Migraine is a neurological dysfunction that affects one in seven people globally. It is characterized by recurrent headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms.

It is the second most common cause of headaches affecting 15% of females and 6% of males annually. The initial onset is usually in childhood, adolescence, or in early adulthood.

Causes of migraine

The exact mechanism of migraine is not known. It has been proven that both hereditary and environmental factors are crucial in the development of the illness. Migraine is thought to be caused by aberrant brain activity that activates the vascular system, chemicals, and nerve endings.

Trigger factors for migraine

There are many factors that trigger migraine including:

1. Normal hormones that fluctuate during the menstrual cycle.
2. Some oral contraceptives.
3. Alcohol beverages.
4. Chocolates, dairy products, MSG, artificial sweeteners.
5. Oversleeping.
6. Stress.
7. Pregnancy.
8. Exposure to strong stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells.

Clinical symptoms of migraine

The symptoms of migraine can be classified into different phases.

1 ) Prodrome phase: The prodromal phase begins 12 – 24 hours before the onset of the headache. The clinical features include:

a. Irritability.
b. Neck pain.
c. Food carvings.
d. Yawning.
e. Fatigue.

2 ) Aura: The phase begins half to an hour before the headache. People can experience headaches even without going through this stage. The symptoms experienced are:

a. Seeing spots, wavy lines, or flashing lights.
b. Numbness or pin needle sensation in the hands, arms, or face during the aura.
c. Weakness.
d. Dizziness.
e. Vertigo. f.Confusion.

3) Headache phase: This is the phase where actual symptoms of migraine manifest. It usually lasts for 8- 12 hours. The symptoms include:

a. Throbbing half-sided headache.
b. Nausea.
c. Sensitivity towards the light.
d. Sensitivity towards the sound.
e. Light-headedness.
f. Scalp tenderness.
g. Vomiting.
h. Visual disturbance.
i. Vertigo.
j. Confusion.
k. Sensitivity towards odour.
l. Disability or limited activities.

4 ) Postdrome phase: This phase begins after the end of an actual migraine attack and lasts for 12- 24 hours. The affected individual experience:

a. Hung-over feeling.
b. Fatigue.
c. Poor concentration.

The symptoms, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks differ for each individual.

Migraine in Ayurveda

Migraine can be correlated with the Ardhavabhedaka in Ayurveda. This type of headache is associated with vitiation of vata and kapha dosha. The vitiated vata dosha alone or associated with kapha causes unilateral pain in the neck, eyebrows, temples, ears, eyes, and forehead with a recurrence of 10, 15 days, or one month.

The clinical features of ardhavabhedhaka include:

1. Unilateral headache which is throbbing in nature.
2. Pain is acute, similar to a blow from sharp weapons, or pricking or splitting in nature/
3. Dizziness.

If the symptoms are not treated properly it can lead to impairment of eye and ear functions.

Ayurvedic management for Migraine

The disease can be managed by correcting the vitiated doshas back to normal. The therapeutic procedures include:

1. Snehapana: Intake of medicated ghee at night.
2. Siro Abhyanga: Application of medicated oil at the head.
3. Swedana: The Pinda sweda and Nadi sweda methods can opt for fomentation therapy.
4. Sirodhara: Pouring medicated decoction or milk to the head for a specific period of time.
5. Nasyam: Instilling medicated ghee or oil into the nostrils.
6. Snigdha dhoomam: Applying medicated vapour to the forehead.
7. Siro basti: Holding medicated oil in the head using a specially prepared apparatus.
8. Lepanam: Application of medicated paste on the forehead.
9. Panchakarma: This treatment involves detoxification or purifying the body to remove toxins contributing to migraine.
10. Yoga: This is an ancient practice of bringing together your body and mind. Yoga therapies help in calming your mind and body thereby relieving stress and anxiety. This helps in reducing and managing pain caused by migraine.

Along with these procedures intake of ayurvedic medicine supplements is also necessary for the management of migraine.

Tips for Prevention of Migraine

1. Avoid triggering factors.
2. Rest in a quiet darkened room.
3. Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
4. Have a healthy and sound sleep.
5. Use sunglasses while going outside.
6. Lower mobile/ computer screen lights.
7. Use mild perfumes/deodorants.
8. Try to control the stress and mood swings.
9. Practice yoga and pranayama daily.

Conclusion

Ayurveda being a holistic practice is a combination of ayurvedic medicines and procedures blended with life style modification according to the disease. So it is imperative that individuals undergo the procedures religiously observe the prescribed diet restriction and daily routine. If followed properly Ayurvedic lifestyle can present you with unbelievable benefits. Along with disease management it takes you on a journey to you inner well-being.

For the treatment of migraine, our experts at Ayurclinic use effective Ayurveda therapy methods. We have specialized Ayurveda doctors to treat your migraines with personalized treatment

Set an appointment with us today to prevent migraines from impacting your lives.