode.
6. Fatigue: After An Episode Of Migraine People Often Feel Drained And Fatigued, Which Might Last For A Few Hours Or Even Up To Some Days.

Signs

1. Neck Stiffness: Patients Might Complain About Stiff Neck While The Migraine Episode Is Ongoing.
2. Paleness: The Face Of The Patient Will Appear Faded And Whitish During The Episode.
3. Yawning: If The Person Is Yawning Frequently, It Might Indicate The Onset Of A Migraine Attack.

Diagnosis

The Diagnosis Is Done On The Basis Of The Presentation Of The Symptoms. Physical Assessment Is The Only Key Diagnostic Feature Here. The Frequency, Duration, Nature And Presence Of Additional Symptoms Like Nausea Etc. Are Helpful In Physical Assessment Of The Patients. Other Tests Like Cbc, Esr, Or Scans Like Mri, Head Ct Can Be Advised To Rule Out Other Conditions Which Can Cause Headache.

Treatment

The Approach Of Treatment Is On The Basis Of The Acute Symptoms Or Prophylaxis.

1. Acute Treatment: It Relieves Symptoms During An Ongoing Migraine Attack.
2.  Pain Relievers: Over The Counter Pain Medications Like Nsaids, Acetaminophen Etc. Help Relieve The Pain.
3. Triptans: This Class Of Drugs Constrict The Blood Vessels Of The Brain, Thereby, Reducing The Pain.
4.  Anti-Emetic Drugs: They Control Associated Symptoms Of Nausea & Vomiting If Present.
5.  Prophylactic Treatment: This Is Advised To Patients For Reducing The Frequency Of Migraine Attacks. Beta-Blockers, Antidepressants And Botox Injections Have Been Found To Reduce Frequency In Chronic Migraine Attacks.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Aligning Your Day In Accordance To Certain Healthy Adjustments Can Significantly Help In Reducing The Duration Of The Cycle And The Frequency Of The Attacks. These Are:

1. Dietary Adjustments: Avoid Caffeine Rich Foods, Processed Foods Etc.
2. Stress Managements: Introduce Relaxation Techniques Like Yoga, Meditation, Deep Breathing Exercises To Reduce Stress.
3. Sleep Hygiene: Maintain A Proper Schedule For Sleeping And Waking Up. This Will Regularize Your Circadian Rhythm.
4. Hydration: Keep Yourself Hydrated Throughout The Day To Avoid Triggering Your Migraine.

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurveda, Migraine Headaches Can Be Co-Related To “Ardhavbhedaka”. This Has Been Explained By Acharya Sushruta Who Is Considered As “Father Of Surgery In Ayurveda” And Also By Acharya Charaka Who Is Considered As “Father Of Medicine In Ayurveda”. The “Ardhavbhedaka” Has Been Explained As A Piercing Or Aching Pain In One Side Of Our Head. This Arises Due To Vitiation Of All The Three Doshas But Mainly Vata And Pitta Are Dominated Here.

The Vata Dosha Mainly Reigns Over The Nervous System And Brain Activity. As Per Ayurveda, The Headache Arises Due To Two Major Reasons Which Are A Sensitive Cns And Impaired Agni [Digestive Fire]. The Improper Diet And Lifestyle Leads To Aggravation Of The Doshas, Impairing Agni [Digestive Fire] And Leading To The Production Of “Ama” [Metabolic Toxins]. This “Ama” When Circulates Along With The Vata Dosha And Gets Stuck In The Head And Neck Region Leads To Headache.

The Symptoms Of Ardhavbhedaka Have Been Explained As A Violent And Excruciating Pain In The Head. Ardhavbhedaka Is Particularly Felt In The One Half Of The Cranium Which Makes The Person Feel Light-Headed And Wobbly. The Pain Is Best Described As A Severe Pricking, Splitting, Bursting Or Spinning Type Of Headache. The Recurrence Of Pain Is Seen In Both In Regular Intervals Of Ten Days Or Sometimes A Fortnight And Sometimes It Can Also Flare Up Irregularly. Ardhavbhedaka Involves And Imbalances All The Three Doshas Of Our Body. The Treatment Principle Of Ardhavbhedaka Involves Treating All The Three Doshas Simultaneously.

The Balance Of Doshas In The Manifestation Of Disease Varies From Person To Person And Symptoms Arise In Relevance With The Most Aggravated Doshas. Therefore, In Vata Dominant Ardhavbhedaka Excruciating, Pulsating, Throbbing Type Sensation In Head And Dry Skin Is Seen. In Pitta Dominant There Can Be Associated Burning Sensation, Sensitivity To Light And Discomfort Whereas In Kapha Dominated Ardhavbhedaka There Is Associated Heaviness In The Head, Nausea And Vomiting.

As Per Ayurvedic Principles, For Treatment In All The Head Related Diseases Use Of Medicines Through Nasal Route Is Advised. Here It Is Understood As The Effect Of Medicines Directly Reaches The Brain Through The Nose And The Opening In The Cribriform Plate Of The Skull. Use Of Honey With Medicated Oils As Nasya [Nasal Drops] Is Indicated Followed By Nasal Drops Of Mustard Oil.

Use Of Various Panchakarma Procedures Like Mridu Shodhana [Mild Purgation], Nasya [Nasal Drops], Lepa [Application Of Medicated Paste], Parisheka Or Shiro-Dhara [Pouring Of Medicated Oils Or Decoction Over Head In A Systematic Manner], Kavala [Holding Medicated Liquids In Mouth], Siravedhana [Bloodletting From Head] Etc. As A Preventive Measure Pratimarsha Nasya [Daily 2 Drops Of Medicated Oil To Be Put In Nostrils Twice A Day] Of Shadbindu Taila Or Anu Tailam Can Be Used. Kavalgreha [Holding Medicated Liquids In Mouth] With Chandanadi Tailam Or Mahanarayan Taila Is Advised.

A Specific Procedure Called Murdha Taila Is Used To Relieve The Headache. In This Medicated Dosha Pacifying Oils Are Used In Four Different Ways. They Are Shiro-Abhyanga [Head Massage], Shiroseka [Pouring Of Oil On Head In A Systematic Manner], Shiropichu [Cotton Pad Soaked In Oil Is Kept On Head] And Shirobasti [Pool Of Medicated Oils Made Over Head]

Avapeeda Nasya Which Are The Nasal Drops Made Out Of Fresh Juice Of Herbs Is Advised In Ardhavbhedaka. Certain Formulations Are Mentioned Here For This. The Swarasa [Fresh Juice] Prepared From The Roots & Flowers Of Shirisha [Albizia Lebbeck], Vansha-Lochana [Bamboo Roots] And Camphor Is Squeezed Into Nostrils For Relief. Along With It Swarasa [Freshly Squeezed Juice] Made Out Of Vacha [Acorus Calamus] And Pippali [Piper Longum] Is Also Used. Also Yashtimadhu [Glycyrrhiza Glabra] With Honey Or Chandan [Santalum Album] With Honey Is Used. These Herbs Significantly Balance Our Vitiated Kapha And Pitta Dosha.

After The Avapeeda Nasya Use Of Herbs From The Kakolyadhi Varga With Cow’s Ghee Is Indicated As Nasal Drops. Lepa [Application Of Medicated Paste] Made From Sariva [Hemidesmus Indicus], Neel-Utpala [Nymphea Alba], Kushta [Saussurea Lappa], Yashtimadhu [Glycyrrhiza Glabra] Mixed With Kanji [Fermented Sour Drink] Is Applied On The  Head For Significant Relief. A Medicated Oil Known As “Dipika Tailam” Is Advised To Be Used In Various Pains Of The Head And Ear. This Oil Is Prepared From Vata Pacifying Herbs And Has Proven Extremely Beneficial In Managing Pains. In Diet It Is Advisable To Take Rice Cooked With Milk And Cow’s Ghee. Also Meat Soups Made From “Jangala Mamsa” I.E., Meat Of Animals Which Are Light In Nature Like Goat, Chicken Is Advised. Also Meditation, Surya Namaskar, Yoga, Pranayama [Breathing Exercises] And Dosha Specific Diet Are Recommended To Manage Stress And Maintain Equilibrium In The Brain.

Ayurvedic Herbs Beneficial In Migraine

1. Ashwagandha / Withania Somnifera

Ashwagandha Is An Ayurvedic Herb With A Unique Combination Of Tastes: Katu [Bitter], Tikta [Pungent], And Kashaya [Astringent] Rasa. It Has Nourishing (Snigdha Guna) Yet Light (Laghu) Qualities And A Hot Potency I.E., Ushna Veerya. It Is Especially Effective For Balancing The Kapha And Vata Doshas, Addressing Issues Like Fatigue, Stress, And Respiratory Or Joint Problems. Ashwagandha Acts As A Powerful Rasayana, Enhancing Vitality And Longevity, While Also Improving Strength As It Is Balya. Additionally, It Offers Anti-Inflammatory And Anti-Bacterial Benefits, Promoting Overall Health By Reducing Inflammation, Boosting Immunity, And Fighting Infections.

2. Brahmi / Bacopa Monnieri

This Herb Is Known For Its Benefits In Enhancing Memory And Intelligence. This Power Packed Herb Balances Vata And Pitta Dosha. It Has Tikta [Bitter], Kashaya [Astringent] Rasa; Laghu [Light] Qualities; Sheeta Veerya [Cool In Potency]; Madhur Vipaka [Sweet Taste Conversion After Digestion] And Medhya Prabhava [Improves Intelligence]. It Is Also A Rich Source Of Melatonin. This Herb Calms Nerves And Blood Vessels, Therefore, Also Lowers Blood Pressure. It Is Also Mentioned As “Vayasthapana” Herb Which Means It Improves Quality Of Life And Also Mentioned As “Unmada Vinashini”   Which Means It Is Useful In Psychic Disorders.

3. Tagara / Valeriana Wallichii

This Herb Is Known For Balancing Sleep Related Concerns. It Is A Rich Source Of Melatonin And Is Also Used Along With Other Medicines To Normalize The Circadian Rythm. It Also Calms The Mind By Interfering With Neurotransmitters That Communicate Between The Neurons In Our Brain. It Promotes Sleepiness By Suppressing Chemical Activity Within The Brain. It Soothes The Cns, Improves Cognitive Function And Mental Clarity. Classically, This Herb Is Indicated To Be Used In Bhuta [Psychiatric Disorders], Mada [ Intoxication], And Apasmara [Epilepsy].

4. Shankhpushpi / Convolvulus Pluricaulis

This Herb Balances Pitta And Kapha Dosha. The Prabhava [Special Action] Of This Herb Is “Medhya” Which Means It Improves Memory And Intelligence. This Herb Has Been Used Since Older Times For Treating Neurological Conditions. This Neuroprotective Herb Is Classically Considered “Manasarogahrut” [Useful In Mental Disorders], “Unmada” [Useful In Psychiatric Disorders], “Apasmara” [Used In Epilepsy].  It Is Also “Smritiprada” Which Means It Improves Intelligence And Boosts Our Memory And Has “Rasayanic” Benefits Too Which Helps In Improving Overall Well-Being.

Herbal Remedies For Migraine By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda Provides A Combination Of Ayurvedic Herbs For The Management Of Migraine. With The Use Of Above-Mentioned Herbs, Planet Ayurveda Has Compiled The “Migraine Care Pack”. This Pack Includes Brahmi Capsules, Ashwagandha Capsules, Pitta Balance, Arogyavardhini Vati And Medhya Churna. All The Planet Ayurveda Medicines Are 100 % Natural, Vegetarian, Additive Free, Chemical & Preservative Free And Without Any Side Effects. With Ayurvedic Intervention, The Migraine Can Be Managed Efficiently And Thus, Increasing The Quality Of Life.

Product Description

1. Brahmi Capsules

These Capsules Are Prepared From The Standardized Extract Derived From The Whole Plant Of Brahmi [Bacopa Monnieri]. This Herb Is A Powerful Source Of Antioxidants And Contains Alkaloids Such As Bacosides. Brahmi Has Vata Balancing And Medhya [Intelligence Improving] Properties. It Is Known To Enhance Visual Focus And Cognitive Abilities. The Active Compounds In Bacopa Monnieri, Particularly Bacosides, Are Known For Their Antioxidant Properties, Especially In The Brain. Additionally, Bacopa Monnieri May Assist In Reducing Stress And Anxiety By Improving Mood And Lowering Cortisol Levels. It Helps Relieve Chronic Stress And Acts As A Memory Booster. It Is Advised In Various Neurological Disorders Like Neural Debility, Insomnia, Epilepsy, Seizures, Mania, Ocd, Diplopia, Etc.

Dosage: 2 Capsules, Twice Daily With Warm Water.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

These Capsules Are Prepared From The Standardized Extract Derived From The Root Of Ashwagandha [Withania Somnifera]. Ashwagandha Is Full Of Antioxidants Thus Protects Neurons From Any Damage. Ashwagandha Is Beneficial In Improving Cognitive Performance. It Calms Our Nerves And Reduces Stress, Anxiety And Eliminates Depression. It Is Advised In Various Neurological Disorders Like Parkinson’s, Sleep Disorders, Etc. Ashwagandha Is Also A Rich Source Of Melatonin Which Is Helpful In Dealing With Sleep Related Disorders.

Dosage: 1 Capsule, Twice Daily With Warm Water After Meals.

3. Pitta Balance

It Is Available In Capsule Form Which Are Made From A Blend Of Various Ayurvedic Formulations Such As Jahar Mohra Pishti, Kaharava Pishti, Akik Pishti, Mukta Pishti, And The Ghansatva Of Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia). This Combination Aids In Balancing The Pitta Dosha, Promoting A Sense Of Calm And Cooling The Body. It Supports Digestive Health And Provides A Soothing Effect, While Also Being A Good Source Of Calcium.

Dosage: 1 Capsule, Twice Daily With Warm Water After Meals.

4. Arogyavardhini Vati

This Classical Herbo-Mineral Preparation Is Available In Form Of Tablets Which Are Prepared From The Standardized Extract Derived From Katuki [Picorrhiza Kurroa], Amla [Emblica Officinalis], Haritaki [Terminalia Chebula], Vibhitaki [Terminalia Bellerica], Chitrak Mool [Plumbago Zeylanica], Purified Guggul [Commiphora Mukul], And Purified Shilajit [Asphaltum]. Also The Bhasma [Ash Prepared After Following Proper Ayurvedic Purification Procedures] Of Various Purified Metals Like Mercury, Sulphur, Iron Copper And Mica Is Included In This Preparation. This Classical Preparation Is Indicated In Various Conditions Like Obesity, Fever, Liver Diseases, Indigestion, Skin Diseases, Hyperlipidemia, Diabetes, Auto-Immune Conditions, Etc. This Medicine Balances All The Three Doshas That Is Your Vata, Pitta, And Kapha. This Tablet Is Given Along With Other Medicines As It Helps In Their Better Absorption. It Is Also Known To Be A “Ama Pachana” Which Means It Helps With Indigestion And Elimination Of The Toxins From The Body.

Dosage:  2 Tablets, Twice Daily With Warm Water After Meals.

5. Medhya Churna

This Churna Is Prepared From The Standardized Extract Derived From Vacha [Acorus Calamus], Ashwagandha [Withania Somnifera], Ajmoda [Carum Roxburghianum], Shweta Jeerak [Cuminum Cyminum], Krishna Jeerak [Carum Carvi], Sunthi [Zingiber Officinale], Maricha [Piper Nigrum], Pippali [Piper Longum], Patha [Cissampelos Pareira], Shankhpushpi [Convulvulus Pluricaulis], And Brahmi [Bacopa Monneiri]. The Main Ingredient In It That Is Vacha Has Medhya Pradhav [Special Action]. Vacha Helps In Improving The Memory And Intelligence. It Balances Both Kapha And Pitta Dosha. This Churna Has Various Benefits Like In Increases Mental Clarity, Enhances Memory, Relieves Anxiety, Uplifts Confidence.

Dosage:  1/4 Spoon Once Daily With Warm Water.

Conclusion

Migraine Is A Exhausting Condition Triggering Episodic Headaches That Influences A Significant Portion Of The Population Worldwide. It Is Caused By A Combination Of Genetic, Environmental, And Neurological Factors, Along With Various Triggers Worsening The Condition. Early Diagnosis And Personalized Treatment For Every Individual Is Crucial For Managing Migraines Effectively. Certain Lifestyle Modifications Are Necessary As They Play A Significant Role In Preventing Migraine Attacks And Reducing Their Frequency. A Holistic Approach, Combining Both The Allopathic Treatments And Ayurvedic Treatment, Offers The Best Hope For Individuals Suffering From This Condition. Ayurveda Offers A Holistic Approach By Addressing The Root Cause Of The Condition, Balancing The Body’s Affected Doshas, And Promoting Overall Well-Being Of The Patient. This Does Involves Avoiding Triggering Factors, Following A Personalized Dosha Specific Diet, Managing Stress, And Using Herbal Remedies And Other Natural Therapies To Restore Balance And Prevent Future Attacks. This Helps To Achieve Complete Treatment As Well As Control Of Migraine Episodes Through Ayurveda.