Alleviating Migraines with Ayurvedic Care in Kerala

Dr. Vishnu B.A.M.S

Migraines and headaches are common issues that can affect your daily life. Migraines are a headache that causes pulsating pain, usually on one side of your head. They often come with additional symptoms like feeling sick, nausea, and being sensitive to light and noise. Regular headaches cover a wider range of head pain that can differ in how strong and long-lasting they are. Headaches are more widespread and can result from various reasons, while migraines are usually more intense and have specific things that can set them off.

Migraine, a common primary headache, impacts one in seven people worldwide. It’s identified by a pulsating, throbbing pain on one side of the head, restricting daily activities. Globally, it ranks as the third most widespread and the seventh highest specific cause of disability. It brings along a significant impact on both the economy and society. It affects how people live by influencing their work, social interactions, and family life, ultimately affecting their overall quality of life.

Stages of Migraine

Prodrome Stage:

• Occurs hours or days before a migraine headache.
• Common symptoms: sensitivity to light, sound, or smell; fatigue; food cravings or lack of appetite; mood changes; severe thirst; bloating; constipation or diarrhea.

Aura Stage:

• Nervous system-related symptoms, often affecting vision.
• Develop gradually over 5 to 20 minutes, lasting less than an hour.
• Examples: seeing black dots, wavy lines, flashes of light; tunnel vision; tingling or numbness; difficulty speaking; changes in smell, taste, or touch.

Attack Stage:

• Migraine headache starts as a dull ache and evolves into throbbing pain.
• Pain intensity increases during physical activity.
• Pain can shift sides or affect the entire head.
• Common symptoms: nausea (80%), vomiting (50%), pale and clammy appearance, and faintness.
• Duration varies but generally lasts about 4 hours, severe ones can extend beyond 3 days.
• Frequency varies from a few times a month to once or twice a year.

Postdrome Stage:

• Follows the migraine headache and can last up to a day.
• Symptoms include feeling tired, cranky or wiped out.
• Some may feel unusually refreshed or happy.
• Possible muscle pain or weakness, food cravings, or lack of appetite.

In Ayurveda, migraines are seen as a disruption in the body’s harmony of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – the three doshas. This imbalance can result from issues like poor diet, lifestyle choices, stress, and environmental shifts. Ayurvedic experts address migraines by pinpointing the specific dosha imbalance and recommending personalized herbal solutions to bring back balance.

Relieving Migraine 

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to treating conditions like migraines, focusing on the overall well-being of a person rather than just dealing with specific symptoms. It seeks to find and address the root cause of a condition, looking at factors like diet, lifestyle, and the environment that contribute to issues like migraines.

The treatment plan considers how the disease progresses, identifying stages and patterns to create a comprehensive approach. Ayurveda also pays attention to what makes the condition worse or better, adjusting the treatment to minimize negative factors and enhance positive ones. Personalized treatments, including herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes, are designed based on an individual’s unique constitution and the specific nature of the disease. The emphasis on a balanced and personalized diet, along with lifestyle modifications, aims to not only alleviate symptoms but also improve the overall quality of life by promoting health and preventing future issues.

Ayurvedic treatment for migraines involves two approaches: Shodhana (purification) and Shamana (pacifying) therapy. Shodhana procedures, such as Nasya (nasal administration) and Virechana (purgation), along with Shamana medicines, are recommended.

•  Nasya involves administering medicines through the nasal route, stimulating the brain through olfactory and respiratory pathways. 
• Virechana: Purgation therapy, often using natural laxatives, is employed to cleanse the digestive tract and expel doshas and ama. 

External Treatments

Shirodhara:

• Reduces stress and treats mental fatigue.
• Soothes brain cells with a calm flow of medicated oil.
• Addresses issues like anxiety, insomnia, and vertigo.

Shiro Abhyanga:

• Gentle massage on the forehead, head, neck, and shoulders.
• Provides a calming effect, leading to overall body relaxation.

Shirolepam:

• Beneficial in migraines.
• Specific treatment involves the application of an herbal paste on the head.

Lifestyle Modifications

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle proves to be a highly effective strategy in minimizing the occurrence of migraines and headaches. By steering clear of known triggers and adopting positive habits, you can actively work towards decreasing the frequency of these discomforts.

Prioritize Good Sleep:

• Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep nightly.
• Restores the brain, boosts the immune system, and prevents migraines.
• Lack of sleep can lead to various health issues.

Eat Regularly:

• Avoid skipping meals, even during weight-loss diets.
• Regular meals provide essential nutrients, preventing headaches.
• Long fasting periods can trigger migraines.

Meditate for Stress Management:

• Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
• Manage stress to avoid migraines.
• Avoid engaging in stressful activities, especially at work.

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking:

• Alcohol and smoking can be major migraine triggers.
• Excessive intake weakens the body and increases headaches.
• Say no to both to reduce migraine symptoms.

Limit Gadget Time:

• Restrict screen time on TVs, computers, tablets, phones, and video games.
• Prolonged exposure causes exhaustion, poor circulation, and eye strain, leading to headaches.

Regulate Caffeine Intake:

• Limit caffeine consumption to one cup per day.
• While caffeine can ease headaches, excessive intake may contribute to migraines.
• Gradually reduce caffeine if migraines persist.

Ayurvedic Dietary Modifications

Managing migraines through diet is crucial as it can either trigger or alleviate symptoms. It’s important to identify specific triggers by keeping a food diary and being mindful of dietary patterns. Avoiding common trigger foods like cheese, chocolate, caffeine, and processed items can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Maintaining a balanced diet with regular meals is essential for stabilizing blood sugar levels and preventing headaches caused by irregular eating or sugary foods.

Foods to Focus On:

• Leafy Green Vegetables
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Red and Green Peppers
• Legumes (Peas, Beans, Peanuts)
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Berries
• Nuts (Pistachios, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Almonds)
• Whole Grains
• Fish and Chicken (non-fried)
• Olive Oil

Foods to Limit:

• Butter and Other Animal Fats
• Cheese
• Red and Processed Meats
• Fast Foods
• Fried Foods
• Refined White Sugar- and Flour-Based Foods (Cookies, Cakes)

Dheemahi’s Expertise

Dheemahi Ayurveda Village is dedicated to providing authentic and effective Ayurvedic treatments with a 100% result-oriented approach. With a rich heritage spanning five generations we are on of the best in Ayurveda migraine treatment in kerala, our Ayurveda knowledge is deeply rooted and time-tested. Our expert team of doctors prioritizes your health and well-being, offering personalized consultations and continuous follow-ups.

With a focus on holistic health, our professional team guides you towards complete well-being and vitality. Following a healthy daily routine during the treatment period enhances results and contributes to the overall health of our patients. At Dheemahi Ayurveda, we are dedicated to providing a genuine and rejuvenating Ayurvedic experience.

Conclusion

Adopting a holistic approach to migraine management through mindful dietary choices is crucial. Identifying and avoiding triggers, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying hydrated play pivotal roles in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines. For a comprehensive Ayurvedic perspective on migraine relief, consider exploring treatments at Dheemahi Ayurveda Village.

Our experienced team and authentic Ayurvedic practices aim to provide effective solutions. Take the initiative to prioritize your well-being – contact us today for more information or to book a wellness retreat. Discover the transformative power of Ayurveda in mitigating migraines and achieving lasting health.

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