Migraine

Migraine is defined as a condition marked by recurring moderate to severe headache with throbbing pain that usually lasts from four hours to three days, typically begins on one side of the head but may spread to both sides, and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound, and is sometimes preceded by an aura followed by fatigue.
Migraine is the third most common disease in the world with an estimated global prevalence of 14.7% (that’s around 1 in 7 people). This condition is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma combined. 2% of the world’s population is suffering from chronic migraines.

What are the Causes of Migraine?

There are several migraine triggers, including:
  • Weather changes
  • Sleep changes
  • Stress
  • Carbonated Drinks
  • Hormonal changes in women
  • High intake of alcohol, coffee, etc
  • Certain medications
  • Family history
  • Depression

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Migraine?

The most common signs & symptoms of migraine is having continuous pain in the head, but a migraine has some additional warning symptoms and signs, such as:
  • Feeling irritable
  • Depressed or “high”
  • Visual disturbances (“auras”)
  • Vomiting and Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mood swings
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Pain occurs usually unilateral.

What is the Ayurvedic view of Migraine?

According to Ayurveda, the condition of migraine is termed as ‘’Ardhavbhedhak’’ and it occurs due to an imbalance in tridosha or the three basic energy types: Vata (wind energy), Pitta (fire energy), and Kapha (water energy). Out of these three, Vata and Pitta dosha is mainly responsible for this disorder. Their imbalance causes deep-rooted problems in the body, including weakened digestive and nervous systems. Vata is responsible for the nervous system and brain activity. Pitta controls the dilation of the blood vessels. By studying the external symptoms, it is possible to identify which of the three doshas is causing the attack.
  1. Migraine due to Vata dosha: Constipation, dry skin, and acute pain.
  2. Migraine due to Pitta dosha: Irritability, sensitivity to light, burning sensation in the eyes.
  3. Migraine due to Kapha dosha: Headache with throbbing pain, nausea, fatigue.

What is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Migraine?

Ayurveda has numerous herbs that are proven to treat the conditions of the nervous system naturally without causing any damage to the other system. Chandigarh Ayurved Centre had made a ‘’Migraine Go Kit’’, that is specially made to ease the symptoms of migraine and cure of its root cause by balancing the aggravated doshas. The kit has a total of 5 products – Trikatu tablet, Giloy capsule, Brodley syrup, Panchasakar churna, and Sheet dhara syrup.
Sources: Migraine