Migraine Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala

Experience effective relief with Migraine Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala. As migraines affect millions, traditional remedies often fail to address the underlying cause. Ayurveda, rooted in ancient wisdom, identifies migraines as imbalances in the body’s doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. By restoring harmony between mind, body, and spirit, Ayurvedic treatments offer personalized solutions that surpass mere symptom management.

In Kerala’s renowned Ayurvedic landscape, individuals find tailored therapies that not only alleviate migraines but also nurture long-term well-being. Embrace the comprehensive approach of Migraine Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala, guiding you towards sustained relief and vitality.

Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterised by recurrent headaches. Typically, associated headaches affect one side of the head, and they are pulsating in nature, may be moderate to severe in intensity, and could last from a few hours to three days.The exact cause of migraine is unknown, but they are thought to result from abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.However, the following Triggers are likely to set off migraines.

Hormonal changes – Women may experience migraine symptoms during menstruation and menopause due to changes in hormonal levels.

Emotional triggers- Stress, depression, and anxiety are also triggering factors.

Physical causes- Tiredness, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture, overexertion.

Diet- Alcohol, intake of caffeine, Irregular meal time, Dehydration.

Medications- Regular intake of sleeping pills, Hormonal Replacement Therapy(HRT) medications, contraceptive pills.

Environmental Factors- Loud noises, temperature changes, bright light.

What is Migraine

Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition characterized by intense, recurring headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. While Western medicine relies on painkillers and preventative medications, Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine originating in India, offers a holistic and natural approach to managing migraines.

Ayurvedic treatment for migraines in Kerala offers a natural, holistic approach to managing this complex condition. By addressing the root cause of migraines — an imbalance in the doshas — Ayurvedic therapies aim to restore harmony in the body and mind.

Types Of Migraine

Mainly two types of migraine are there; this classification depends on whether the individual experiences any disturbances of senses leading up to the migraine. These are known as Auras.

Migraine without aura

Migraine with aura

Others Include;
- Chronic migraine.
- Abdominal migraine.
- Acephalgic/silent migraine.
- Migraine with brainstem aura (basilar-type migraine).
- Hemiplegic migraine.
- Retinal migraine.
- Status migrainosus.

Migraine Without Aura

Migraines without aura are often called “common migraines” or “episodic migraines.”
It is the most common type.

Typical symptoms are:

Pulsating headache of moderate-to-severe intensity on one side of the head.
Aggravation by routine physical activity.
Nausea.
Photophobia (sensitivity to light).
Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound).
Sensitivity smell (like spices, perfumes).

Migraine With Aura

The term ‘Aura’ refers to symptoms that start approximately 30 minutes or so before the headache begins. Migraines with aura are less common than migraines without aura.

The symptoms of the aura are usually;

Confusing thoughts.
Experiences the perception of strange flashing lights or wavy lines
Sometimes losing part or all of your vision for a short period of time.
Aura can sometimes include loss of the ability to speak.
Sensory disturbances (e.g., tingling or numbness).
Motor problems (e.g., weakness in the extremities).
Stiffness in shoulders and neck region.

It is also possible to experience aura without a headache or other symptoms.This situation becomes more common as people get older.

Chronic Migraine

When migraines occur for 15 or more days per month, over a period of three months or more, this condition is called chronic or transformed migraine.

Over time people with episodic migraine may develop more and more headaches for various reasons, including;

Changes in hormones.
Increased stress, illness.
Increase in the use of pain medications.

Having more headaches decreases the threshold for new headaches, and the condition can become chronic and less responsive to medication.

Abdominal Migraine

This is a syndrome that connects migraine attacks to irregular function in the gut. It is seen mainly in children (most commonly those ages 5 to 9) but also in adults.

Symptoms include

Abdominal pain.
Nausea and vomiting.

Acephalgic or Silent Migraine

An acephalgic or “silent” migraine has many classic symptoms minus the characteristic headache.

It’s possible for some or all of your migraine attacks to manifest this way.

Symptoms such as;

Vision problems
and Alterations in colour perception.

Silent migraines are more common in people over 50 and are often misdiagnosed as a stroke.

Migraine With Brainstem Aura

Formerly called basilar-type migraine, migraine with brainstem aura has symptoms that can be confused with stroke symptoms.

This is a rare type of migraine that can trigger severe neurological symptoms.

Symptoms such as;

Slurred speech
Vertigo
Unsteadiness
Numbness

As with migraine with aura, these symptoms come on gradually before the head pain of a migraine.

Hemiplegic Migraine

A hemiplegic migraine is a rare form of a migraine that causes;

weakness on one side of the body
possibly accompanied by confusion or speech slurring.
symptoms of migraine with brainstem aura.

Hemiplegic migraine symptoms can be mistaken for stroke symptoms.

One subtype of a hemiplegic migraine runs in families, but you can have the condition without a family history.

Retinal Migraine

A retinal migraine causes

Flashes or sparkles of light, possibly combined with partial or complete blindness, but only in one eye.
This occurs before the headache phase of the migraine starts.
The head pain generally commences within an hour of these visual symptoms
Can last up to three days.

Status Migrainosus

Status migrainosus is a painful, debilitating migraine attack.
Lasting for more than 72 hours.
If moderate to severe migraine pain lasts longer than this with less than a solid four-hour pain-free period while awake.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Migraines

In Ayurveda, migraines are often linked to an imbalance in the body’s doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, migraine is primarily caused by the aggravation of Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat, inflammation, and intensity. However, factors like stress, diet, lifestyle, and environmental changes can lead to the vitiation of Pitta, causing imbalances in the body and triggering migraine episodes.

Causes of Migraine

Pitta Imbalance: Excessive heat, both internally (due to stress, anger, or certain foods) and externally (hot weather), can increase Pitta, leading to migraines.

Vata Imbalance: When Vata, the dosha linked to movement and air, is aggravated, it can cause disturbances in the nervous system, potentially triggering headache disorders.

Poor Digestion (Agni): In Ayurveda, it is believed that poor digestion or low “Agni” (digestive fire) can contribute to toxin buildup in the body, known as Ama, which leads to various health issues, including migraines.

Stress and Emotional Factors: Emotional disturbances like anger, anxiety, and grief are considered significant contributors to migraine triggers in Ayurvedic practices.

Several factors can trigger migraines, including:

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger migraines in women. Hormonal medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also worsen or provoke headaches.
Emotional Stress: Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. When you’re under stress, your brain releases chemicals that activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can lead to headaches. Anxiety, worry, and fear can further exacerbate the tension, making the migraine more intense.
Dietary Triggers: Certain foods are known to trigger migraines, particularly salty or processed foods and aged cheeses like blue cheese. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, and flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG) can also provoke headaches.
Skipping Meals: Missing meals can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, which may trigger a migraine.
Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and drinks high in caffeine are common migraine triggers. These substances can cause dehydration and disrupt brain function, leading to headaches.

Understanding and managing these triggers can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

Symptoms of Migraine

Loss of strength in limbs

Drooping of eyelid and mouth deviation (in cases of facial paralysis)

Bowel and bladder dysfunction (in severe cases)

Impaired movement of hands and legs

Mental instability or cognitive impairment

Speech difficulties (such as slurred speech)

Blurred vision or double vision

Numbness in limbs

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes for Migraine

Avoid certain foods: Limit foods that trigger migraines, such as alcohol, chocolate, aged cheeses, and other known triggers.

Eat healthy meals: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid skipping meals, as hunger can trigger a migraine.

Don’t smoke: Smoking can worsen head pain and other migraine symptoms, in addition to harming lung health.

Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Aim for consistent sleep by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Poor sleep habits or irregular sleep patterns can trigger migraines.

Exercise regularly: Incorporate aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises into your routine to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and headaches.

Migraine and Ayurveda Diagnosis

In the classical texts of Ayurveda, migraine can be compared to “Ardhavabhedhaka”.The word “Ardhavabhedaka” has two components viz. Ardha and Avabhedaka.

‘Ardha’ implies half or half side, ‘Ava’ implies dire prognosis, and ‘Bhedaka’ implies breaking through, perforating, or bursting out of pain.

Hence the literal meaning of Ardhavabhedaka is perforating or bursting type of pain in one half of the head, either left or right.

And is mainly caused due to an imbalance in the tridoshas, mainly vata, pitta and kapha doshas.

अर्धे तु मूर्ध्ने सो अर्धावभेदकः ।

The most defining symptom of migraines, as described in ancient Ayurvedic scriptures, is;

“Ardheshirsha Vedana” (meaning pain in half the head region).

Other symptoms consist of:

Stabbing pain in the region of Manya (cervical region), Bhru (eyebrows), Karna (ears), Akshi (eyes) and Lalata (frontal head).
Moreover, people suffering from this chronic disorder also experience high intensity of pain with Brahma (vertigo/dizziness),
Shankhamoola Darana (tearing pain in temporal regions) Chakshu-Virajyata (redness of eyes).

In the classical texts of Ayurveda, migraine can be compared to “Ardhavabhedhaka”.The word “Ardhavabhedaka” has two components viz. Ardha and Avabhedaka.

‘Ardha’ implies half or half side, ‘Ava’ implies dire prognosis, and ‘Bhedaka’ implies breaking through, perforating, or bursting out of pain.

Hence the literal meaning of Ardhavabhedaka is perforating or bursting type of pain in one half of the head, either left or right.

And is mainly caused due to an imbalance in the tridoshas, mainly vata, pitta and kapha doshas.

अर्धे तु मूर्ध्ने सो अर्धावभेदकः ।

The most defining symptom of migraines, as described in ancient Ayurvedic scriptures, is;

“Ardheshirsha Vedana” (meaning pain in half the head region).

Other symptoms consist of:

Stabbing pain in the region of Manya (cervical region), Bhru (eyebrows), Karna (ears), Akshi (eyes) and Lalata (frontal head).
Moreover, people suffering from this chronic disorder also experience high intensity of pain with Brahma (vertigo/dizziness),
Shankhamoola Darana (tearing pain in temporal regions) Chakshu-Virajyata (redness of eyes).

Aetiological Factors

Ardhavabedaka (migraine) is caused by simultaneous vitiation of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), especially Vata.

Causative factors include;

Diet and Regimen:

Excessive consumption of ruksha ahara (dry food)
Consumption of excessive food before the digestion of the previous one.
Exposure to breeze and fog.
Excessive indulgence in sex.
Vegadharanam (forcible withholding of natural body urges.
Excessive exhaustion.
Exposure to solid smells, Suryatapa Sevana (exposure to sunlight).
Excessive indulgence in physical activity.

Psychological factors:Mental stress, Anxiety, Grief.

Pathogenesis

Vata gets vitiated by above said etiological factors (Nidana Seva).
Vata dosha, individually or with vitiated Kapha dosha, gets lodged in half of the head.
The dosha then causes a headache called Ardhavabedaka.
The pain is very severe and intolerable.
Ardhavabedaka headache manifests in two forms.

Predominantly caused by Vata.
Predominantly caused by vitiation of Vata and Kapha.

Treatment of Migraine Through Ayurveda

Mainly in Ayurveda

Nidana parivarjanam (avoiding causative factors)
Shamana chikitsa (treatment for pacifying dosha)
Shodhana chikitsa (treatment for purification)
Yoga

Nidana Parivarjana (Avoiding the causative factors)

It is the first line of treatment for migraine; avoiding the triggering factors relieves recurrent migraine attacks.

Shamana Chikitsa (Treatment for pacifying doshas)

Avoiding triggering factors
Internal medications like kashaya panam(intake of medicinal liquids).
Swedana (sudation)- done with the decoction.
Lepanam(anointment with medicinal paste over the forehead).

Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification treatment)

Nasyam (Nasal instillation of medicaments)

Instillation of medications like Ghrutham (ghee), Taila (oil), Swarasa (juice of medicinal plants) is done through the nostrils. The selection of Nasya Dravya ( nasal drops) is according to the Dosha Pradhanya (Predominance of dosha) of the disease. Nasya is the main line of treatment for migraine.

Virechana(purgation therapy)

Virechana is mainly done after a procedure called Snehapanam (internal oleation).

Vasti (Enema)

Both Asthapana (Enema with decoction) and Anuvasana (Enema with fats) is administered after purifying the body and head.

Yoga

Yoga has and passes on benefits either by enhancing the body’s resistance power against triggering factors or by delivering tranquillity to the mind.

Migraine is a Psychosomatic disorder, and one of the leading causes is stress. The yogic theory also propounds that migraine and other headaches occur only in persons whose minds are always uneasy. Once the mind, which orchestrates the senses and organs of perception and helps to keep calm, headaches and their recurrence do not occur. Yoga works by enhancing circulation and soothing the sympathetic nerves. No other exercise works at the cellular level in the manner in which yoga does. Regular practice of Asanas (yoga postures) reduces the incidence and severity of attacks. The practice of meditation is required for introverting the senses and mind. This helps for a peaceful Neuro-physiological state.

Effect of Asanas on migraine:

The practice of specific Asanas in migraine assists in reducing stress, and some give strength to the body against triggering factors.

Asanas (Yoga postures) like;

Shavasana and Makarasana–

The stress of unleashing Shavasana and Makarasana gives mental relaxation and helps to lessen physical and psychological stressors.

Tadasana, Paschimottanasana, Pawanmuktasana and Bhujangasana–

By practising these Asanas improves appetite and leads to a number of physiological and biochemical changes in abdominal viscera and endocrine glands.

Pathya and Apathya(Do’s and Don’t )

Classes Of Diet	PATHYA (Do’s)	APATHYA (Don’ts)
Cereals	Purana Shashti, shali (old rice)	Wheat
Pulses	Mudga (green gram), Masha (black gram), kulatha (horse gram)	Red gram
Vegetables	Patola(pointed Gourd), Shigru(drum stick), Green leafy vegetables, Bitter Gourd	Palandu (Onion), Jambeera (lemon)
Fruits	Mango, Indian gooseberry, Pomegranate, Grapes, Coconut	Kadali phala (Banana), Peanuts
Milk and Milk Products	Cow ghee, Cow milk	Dadhi (curd)
Spices	Garlic, Cumin, Ginger, Turmeric, Clove, Peppermint	Hingu ( Asafoetida), Chilly, Sarshapa (mustard)
Oils	Sunflower, Coconut oil	Mustard oil, sesame oil
Drinks	Water, Takra (Buttermilk), Kanji (Rice Porridge), Yusha(soup)	Alcohol, coffee, tea, cool drinks
Others	Coconut water, Kushta(Indian Costus Root), Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba), Aloe vera, Snigdhoushna Ahara(unctuous and hot food)	Processed cheese, ice creams, cold foods

Physical Regimen

Pathya

Brahamuhurta Jagarana (Early morning awakening)
Samyaka Nidra (Proper sleep) Nitya Bhramana(Daily walking)
Upvasa (Fasting)
Nasya Karma(Nasal irrigation)
Dhumapana (Medicated smoking)
Svedana (Hot sudation)

Apathya

Adharniya Vegadharana (Suppression of natural urges)
Atapa Sevan (Excessive Sunlight exposure)
Divaswapna (Day-time sleep)

Mental Regimen

Pathya

Mana and Indriya Prasannata (Pleasure).

Apathya

Chinta (Excessively worried)
Shoka (Depressed)
Krodha (Anger).

Post-Treatment Care

Panchakarma Therapy

Panchakarma, the cornerstone of Ayurvedic detoxification, is widely used to balance the doshas and cleanse the body of toxins (Ama). It involves a series of five therapeutic treatments aimed at purging the body of impurities and restoring vitality. The following therapies are particularly beneficial in treating migraines:

Vamana (Emesis): Induced vomiting that helps expel excess Pitta (heat) from the body. This therapy is especially helpful for migraines caused by Pitta imbalance.

Virechana (Purgation): This treatment uses herbal purgatives to cleanse the intestines and expel toxins. It is particularly effective in balancing excess Pitta, which is often a contributing factor in migraines.

Nasya (Nasal Administration): Medicated oils are administered through the nasal passages to clear the sinuses and relieve head tension. This therapy helps alleviate the symptoms of migraine and clears congestion.

Matra Vasti and Kashaya Vasti: These are specific types of enema treatments used in Ayurveda. Matra Vasti involves the use of medicated oil, while Kashaya Vasti uses herbal decoctions.

Both therapies are designed to balance Vata and Pitta, help with detoxification, and restore the natural flow of energy in the body.

Panchakarma aims to address the root causes of migraines, such as toxins (Ama), dosha imbalances, and stress.

By restoring balance and promoting detoxification, Panchakarma is a popular Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala for migraine management.

Panchakarma Therapy Post-Care

Rest: Allow time for rest and recuperation after detoxification.
Gradual Diet: Reintroduce light, easy-to-digest foods like rice, dal, and vegetables; avoid spicy or heavy foods.
Hydration: Drink warm water or herbal teas to support detoxification.
Avoid Cold Foods: Steer clear of cold and heavy foods for a few weeks.

Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments

Pitta-Pacifying Diet: Focus on cooling foods like cucumbers, coconut, and leafy greens; avoid triggers.
Avoid Skipping Meals: Regular meals prevent blood sugar drops that can trigger migraines.
Sleep: Maintain a regular sleep schedule to support recovery.
Exercise: Include gentle exercises like yoga and walking to keep the body balanced.

Mental & Emotional Well-Being

Stress Management: Practice meditation, yoga, and mindfulness to reduce stress.
Emotional Healing: Seek emotional support if stress is a major migraine trigger.

Why Choose Ayurveda For Migraine?

Even though there is quick and instant relief giving treatment is there in other medical sciences, sometimes it doesn’t treat the root cause of disease in a suitable manner. And Ayurvedic scriptures say that without finding the root cause and treating a disease in a multidimensional way then, only a disease gets adequately cured. That’s how Ayurvedic treatment work. And changing the lifestyle and food habits according to the disease condition and nature of the body helps to reduce the periodic attack and intensity of migraine.

Benefits Of Treating Migraine At Dheemahi Ayurveda Village.

Dheemahi Ayurveda Village provides 100% result-oriented, authentic and traditional Ayurveda treatment.Dheemahi Ayurveda is well-equipped with the knowledge of the past five generations.Dheemahi Ayurveda is an authentic and traditional Ayurveda Hospital, and we have a team of expert doctors for your consultation. Our first priority is the patient’s health and wellness, so we follow up with your health concerns.Dheemahi Ayurveda Village is situated in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere that is suitable and comfortable for patients to relax physically and mentally.

Since we have our own pharmacy and medicine manufacturing unit, we can ensure the quality of medicines to patients without any adulterations, simultaneously with the assurance of cure percentage and treatment authenticity. Our professional team will help you achieve complete health and vitality. Following a healthy daily routine throughout the treatment period also enhances the result and health of the patient.

Conclusion

Nowadays, migraine is so common among people because of their stressful and busy lifestyle. Even though in today’s world, we are well equipped and have emergency measures to prevent and treat pain like migraine.But its recurrence and intensity of pain at the time of onset create trouble always for patients. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle along with the medications and treatments in Ayurveda help out patients from its recurrence and the intensity of pain during the onset up to an extent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ayurveda Migraine treatment safe?

Yes, Ayurvedic migraine treatment is generally safe when administered by a qualified and experienced practitioner. It focuses on natural therapies, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes to balance the body’s doshas and address the root causes of migraines.

While side effects are rare, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting treatment, especially if you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions. Always ensure that herbs and treatments are of high quality and tailored to your individual needs.

How long does it take to show results for ayurvedic Migraine treatment?

The time it takes to see results from Ayurvedic migraine treatment can vary, but most people start noticing improvements within 2 to 6 weeks of consistent treatment.

Panchakarma detoxification or herbal remedies may take a bit longer to show full effects, as Ayurveda aims to address the root causes of migraines, not just the symptoms.

Results depend on the severity of the condition, individual health, and adherence to prescribed treatments.

How to prepare for ayurvedic Migraine treatment?

To prepare for Ayurvedic migraine treatment, follow these steps:

Consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner: Get a personalized assessment of your dosha, lifestyle, and health history.
Disclose Medical History: Share any existing conditions, medications, or allergies.
Follow Pre-Treatment Guidelines: Your practitioner may recommend dietary changes or lifestyle adjustments before starting treatment.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that Ayurveda takes a holistic, gradual approach, so results may take time.
Prepare for Detox: If undergoing treatments like Panchakarma, be ready for detoxification, which may involve dietary restrictions or a temporary cleanse.

This preparation helps ensure safe and effective treatment tailored to your needs.

How should I prepare for Ayurvedic treatments?

Get Ready Mentally: Preparing your mindset is crucial for a profound and life-changing journey. Share any dietary needs or health concerns, and keep an open attitude

What is the daily program schedule?

Our daily routine may vary based on consultation decisions, but generally include:

6:30 AM: Yoga (replaced by therapy sessions on some days)
7:45 AM: Kashaya Pana (Herbal Medicines)
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Therapy Sessions
12:45 PM: Lunch
2:30 PM: Therapy Sessions as per schedule
Evening: Walk, cycling, or swimming pool
6:45 PM: Kashaya Pana (Herbal Medicines)
7:00 PM: Dinner
Early to bed

What should I carry with me to the resort?

Clothes: Casuals, light woolens, cotton tees, and trousers for yoga classes
Medical: Past medical history records and prescriptions
Books, etc.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

If there are any changes to your plans, please inform us. We do not believe in a complicated cancellation policy. Although we previously had a policy for deducting an advance amount, we have never enforced it. If you are not satisfied with our care after arriving, you only need to pay for the services you have received.

How do I choose the right package?

Our doctors will select the best package to ensure you receive the most suitable treatment for your needs.

How do I book a stay?

Step 1: Submit a consultation form
Step 2: Discuss with the doctor
Step 3: Confirm your booking

How Our Booking Process Works

The unique approach involves a series of discussion during your initial decision-making process to make sure that we will be able to match your expectations with our treatment.

Based on the discussions with you our team of expert doctors will design the best treatment package personalized for your needs.