Migraine

Migraine is a widespread, chronic and intermittently disabling disorder characterized by recurrent headaches with or without aura. Recent studies estimate the prevalence of migraine at about 6-8% in men and 12-15% in women.

The rate of migraine varies globally, and although there is a lack of epidemiological data available in many countries at present.
Pharmaceutical treatment of migraine is complex, with no agreed upon guidelines. Most individuals often need medication during acute attacks and some prophylactic measure to reduce attacks.Moreover, the uncertainty regarding treatment and the need to perhaps trial patients on a variety of drugs adds to the escalating costs. Another problem is the actual overuse of such medications which causes further complicating management strategies.A large percentage of patients do not respond to pharmacological interventions for migraine headache, develop unacceptable side-effects, or are reluctant to take medications. As a result many patients resort to Ayurveda treatment.
In Ayurveda, Ardhavabhedaka (meaning literally the unilateral pain) and Ananta vaata, these two situations resembles, the classical migraine. . It is described as a separate clinical entity in the classics of Charaka and Susruta while Vagbhata included this condition in the classification of vataja – siroroga.
From Ayurveda point of view, headaches are because of a problem in the balance of Tridosh viz vata, pitta and kapha dosha. When these dosha especially vata gets vitiated due to improper metabolism, mental and physical stress, sleeplessness, etc causes dryness and emaciation of the structures include blood vessels inside the head. Along with pitta and kapha dosha vata gets lodge inside the head and the microstructures causes the disease and produces various types of symptoms.The migraine is one of the worse headaches a person can experience. It is described as a throbbing or pulsating pain that can be on one side of the head. It can begin in a specific area and then spread while it builds in intensity. A migraine is associated with nausea and vomiting. The person will also be sensitive to light, sounds and even certain smells. Sleeping can be difficult and many people become depressed. They can last for a couple of hours or for several days. A person that suffers with migraine headaches will most likely have recurring episodes but they usually become less painful with age. There are two main types of migraines. The most common type is the “migraine without aura” and it can be felt on one side of the head or both . this type normally causes photophobia, nausea, vomiting , fatigue and mood swing. The second types is the “migraine with aura”. Aura is a neurological phenomenon that is usually visual and they happen between ten and thirty minutes before the pain begins. The person will normally experience hallucinations or wavy images and bright shimmering lights at the edge of their vision. Some people experience a temporary loss of vision which is accompanied by dizziness, vertigo, numbness of the face, tongue and other extremities along with speech abnormalities and weakness.
Some women suffer from menstrual migraines right before their cycle begin and some will develop this condition when pregnant or after they begin menopause. They usually inherit sensitivity to the “triggers” that can cause inflammation in the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the scalp and brain. These triggers are what makes a person have the migraine for the first time and some of them include certain types of alcohol such as red wine, caffeine, over-exertion, fatigue, environment, perfume, stress and certain medications. Owing to the above problems of management, it is imperative to explore Ayurveda treatment to tackle such disease entities.
The traditional science of Ayurveda considers migraine to be caused by deep-rooted problems, including a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion. Ayurveda believes in cleaning the body from within and eradicating the disease from its roots.this kind of treatment is known as Panchakarma.In panchakarma the most targeted things is the balancing of tridosha viz vata, pitta and kapha dosha. Ayurvedic treatment of migraine therefore is centered on the pacification of all these dosha. Dosha, restoration of digestive function in the body. Use of diet is also comes into act to prevent Tridosha imbalance .Some Ayurveda classical medicines as well as customized diet and lifestyle plans to control migraine.
The Most ideal combination for treating of migraine in Ayurveda is Virechan(induced Puragation) & Nasya karma(Nasal therapy) which is a part of panchakarma (Five fold therapy) .Panchakarma is combination of Vaman ,Virechan,Vasthi,Nasyam,Rakthamokshan. An uniform Ayurveda treatment protocol which comprised of a combination of ayurvedic formulations like Narikel Lavan , Sootshekhar Rasa , Sitopaladi Churna , Rason Vati and Godanti Mishran with pathyksha dhatrayadi kashayam is very effective to treat migraine.Nasyam with satpala churnam or sadvindu tailam is another treatment option. Head massage with ksheer bala Oil or Balahathadi Tailam is also beneficial. This massage gives a calming effect to your nervous system.
Apart from Ayurveda therapy & medicines certain regulations on ahar & vihar(diet & habit) is very much essential.
Establish a regular pattern of sleeping and waking. In fact, get as anal-retentive as you can about this .a regular pattern of going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time , on weekends as well as weekdays, can do wonders. Change your lighting . Very bright lights can often trigger very migraines. Cheese, chocolate and wine may sound like the ideal ingredients for a romantic picnic, but if you are prone to migraines just avoid these. Avoid hot, spicy foods, fermented foods, white sugar, white flour products, and sour or citrus fruits, because they aggravate the Pitta in your body.Drink more water and eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains Avoid excessive sugar or salt, refined foods, animal products (meats and dairy), caffeine, tea, and alcohol, as these items will further lead to aggravation of Pitta.Avoid direct exposure to the sun, as migraine headaches are predominantly a Pitta disorder and can be triggered by the hot sun.
Headaches caused due to tension and worry can be alleviated through deep breathing and relaxation, especially in a lying down position in a quiet place. Inverted postures, or those where the head is lowered briefly, increase oxygen to the brain and can reduce headache-causing strain.