Migraine relief with Ayurveda

Migraine is one of the most common types of headache found in people and
predominantly in women in comparison to men. Though it is found in a lot of
people the actual cause is not clearly known and different people can have
different triggers that leads to a migraine.

Allopathy may have a lot of on the counter medications that will give temporary
relief from the headache. Migraines affect our normal working patterns
especially when it is accompanied by nausea, throbs and similar discomforts.

Ayurveda tries to find the root cause of migraine by taking into consideration
the body states in terms of the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. Ayurveda suggests
a healthy diet, Yoga and Panchakarma treatments to get rid of migraine.

Diet :
Good dietary habits would help an individual maintain good health and offer
immunity from recurring bouts of headaches. Consuming cooked vegetables without
oil should be encouraged. Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Vegetable
juices and soup, fruits and fruit juices including apple, mango, should be taken
in ample quantities. Highly-fruit based diet for a day or two can relieve pain.
Grapes, lemons, cabbage juice are especially important. Rice, salad and
buttermilk can always be consumed.

Yoga:
Simple yoga treatments have been found to serve both as an alternative and as a
supplement for dealing with Migraine and Headaches. Yoga is known to offer both
cure and immunity from headaches. 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.
However, for those suffering from severe headache like migraine, any type of
exercise can be injurious.

Panchakarma:
Nasya or medicated oil drops used for the treatment of migraine is of two types.
The first is called "Shirovirechan", in which strong, irritant medicines are
instilled as nasal drops, which induce sneezing and watery discharge. The second
is called as "Avapidak nasya' in which a paste is prepared of a herb or several
herbs, and the liquid is inserted in the nostrils. Usually, herbs like Vacha
(Acorus calamus) and Pippali ( Piper longum) are used along with honey. Both
procedures are aimed at removing the cause of the headache and the pain.

The medicated enema used in migraine is called as "Anuvasan Basti". Small
quantities of medicated oils, usually about 50 ml. are given at regular
intervals, on an outpatient basis. Oil of Sesame and Mahanarayan oil (containing
mainly Asparagus racemosus) are usually used for this purpose.

Ayurvedic medications:
Suvarna Sutashekhara Ras is the most commonly prescribed Ayurvedic drug for
treating migraine. It is not just a preventive but also a curative means Dose:
It is given in the dose of 125 milligram twice daily. The medication is to be
taken with milk. Godanti Bhasma is a medication to be taken with honey three
times a day. Other preparations include Tribhuvankirti, Bhallatakasav, Triphala
Guggulu