Dr.Raghunandan Sharma M.D.(Ayurveda)
We are a trend follower- So what will one do if he is suffering from Migraine? Obviously look for – google friend. Oh!! What it says – ‘There is currently no cure for Migraines’. It will also tell you- . ‘Migraine is hereditary’ etc.
These are all true but we need not to be panic. Just know yourself—your Prakriti (Constitution) and triggering factors such as -lack of sleep, strong scents, shift in weather, or hormonal changes during a woman's menstrual cycle, increase in stress,
Food triggers: Some foods and drinks (alcohol, caffeine, vitamin waters, energy drinks) can trigger a migraine attack. Tyramine-containing foods 5 (hard cheeses, fermented or pickled foods, smoked meats, chocolate, soy sauce, onions, nuts), phenylethylamine (chocolate), histamine (eggplant/Brinjal, spinach, certain fish species), drinks that ferment (vinegar, wine, beer, sauerkraut). Many food additives, preservatives and colour can also trigger migraines. There is monosodium glutamate ( MSG) in Chinese food, seasonings, sauces, parmesan cheese and meat tenderizers, sodium nitrite (sausage, hot dogs, deli meat, canned and packaged meat, smoked and dehydrated food products); FD&C yellow 5 (tartrazine) in soft drinks, cosmetics, many medicines and ice cream.
Not all headaches are Migraines.
Migraines are powerful headaches that often are characterized by severe throbbing head pain on one side of the head that can last from 4 to 72 hours. At least 2 to 3 of the following symptoms may co-occur: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, noise and smells, lightheadedness, diarrhea and scalp tenderness. Currently, migraines are primarily managed by avoiding triggers, taking preventive medications or aborting acute attacks with the use of prescribed medication or painkillers.
In western medicine-Migraine headaches have been classified into several types but the most common types are migraine with aura (classic migraine) and migraine without aura (common migraine).
Ayurvedic causes of headache (Nidana)
Vata-type headache is caused by vata-provoking practices (too much cold, dry foods,
exposure to cold dry air/wind, suppression of natural urges, irregular sleeping and eating
routine, worry/fear/stress, etc.)- Usually in the cervical/occipital regions of the head and have a throbbing/pulsating quality to them with severe pain and ache.
Pitta-type headache is caused by pitta-inducing habits (too much hot/spicy/fried foods,
exposure to sunlight/heat, profuse sweating, intensity/anger, etc.)- located in the retro-orbital/temple regions of head and the pain are sharp and intense. This type of headache is associated with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. The eyes are red and may feel like they’re burning and nosebleed is possible.
Kapha-type headache is brought by kapha-provoking practices (cold/heavy/oily foods,
lethargy, lack of exercise, too much sleep, etc.)- located in the frontal areas of the head. They are commonly associated with sinus congestion, heaviness and runny nose.
Sannipattika-type headache is due to vitiation of all three doshas due to the ingestion of toxins.- Symptoms of aggravation of all three doshas are present.
Anantavata - The disease of the head in which a violent pain is felt at the Manya and the Ghata (the two nerves on the backside of the neck) which ultimately affects the region of the eye, the eyebrow and the temples and specially produces a throbbing of the cheek, as well as paralysis of the jaw-bone and the eye. The disease is known as Ananta-vata and is due to the concerted action of the three Doshas.
Suryavarta - type headache is brought on by vata-pitta vitiating factors (pitta vitiation
causes are more prominent) such as exposure to sun (heat), hot spicy food and leading an
overly stressful and/or intense life. This type of headache can also be initiated by unpredictable
and sudden changes in life..
Krimija - type headache is due to infection caused by parasites. This is mainly due to
consumption of unhealthy foods infected by these parasites in addition to inappropriate food
combining.
Shankhaka - type headache caused by having a low ojas and pitta aggravating habits.
According to Vagbhat- due to excess consumption of incompatible foods and activities, the pitta first gets aggravated,it gets lodged in the Temple regions. Here the pitta contaminates the already accumulated Vata and causes its aggravation. Both these doshas occupy all the vital regions and block the orifices. As a consequence the patient feels burning in the temple region. The pain is severe and intolerable. The patient may feel pins and needles in head; severe thirst; loss of consciousness and fever is complication.
Judicious treatment by a wise physician can treat him in 3 days, otherwise prognosis is bad.
This may be thought as infectious headache caused by bacterial infection such as meningitis or cerebral haemorrhage or arterial thrombosis or temporal arteritis.
Ardhavabhedaka Shiroroga is the Ayurvedic name for the migraine headache. It is considered
mostly a vata-pitta imbalance. The vata part of it is due to stress and lack of regular routine. The
vata imbalance can lead to pitta imbalance if vata is not pacified. The pitta side of this condition
is observed by dilation of blood vessels, sensitivity to the sun and heat and inflammation of the
nerves ( vata). Ayurveda considers physical, spiritual and mind/soul related causes responsible
for this condition.
(Sushruta Samhita – Uttar tantra 5/12-13—It writes-
The disease of the head in which a violent and excruciating pain of a piercing or aching nature is felt in one half of the cranium which makes the patient feel giddy, and which either follows no distinct periodicity or recurs at a regular interval of ten days or of a fortnight, is called the Ardhavabhedaka and is due to the concerted action of the three Doshas. A violent pain caused in the head and more especially in the temples by the local Vayu in combination with the deranged Kapha, Pitta and blood is designated by the holy sages of Ayurveda as the Shankhaka. It produces a very great pain, and is very hard to cure even by the joint advice of thousands of physicians and is as fierce as death itself)
Management:
Coming to the point—how can we help?
Foremost is – ‘Nidan parivarjan’ – try to eliminate the causative factors.
Chronic headaches are a sign of low ojas (Immunity)- Therefore, a Rasayana program should be followed for six months to one year after cleansing.
Once the Dosha -Vata/ Pitta/ Kapha—is identified – treatment can be started accordingly.
First Diet should be adjusted according to the disturbed Dosha.
Vataja - According to Vaghabhata’s Astanga Hrdayam, for treatment of vata-type headache, ghee should be applied to the head and should also be ingested with warm water. Warm milk boiled with dashmula and other drugs that reduce vata dosha can be poured on the head. Putting ghee in the nostrils. Consuming ghee with sugar.
It is important to re-establish the downward movements of apana vayu to its normal state ( REMOVE CONSTIPATION).
In Pitta-induced headaches, massage with heat reducing oils-Brahmi, Chandan etc. can be done. The patient can apply cold compress to the face and wash the head (not with hot water). Purifying enema therapy may be beneficial. Nasya –putting ghee/ oil in nostrils;Shirodhara, Shirobasti may be recommended.
In Kaphaja headaches- According to Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hrdayam, oleation therapy can be done by drinking old ghee and then inducing vomiting. Nasal application of herbs with dry, hot and penetrating qualities and avoiding food (fasting) are beneficial. Fomentation (sweating) and external application of herbal pastes are also recommended. Clearing the sinuses of any congestion and stuffiness is important in treating kapha-induced headaches. This can be done through nasya therapy or consuming the herbs internally.
In general my recommendations:
* Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka) and other type headaches can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating routine and working habits and avoiding migraine triggers. Keeping blood pressure under control is important.
Be strict to stop – Red meat, Alcohol, excess tea/ coffee, ketchups, sauces, red chillies,pickles,cheese,fizzy drinks and deep fried food. Keep in control the acidity. Minimum painkillers. Some of the modern medicine may also have headache as its side effect for that, prescription is made accordingly.
Least use of pain killers – apply balms instead and sleep for few hours if possible.
* Breathing exercises-Pranayama, it helps in reducing the Stress levels and improving circulation
* Nasya (putting Ghee/ Almond oil/ Kumkumadi oil 4-6 drops in each nostril every night.
* Yoga exercises – to maintain the tonicity of neck, shoulder and other muscles. Long walk
.
* Remove constipation – Avipattikar churna 2gm+ Triphla 2gm +Yashtimadhu 2gm – At bed time (Vaidya can add other herbs if a person is severely constipated).
Initially for 2 weeks- Pathyadi kwatha (Formula- Sharangdhara Samhita, Madhyam khanda 2/143-145) - 20ml with water empty stomach in morning.